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Nelson Mandela South Africa

 

Honoring the Legacy of Nelson Mandela: Celebrating a Life of Equality and Peace

Set out on a luxurious and enlightening journey to South Africa, a country shaped by Nelson Mandela's bravery and vision.

In honor of his life's work and to inspire a global movement for change, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18th as Nelson Mandela International Day.

Learn about Nelson Mandela's inspiring struggle for equality and peace, as well as how his legacy has impacted South Africa and the world. Visit Cape Town and Johannesburg to experience soul-stirring encounters with the people and places Mandela touched during his efforts to end apartheid.

Join the global movement to honor Mandela's life work and make the world a better place while exploring South Africa's beauty and luxury. The story of Nelson Mandela’s struggle is an inspiration to so many people. On his 90th birthday, Madiba said, “It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all.”

African Travel President, Sherwin Banda said, "As someone who grew up in South Africa during apartheid, Mandela Day is very close to my heart. I know first-hand the difference that lending a helping hand can make in the lives of the people of Africa. At African Travel we are committed to Make Travel Matter® and ensure the communities and environments we visit remain vibrant for generations to come."

What Mandela Means to Me

 

No trip to South Africa is complete without walking in its turbulent past, and Mandela’s importance within it, then exploring its future. Here are top places to follow Nelson Mandela's legacy.

 

ROBBEN ISLAND, CAPE TOWN

At Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, board a ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage Robben Island, famous for the place Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years.

For a unique perspective, groups can meet Mandela's ex-prison guard turned personal friend, Cristo Brand. In his book, Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend, Brand recounts the 12 years he spent with Mandela at Robben Island and how he went from being his prison guard to his confidant and accomplice.

 

APARTHEID MUSEUM, JOHANNESBURG

Apartheid, the segregationist system that ruled the country from 1948 to 1994, infiltrated every aspect of daily life: education, employment, freedom of movement, even your chosen hospital. The policies shaped Mandela’s entire life and one of the best places to relive the heartless rules is the Apartheid Museum, south of Johannesburg. It is an emotional visit, but the interactive exhibits and wealth of information make the museum an absolute must.

 

MANDELA'S CAPTURE SITE, DURBAN

For years, the only thing marking this historically important site was an unassuming plaque at the side of the road. It was here in 1962, following 17 months of evading the apartheid authorities, Nelson Mandela was arrested. The revamped Capture Site is a far more befitting monument to an event that in many ways would go on to shape the future of an entire country. As you approach the sculpture, the 50 metal rods align to create a magnificent portrait of Mandela.

 

MANDELA HOUSE, SOWETO

Mandela moved to this humble home in Soweto in 1946. “It was the opposite of grand,” he wrote in his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, “but it was my first true home of my own and I was mightily proud.” He lived here with his first wife Evelyn and later with second wife Winnie and their children, returning very briefly following his release from prison in 1990. Soon afterwards the house was converted into a museum, preserved as it would have been when Mandela lived here. 

 

 

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