Nelson Mandela’s legacy is being promoted at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018 at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, in what would have been in his centenary year.
The Indaba’s focus this year is on African success stories. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has joined hands with hosts South African Tourism to celebrate what would have been Mandela’s 100th birthday and to promote his legacy.
“Our partnership with South African Tourism in Nelson Mandela’s centenary year will enable us to leverage opportunities in the tourism industry,” said Yase Godlo, Mandela Day Manager at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The Foundation is custodian of the memory and legacy of Mandela and the institution responsible for the promotion of his values, and Godlo acknowledged the roles played by both the Foundation and South African Tourism.
“We are particularly proud of the partnership that we enjoy with South African Tourism, and are energised by its efforts to ensure that Nelson Mandela’s centenary is marked by deep conversations about his legacy in relation to the African continent.”
At the official opening ceremony on Tuesday 8 May, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, made special reference to the Madiba shirt he was wearing for the occasion and recalled Mandela’s oft-used quote: “We are one people with a common destiny in our rich variety of culture, race and tradition.”
Hanekom welcomed ministers from nine African countries and acknowledged the 22 African countries and 80 international countries represented at Africa's Travel Indaba this year.
“We have 1 747 buyers who are going to do business with 1 120 exhibitors,” he added.
One of those exhibitors is Truestory, which is responsible for the management of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s merchandise. It showcased Mandela clothing at its stand in the Sustainability Village. The proceeds of the merchandise will support the initiatives of the Foundation.
A number of Mandela-related tourist destinations, including Constitution Hill and the Mandela Museum, also exhibited this year.
On the night of 8 May 2018, as part of the networking event at Indaba, two live song-and-dance performances depicted the many personas of Nelson Mandela, from a young Xhosa initiate to international fame as a global humanitarian.
The productions were created by James Ngcobo, South African playwright and artistic director of the Market Theatre, in honour of the life and legacy of Mandela in what would have been his centenary year. The theatrical contribution also represents the partnership between South African Tourism and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Mandela’s centenary celebrated at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018
Gallery of images from Africa's Travel Indaba 2018 in Durban, where Nelson Mandela is being showcased in his centenary year.