Cape Town - The Mother City and towns and dorpies across the Western Cape have unveiled plans for a massive farewell to the “Father of the Nation”.
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille today announced that 80 “Places of Tribute” were due to be opened at midday today, with a further 80 open by tomorrow morning.
“The Grand Parade on Darling Street has been designated as the primary public space where residents of Cape Town can gather to mourn and bring flowers to commemorate Nelson Mandela and express the nation’s shared grief,” Zille announced.
“Members of the public are invited to make use of their nearest Place of Tribute to remember Madiba, celebrate his life and honour his legacy.”
At these “Places of Tribute”, people will be invited to write in special condolences books, “to pay tribute to Madiba in a dignified way”.
Included are towns in the Klein Karoo, the West Coast and Swartland and the Cape Winelands. “All the district municipalities will be included – Thusong centres, school halls, community halls and sports facilities,” Zille’s spokesman, Zak Mbhele, said.
Zille explained: “We all belong to the South African family – and we owe that sense of belonging to Madiba. That is his legacy. It is why there is an unparalleled outpouring of national grief at his passing. It is commensurate with the contribution he made to our country.”
A commemoration web page would go live at midday today on the Western Cape Government website (www.westerncape.gov.za/ madiba) offering:
* Street addresses and opening hours of 160 Places of Tribute – provided both on an interactive map and in a table.
* A place to record tributes and memories of Madiba.
* A history of his life and places in the Western Cape significance to Madiba’s life.
Cape Argus