Nelson Mandela will be commemorated during a remembrance walk on December 12.
The Mandela Remembrance Walk marks the second anniversary of the death of the Struggle icon and father of the nation, who died on December 5, 2013.
It was launched at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton yesterday by the Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko.
The MEC, who spoke about the importance of remembering Madiba by participating in the walk, was joined by Struggle heroes Ahmed Kathrada and Abdulhay Jassat.
The event is expected to attract at least 10 000 participants, including Struggle stalwarts, who will lead the 6km walk alongside the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura.
The premier will address the participants before various artists take to the stage to entertain them at the Union Buildings.
The Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk will trace the route Madiba's coffin followed through city streets en route to the Union Buildings. The walkers will start at Freedom Park and move along Kgosi Mampuru Street and down Madiba Street, passing The Palace of Justice, and on to Lillian Ngoyi Square, ending at the Union Buildings.
“In the legacy of Madiba, we still have a father, sense of hope, unity, prosperity and peace. His legacy compels us to build a united nation, together addressing challenges facing not only South Africa, but the world. Challenges include inequality, unemployment, poverty and discrimination,” said Mazibuko.
She said taking part in the walk was not only about reliving the occurrences following Madiba’s death, but celebrating his life and keeping his legacy alive.
Jassat, who shared Mazibuko's sentiments about the walk, cautioned South Africans against singling out Madiba as the pioneer of liberation and disregarding other Struggle heroes who worked hard to fight apartheid.
“We always commemorate Mandela, but tend to forget others who played an important role in the Struggle. These are Moses Kotane, JB Marks, Duma Nokwe and many others, most of whom died in exile,” said Jassat.
He said he expected people to label him as being negative at a time when Mandela’s legacy was being remembered.
“I am not being negative, but raising an important point in our democracy.
“lot of progress has been made in this country, but more is still needed, especially on education and youth unemployment.”
Registration for the walk is open and entry forms are available from various City of Tshwane offices, Sedibeng, Mogale City, Ekurhuleni and Joburg.
Entry is free and closes on December 4.
Pretoria News Weekend