Mandela focus for Sth Africa

SOUTH Africa is gearing up for a year of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela in 2018, giving the tourism industry an opportunity to welcome international visitors as part of the celebrations.

South African Tourism chief operating officer Sthembiso Dlamini said her organisation would be working closely with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to support its calendar of events throughout next year.

A full program for the Nelson Mandela Centenary will be announced at the World Travel Market in London next week.

In the meantime, South Africa Tourism has developed an app called Madiba’s Journey that helps guide visitors as they follow the life of the former President and ANC leader.

“The Madiba app takes you through all the iconic places in the life of Nelson Mandela,” Dlamini said.

“For example, you have Nelson Mandela House in Vilakasi Street, and then from there in KwaZulu Natal you have the Nelson Mandela capture site, and in Cape Town you have Robben Island,” she said.

Dlamini, pictured right with acting country manager for Australasia Yana Shvarts, is visiting Australia for events as part of the Come Home Bru campaign ( TD yesterday).

South African Tourism is also offering Australian specialist agents a chance to win a famil - see today’s cover page.