Madiba’s legacy once again brought people from all races, religions and ages together as South Africans celebrated and honoured the Father of the Nation at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility from where he was released 26 years ago. The 27 FOR FREEDOM event took place on Saturday the 13th February 2016.
Local and international participants either ran, walked or supported each other in the various distances on the day in the 27km, 10km and our 5km Freedom walk/run followed by a music concert. The legendary Ahmed Kathrada affectionately known as Uncle Kathy also walked in the footsteps of his close friend Nelson Mandela. Uncle Kathy commented that he could not be at the gates when Madiba walked out of the prison in 1990, so he felt that he had to walk along this memorable route in 2016. During his walk he paused as he read the plaque at the foot of the statue of South Africa’s greatest statesman. It reads: In honour of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, together with all those who walked before, alongside and for him in the quest for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and free South Africa. As part of the international struggle for human solidarity against all forms of oppression and exploitation.
The National Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom and the Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism Margie Whitehouse also walked the talk and completed the 10km distance. The rainbow nation came out once again in full support with their families and friends and enjoyed the festivities. Madiba loved children and thousands of them did one of the distances on the day and then enjoyed the massive playground that kept them entertained for hours. A team of 32 tourists from Belgium flew to South Africa specifically to participate in the 27 For Freedom event this year.
The responses from people when asked what the 27 For Freedom means to them, included: a day to spend with the family and to appreciate and celebrate our freedom Madiba helped us to achieve, celebrating the big difference Madiba made for us and for our future generations, all kinds of people uniting peacefully at 27 For Freedom, celebrating Madiba’s legacy and the liberty he brought to this country and that this event inspires young people to move forward as the rainbow nation.
