OThongathi to honour Madiba
THIS week pupils, residents and those interested in the life of Tata Madiba will get the chance to learn more about the iconic hero at their local community centre in Gandhi’s Hill in oThongathi.
The three day exhibition will focus on the life and legacy of the country’s first democratic president, Nelson Mandela.
Those who attend will also have the chance to hear stories of the Father of the Nation.
Muniappen Thunga Padaychee, of the oThongathi Museum Committee, who serves as the exhibitions coordinator, said: “This is the centenary year of Mandela’s birth anniversary and to honour him for all that he has done in leading us to democracy, we thought it fit to host an exhibition. We have over 250 portrait sized images and other trinkets on display.
“We also have a section titled Mandela and Tongaat. Early in his political career, he spent time with the Hurbans family here. Gopalall Hurbans was a well-known activist and secretary of the South African Indian Congress, who spent several years in jail. He was charged for high treason along with Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Joe Slovo, Ismail Meer and 150 other revolutionaries.
“During the early 60s, Mandela took refuge on his family farm in Emona, and he also worked as a petrol attendant at their garage. He was so close to them that they made him an induna (chief) at Emona.”
Padaychee says this exhibition is just a ‘teaser’ for residents.
“There isn’t a museum in oThongathi, and we as the committee have made contact with the Department of Arts and Culture and other role-players in government to get one. In the time being, we decided to go ahead with the exhibition. This is our first project, and we are proud of it. When the public sees all the research we have conducted and the effort we put into it, they will understand why Madiba is treasured.”
There will also be an area dedicated to Winnie Madikizela Mandela, who died last month.
The exhibition starts today until Friday from 9am- 8pm.