2018 observes a special celebration for all South Africans and the world alike as it marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the man, and the legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This centenary year has encouraged us to look back and reflect on the impact Mandela made on South African society, to remember the many footsteps he had taken for this land and through this journey; reflect on the enlightened lessons he taught and will continue to teach us through his powerful and unwavering legacy.
By the early 1940s, Nelson Mandela already had a strong social and political presence, not only in South Africa but around the world, as his fight against the injustices of apartheid caught the attention and encouraged the support of major international economies like the United Kingdom. After his conviction at the Rivonia Trial in 1964, Mandela’s message of freedom and equality stretched across the globe and all eyes were on the National Party to bring about some meaningful change. The whole world sat in shock and horror as they saw South Africa crumble into a State of Emergency, overflowing with inequality, violence and disharmony. The world continued to watch and listen as Nelson sat imprisoned for 27 years and finally, all of the world celebrated when he walked as a free man alongside a liberated nation. His grace and humility made him a favourite of the world as he inspired peace, love and unity among all people and throughout his struggle, he remained an inspiration of hope and humanity, guiding nations toward unity.
I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to see realised. But if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
— Mandela's Rivonia Trial Speech, 1964.
South Africa has become synonymous with the name Tata Madiba and thousands of tourists flock to this stunning country in order to experience the land Madiba fought so hard to protect, to walk the streets as he once did and to stand in awe and feel the electricity in the air surrounding his monuments. It is for this reason that in his centenary year, ILIOS Travel has decided to release a touring programme specifically created to pay tribute to the life, struggle and triumph of Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba and the legacy he left behind for this beautiful country.
The Memories of Madiba tour consists of three parts; (1) Cape Town encapsulates the significant historic sites that were involved in Madiba’s story. (2) Johannesburg focuses on the evolution of the freedom struggle and the gruelling realities of the apartheid policy. (3) Finally, the safari experience holistically represents the natural beauty and authentic style of our African landscape and equally diverse South African culture.
The programme kicks off with four splendid days in Cape Town with special emphasis on all the cultural and historic sites that played a role in the evolution of Madiba’s life story. The tour visits the infamous Robben Island, the former political prison where Mandela was held for 18 years of his 27-year life imprisonment. The tour depicts the layered history of the island; the leprosy graveyard, the former cells and dwellings of various political figureheads, as well as the quarry where Mandela spent countless hours mining the stone. Cape Town City Hall also holds major significance, as Mandela addressed a joyful nation after his release on the 11th of February 1990 from the steps of the building’s modest balcony.
“During the many years of incarceration on Robben Island, we often looked across Table Bay at the magnificent silhouette of Table Mountain. To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return.” – Nelson Mandela, 1998.
After enjoying the rest of the sights on offer in the Cape, the tour continues onto Johannesburg and Pretoria, where guests will have the opportunity to visit the award-winning Liliesleaf Farm heritage site – an integral part of the freedom struggle and a refuge to those leaders who brought democracy to South Africa. The property was bought by a member of the South African Communist Party in 1961, Arthur Goldreich, which served as the perfect façade to the site aiding various anti-apartheid activists in their efforts to evade the threat of the state’s vicious police forces. Other stops include; Church Square – where Mandela was publicly tried for treason and sabotage, Freedom Park and the Unions Buildings and of course the suburb of Soweto in Johannesburg south – the memorabilia of Madiba’s life sit here in his modest home in Orlando West.
Finally, the tour ends on a truly South African safari adventure encapsulating the beauty of the nation that Nelson Mandela fought so hard to protect and liberate.
“Ultimately, this tour has been curated and adapted in order to inspire visitors to our country, with the rich political history of our past and educate them on the legacy of the admirable example of humanity that was Nelson Mandela. We wish to pay tribute to his life and show our respects for the struggle he endured for the betterment of us all. This tour gives visitors the opportunity to truly see the Rainbow nation and all of the steps that brought us here.” – Nicole Quattro, Head of Sales and Marketing.
“Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” – Nelson Mandela, Presidential Inaugural Speech, delivered 10 May 1994, Pretoria, South Africa
