A FOAM pit machine, a jumping castle, a train ride, swings, face painting, and a whole lot of delicious goodies; Mthatha’s Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre was transformed into a magical playland, making it a Christmas carnival the children of Qunu will never forget.
This fun-filled event, where over three hundred children were treated to festive activities, was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Museum in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture on the 5th of December under the theme: Reflections on the 11th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s Passing: His Legacy Lives On. It coincided with the commemoration of the 11th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing.
“The notion behind this event is to bring joy and happiness to the children, while on the other side, we will use this event to highlight the global vulnerability endured by our children,” said Nontlahla Tandwa Dalindyebo, Acting CEO of the Nelson Mandela Museum.
“We have witnessed situations where our children are abused, molested, abducted, and killed. Besides these, we have come across situations where parents intentionally fail to protect their children against abusive treatment and fail to give children love, while other parents unintentionally fail because of their societal challenges,” said Dalindyebo.
Dalindyebo stated that it is within this narrative that they will continue to embrace Nelson Mandela’s view on children, as he once said, “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation.”
“As the Museum and its partners, we will continue to host these early Christmas festivities for children to encourage and support parents, communities, businesses, and government to set up programmes that will protect and embrace the future generation of South Africa,” she said.
While delivering her keynote address, the MEC of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Sibulele Ngongo, urged the guests in attendance to emulate the values of Tat’Nelson Mandela. “Tat’ Mandela did not just lead, he inspired. He taught us that no matter how difficult the journey, unity, forgiveness, and compassion are the foundation of building a better nation.”
