They came from the rural hinterlands of Mthatha and for hours on Tuesday morning, the normally quiet Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage site in Qunu was transformed into a “mini Disneyland” as 300 little voices enjoyed a day of fun and games, all in the name of world icon and former statesman Nelson Mandela.
Many of the children, some younger than five, cackled with excitement as they were treated to train rides, jumping castles and little car and motorbike rides as part of the 10th-year anniversary of the passing of Mandela.
They formed part of celebrations hosted by the Nelson Mandela Museum in partnership with the Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts and culture.
To cap off a memorable day, the young guests were treated to meal packs, cake and gifts, including toys and soccer balls, by their hosts.
Speaking on the sidelines, museum CEO Dr Vuyani Booi said the early Christmas party was designed to follow in the footsteps of Madiba who was renowned for hosting similar Christmas parties for young children every year.
“He loved children. We chose these children from many villages, some in villages linked to Mandela’s upbringing.
“He was about the same age as many of them when he stayed in Qunu.
“When he was a little bit older, he went to Mqhekezweni,” Booi said.
He said many came from impoverished backgrounds, some were orphans who had been abandoned by their families.
Some were from local early childhood development centres and the SOS Children’s Home in Mthatha, a shelter for abandoned children.
“People like us will be spending Christmas with our own families.
“You and I have probably already bought our children Christmas clothes.
“But these children have no-one to buy them anything.
“So we are trying to spread Christmas cheer in their lives.”
Booi said apart from hosting the party for them, the museum was also involved in several other initiatives to assist needy and vulnerable children.
“He loved children. We chose these children from many villages, some in villages linked to Mandela’s upbringing."
This included donating books and food to the SOS Children’s Home on Madiba’s birthday and partnering with the Icon’s Journey Marathon organisers to buy uniforms and shoes for many needy pupils in impoverished schools.
He said they wanted to keep Mandela’s legacy burning.
Booi said many leaders, both in government and the ruling ANC, had deliberately forgotten his impeccable legacy.
Hence many were implicated in wrongdoing because they failed to embrace his values.
DispatchLIVE
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