Cape Town - More than a thousand pupils from 14 schools in Mitchells Plain witnessed the official unveiling of a replica of Nelson Mandela's Robben Island prison cell at Spine Road High School on Monday.
It formed part of the theme for Heritage Month - "Madiba the good citizen".
Radio personality Carl Wastie opened the event and kept the pupils entertained.
Other entertainment included a performance by local artist Chesnay Fortuin.
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Fatima Chohan was also there to hand out smart IDs.
"It is about being part of South Africa, walking in our icons' footsteps. Not just obtaining a smart ID," said Wastie.
The children were shown a clip from the documentary The Story Of Robben Island.
The cell is on display at Spine Road High and will soon make its way to a school in Worcester, before being displayed at various other venues in the Western Cape.
Anelisa Gqabaza, 17, in Grade 12 at Spine Road High said: "I feel it is okay. I never got the chance to see Robben Island. It is so cool for them to give us the chance."
Another Grade 12 pupil, Yusuf Bedeker said: "I feel honoured. He (Madiba) is a hero in the country. It is because of him that we got the opportunity to get an education."
Grade 11 Aloe High pupil, Tendai Dzingire said: I am really excited. I want to learn more about Mandela."
Spine Road High principal, Riyaadh Najaar said: "I feel privileged and honoured that they chose Spine Road High, also one of the first schools visited by Madiba when he was released. We are proud to host this initiative."
Eddie Daniels, who shared a wing with Madiba in Section B on Robben Island, said: "I am glad I can make a contribution. Madiba was a great man. As a matter of fact, I loved him. He had such integrity, compassion and understanding. And if I can help the children emulate him, that would be wonderful."
Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada said: "It is both good and bad. Bad because it reminds us of years we spent (on Robben Island). I spent 18 years there before I went to Pollsmoor. We always remember what happened in the endâ. What we were in for, is what we achieved eventually. That is freedom.
"We also remember our comrades in prison. But we remember Chris Hani, other comrades who were hanged. We also survived. It is both sadness and pleasure."
"We produced this to enable students," Chohan said.
"The freedoms they enjoy were not free. A great man spent 27 years of his life here. Education is the key to all of their dreams."
Cape Argus