WITH the celebrations of African National Congress Centenary, Nelson Mandela and his birthplace are not forgotten. In celebrating its centenary, the ANC paraded the centenary torch at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu, the home of Nelson Mandela.

The flame arrived at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu on the last Wednesday at 12 noon and later proceeded to Bumbane Great place, to honour the late struggle veteran king of Abathembu, King Sabata Dalindyebo ‘Aah Jonguhlanga’. The centenary torch was presented by the Chairperson of the ANC sub-region of the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Dumani Zozo to the struggle veteran Dr Phumza Dyatyi, who is the Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Museum Council Content Committee, and Chief Nokwanele Balizulu, the wife of the late Chief of Qunu, Chief Zwelebango Balizulu. Chief Zwelebango was an MK Cadre who was also imprisoned in Robben Island with Madiba.

Dr. Dyatyi, a doctor by profession and a member of MKMVA, shares the same sentiments with Nelson Mandela that the Museum should be a stepping stone for the development of impoverished communities. This event was embraced by Dr. Somadoda Fikeni who gave an overview about Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela’s role in the fight against segregation.

The visibility of the torch in Qunu helps to revive the consciousness of the Qunu community, and the spirit of those who died in the struggle for freedom. The visit of the torch shows the importance of the Nelson Mandela Museum.