Thousands of South Africans were today marking the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom after 27 years as the world’s most famous political prisoner.
Dozens of the top leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) and liberation struggle stalwarts marched out of the gates of Victor Verster prison, since renamed the Drakenstein Correctional Centre, this morning in an emotional re-enactment of Mr Mandela’s now-iconic march, widely seen as signalling the end of apartheid.
Now a frail 91-year-old, Mr Mandela himself did not attend the celebrations, although a huge bronze statue of him marching from jail, fist pumping the air, formed a fitting backdrop for the ANC figures to address the faithful.
Mr Mandela will however participate at the official opening later today.
Many among the crowd of several thousand ANC supporters were disappointed, however, at the non-appearance of the two most senior figures expected – President Jacob Zuma and Winnie Madikizela Mandela, who had not still arrived by midday.
The ANC, which has stage-managed nationwide events of commemoration, said Mr Zuma – who is at the centre of a political firestorm sparked by his polygamy and fathering of children out of wedlock – will address a rally on a nearby rugby field later in the day.
story compliments of Times Online UK / Commondreams.org
