ARKNEWS

P FREEDOM FREEDOM

October - December 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor’s Comment

Chairperson’s remarks

CEO’s Foreword

Biography HoD Public Participation Ms M Makoela

Dialogue with the nation We look back upon a year that has been so significant in terms of the many events that took place.

Fulfilling our National Mandate Our mandate is to make Freedom Park visible, thereby growing its number of visitors. Team work, focus and accountability are the hallmark of how we do things. There is greater visibility of Freedom Park and the Park is on demand from other museums in Corporate Calendar/ Events and foreign governments to share its experience dedicated to peace and freedom. We have implemented a number of key partnerships with like-minded institutions. Freedom Park is Good to know one of the few institutions which deal with sensitive issues of politics and history but which enjoy legitimacy across the wide spectrum of society.

The whole concept of Freedom Park and its content is unique in this country and on the continent. It integrates history, culture and spirituality in a special way and the storyline is infused in the design, architecture and landscape. That is why no person who enters Freedom Park can stay unaffected by the experience.

This is a place of pilgrimage for all South Africans – every South African must visit Freedom Park once in their life-time. It is open for tourists, domestic and international, and is a treasure of knowledge for school-children and all who want to learn about our history, culture and spirituality as Africans. Foreign countries and embassies frequently send delegations who want to learn about South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. This has been an eventful quarter as the year draws to a close. We can look back with pride at the many events of significance that took place at Freedom Park. This shows how deep our heritage is. Our global interaction with countries that have played a meaningful role in the liberation of our country cannot go unmentioned. ~Ms Jane Mufamadi

Our struggles for freedom and the way in which our freedom was won provides us with a tool in which to position ourselves. The struggles we have fought emphasise oneness, humanity, justice and respect for human life, for each other and for international law. Peace and non-violence were employed as mechanism for resolution of differences and settlements of political disputes. These are some of the vital things that we have inherited over the years as part of our heritage.

~ Mr Ronnie Makopo Our keen respect and concern have never been restricted to the borders of our country. Our Freedom Park is about reconciliation and nation building. As we celebrate this month of struggles for freedom naturally built on ideas of Pan-Africanism. Our struggles were not only for a Reconciliation and Nation building we are promoting the message of building a non-racial, united nation, but also for a united continent. Our struggles for liberation have been a struggle non-sexist and democratic South Africa. Freedom Park urges all South Africans to forgive for humanity and unity. We only need to look at the words of our national anthem, Nkosi sikelel’ but not to forget those beacons that marked our struggle. Apart from commemorating iAfrika, words that we share with the anthems of other countries in Africa, including Zambia. this historic event that shaped what South Africa is today, we also educate and inform the Hence our dialogues with women acitivists who played a key role in the liberation of this country general public of the hardship and sacrifices that ultimately resulted in a free and cannot go unnoticed. Dialogues that have taken place during the centenary of OR Tambo are democratic South Africa. critical in terms of his standpoint on the emancipation of women and how this has shaped gender equality even in the current times in our country. Freedom Park is an icon of humanity and freedom – not only for South Africans, but also internationally. The Park tells the story of a nation and its people subjected to the most His recognition of the vital role that women in the struggle played is well documented. He brutal forms of infringement and abuse of basic human rights and thus provides a voice to affectionately referred to the women in MK as the Flowers of the Revolution and also as the the often untold history of South Africa and its people. And yet the Park weaves a tale of Mighty Few, because women in the camps were few compared to their male counter parts. inspiration. It provides proof of what we can achieve and shows what we are capable of as We were fortunate and honoured to have had the dialogue with the South African High a nation. It acts as a signpost to the future of South Africa. Commissioner of Zambia Ms HE MS.S.N.MJI, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo and Ms Nomsa Dlamini who played a formidable role in the struggle. But on the lighter side, Freedom Park has emerged as a heritage destination of choice, beautiful in design and offering spectacular hiking trails, exotic birdlife, an outdoor That being said, this spirit of tolerance and respect for unity in diversity did not come cheaply – it paradise. The aesthetic beauty and tranquillity of the Park belies the significance of this is a product of our struggles. It is the experience and insight that only comes from living through majestic monument. Key to this is the accolades that Freedom Park has received in recent something. We know that we can go to our elders for advice and guidance. Why? Because they months, one being the Best Heritage site voted by Pretoria News readers for the second have the experience and knowledge. In the same way, South Africa has become the expert year. This is indeed humbling and validation that our endeavours are paying off in terms of through experience. It is this experience that distinguishes us. We are the defender of human our offering to the nation. rights, of freedom, democracy and justice worldwide. It is our legacy! On 5 December 1956, Mandela and 155 other activists were arrested and went on trial for treason with all of the defendants were acquitted in 1961. Nelson Mandela co-founded and became the first leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe (“Spear of the Nation”), also known as MK, a NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA new armed wing of the ANC. In January 1962, Mandela travelled abroad illegally to attend a 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013 conference of African nationalist leaders in Ethiopia, visit the exiled in London and undergo guerrilla training in Algeria which earned him a five years in prison. The following July, police raided an ANC hideout in Rivonia, and arrested a group of MK leaders. Mandela and seven other defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment and spent the Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 into a royal Thembu tribe in first 18 of his 27 years in jail at the brutal Robben Island Prison. While in confinement the South African village of Mvezo. He was the first in his family to Mandela earned a bachelor of law degree from the University of London and served as a receive a formal education, Mandela completed his primary studies at a mentor to his fellow prisoners. He also smuggled out political statements and a draft of his local missionary school. There, a teacher dubbed him Nelson as part of a common practice of giving African students English names. He went autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” published five years after his release. In 1982 on to attend the Clarkebury Boarding Institute and Healdtown, a Mandela was moved to Pollsmoor Prison and in 1988 he was placed under house arrest. In Methodist secondary school, where he excelled in boxing and track as 1989, then-president F. W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC and was released on 11 well as academics. In 1939 Mandela entered the University of Fort February 1990. Hare. The following year, he and several other students, including his friend After attaining his freedom, Nelson Mandela led the ANC in its negotiations with the and future business partner Oliver Tambo (1917-1993), were sent home for participating in a boycott against university policies. After leaving for governing National Party and various other South African political organizations for an end Johannesburg he worked first as a night watchman and then as a law to apartheid and the establishment of a multiracial government. Mandela and De Klerk clerk while completing his bachelor’s degree by correspondence. were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1993. On 27 April 1994, more than 22 million South Africans turned out to cast ballots in the country’s first multiracial parliamentary elections and an overwhelming majority chose the ANC to lead the country. He studied law at the University of Witwatersrand, where he became involved in the On 10 May Mandela was sworn in as the first black president of South Africa. movement against racial discrimination and forged key relationships with black and white activists. As president, Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to investigate human rights and political violations committed by both supporters and In 1944, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and worked with fellow party opponents of apartheid between 1960 and 1994. He also introduced numerous social and members to establish its youth league, the ANCYL. That same year, he met and married his economic programs designed to improve the living standards of South Africa’s black first wife, Evelyn Ntoko Mase (1922-2004), with whom he had four children before divorcing population. In 1996 Mandela presided over the enactment of a new South African in 1957. He then married Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in 1958 and had two daughters (later constitution, which established a strong central government based on majority rule and divorcing in 1996). Nelson Mandela’s commitment to politics and the ANC grew stronger prohibited discrimination against minorities, including whites. Improving race relations, after the National Party 1948 election victory which introduced apartheid. The following discouraging blacks from retaliating against the white minority and building a new year, the ANC adopted the ANCYL’s plan to achieve full citizenship for all South Africans international image of a united South Africa were central to President Mandela’s agenda. To through boycotts, strikes, civil disobedience and other nonviolent methods. Mandela these ends, he formed a multiracial “Government of National Unity” and proclaimed the helped lead the ANC’s 1952 Campaign for the Defiance of Unjust Laws, and promoted the country a “rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” In a gesture seen as a major Freedom Charter, ratified by the Congress of the People in 1955. Also in 1952, Mandela and step toward reconciliation, he encouraged blacks and whites alike to rally around the Tambo opened South Africa’s first black law firm, which offered free or low-cost legal predominantly Afrikaner national rugby team when South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby counsel to those affected by apartheid legislation. World Cup. On his 80th birthday in 1998, Mandela wed Graça Machel. The following year, he retired from politics at the end of his first term as president and after leaving office, Nelson Mandela THOMAS ISIDORE NOËL SANKARA 21 December 1949 – 15 October 1987 remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in his own country and around the world. He established a number of organizations, including the influential Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Elders, an independent group of public figures committed to addressing Thomas Sankara was born in Yako, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), global problems and easing human suffering. In 2002, Mandela became a vocal advocate of on 21 December 1949. He was sometimes nicknamed "Tom Sank". AIDS awareness and treatment programs. He attended primary school in Gaoua and high school in Bobo- Dioulasso. He was treated for prostate cancer in 2001 and weakened by other health issues, Mandela grew increasingly frail in his later years and scaled back his schedule of public appearances. In After basic military training in secondary school in 1966, Sankara began his military career at the age of 19, and a year later he was 2009, the United Nations declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition sent to Madagascar for officer training at Antsirabe where he of the South African leader’s contributions to democracy, freedom, peace and human rights witnessed popular uprisings in 1971 and 1972. around the world. Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013 from a recurring lung infection. Lauren Marx Returning to Upper Volta in 1972, in 1974 he fought in a border war between Upper Volta and Mali. In 1976 he became commander of the Commando Training Centre in Pô. In the same year he met Blaise Compaoré in Morocco. A coup d'Etat organized by Blaise Compaore made Thomas Sankara President on 4 August 1983. The coup d' Etat was supported by Libya which was, at the time, on the verge of war with France ERNESTO GUEVARA DE LA SERNA in Chad. Thomas Sankara saw himself as a revolutionary as president, he promoted the 14 JUNE 1928 - 9 OCTOBER 1967 Democratic and Popular Revolution (RDP Revolution Democratique et Populaire).

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna was born on 14 June 1928 in Argentina. He was Making a popular name for himself through his dedication to easing the plight of the common born of Spanish and Irish descent. Che Guevara entered the University of man in his native land, the Marxist leader made a serious attempt to eliminate the poverty and Buenos Aires to study medicine in 1948. Whilst studying to become a doctor, abuse of power that had been commonplace in Burkina Faso before he took power in 1983. His Che Guevara travelled extensively around South America encountering the government included large number of women. His policy was oriented toward fighting corruption, poverty and hardship of the people wherever he went. This led him to study reforestation, averting famine, and making education and health real priorities. and explore Marxism more fully. He travelled to Guatemala to see firsthand the reforms which were being implemented by the then President, Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. Che Guevara came to the conclusion that revolution was necessary in Improving women's status was one of Thomas Sankara's explicit goals that were unprecedented in order to redress the balance of wealth and power. Moving on to Mexico, West Africa. His government banned female circumcision, condemned polygamy, and promoted Guevara joined Fidel Castro's revolutionary 26th July movement which contraception. eventually seized power in Cuba in 1959. Che Guevara held various posts in the new government of Cuba before moving ultimately to Bolivia in 1965. On 15 October 1987 Thomas Sankara was killed in a coup d’état organized by his former colleague Blaise Compaore. The young and charismatic Sankara was one of the most notable and popular His intention here was to start a revolution. However, he was captured in a joint venture by military political leaders of post-independence Africa, despite the fact that he was only in power the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Bolivian army. There was involvement by the for four years before being assassinated in 1987. USA's special armed forces also. Che Guevara was executed on 9 October 1967 by the Bolivian Army.

Che Guevara’s self-sacrifice for a greater social good and his timeless commitment to human values such as honour, truth and loyalty continue to inspire the belief that the impossible can be made possible. Che Guevara life took on an epic quality which echoes the lives of great men throughout history. From his early youth he made long journeys, involved himself deeply in social problems and threw himself into trying to change the world. Flowers of the Revolution OR TAMBO CENTENARY CELEBRATION

The year 2017 would have seen Cde O R Tambo turn 100 years on 25 October, would he still be alive. Oliver Reginald Tambo, popularly known as Cde O R, was the epitome of the struggle for liberation of South Africa. His standpoint on the emancipation of women has shaped how gender equality is to be achieved even in the current times in our country. His recognition of the vital role that women in the struggle played is well documented. He Ms Ayanda Dlodlo Ms Nomsa Dlamini affectionately referred to the women in MK as the Flowers of the Revolution and also as the Mighty Few, because women in the camps were few compared to their male counter parts. At the Women’s Conference that was held in Luanda, Angola in September 1981, Cde O R had this to say about the role of women “…. women have a duty to liberate us men from antique concepts and attitudes about the place and role of women in society and in the development and direction of our revolutionary struggle”. Cde O R was a true champion of the cause of women emancipation and ensured the implementation of policies that promoted gender equality. FULFILLING THE NATIONS MANDATE Angolan women, under the auspices of OMA (Organizacao de Muller do Angola), were By the Education Unit shoulder to shoulder with the women of South Africa who were based in Angola. They opened their homes for the MK women and supported the South African women’s struggle for Freedom Park in partnership with Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, liberation with moral and material support. Because of the presence of MK cadres in their implemented a Time Travel education method on 29 September 2017, at Kghodwana Museum country, many Angolan people fell victim of Apartheid forces attacks. The brave and determined Angolan women had addition to care for their maimed and butchered children and Cultural Village in Nkangala Region, Mpumalanga. and husbands. In all this, never did they object to the presence of MK in their country. They The program was in commemoration of Inkosi Nyabela of amaNdebele and Kgoshi Mampuru II continued to provide shelter and a haven for the gallant heroines of the struggle. of Bapedi, who fought a war against the Boers in 1882 in defense of their people against Courtesy: PAA Unit colonialism, subjugation and land dispossession. Inkosi Nyabela was represented by Inkosi Gija Mahlangu and Kgoshi Mampuru II was represented Inkosi Mampuru III. Learners were from two schools, Rorobhani and Vulamehlo secondary schools. The objectives of the program were to inculcate a sense of social cohesion, to create awareness about the fight against subjugation from the epoch of land dispossession in the nineteenth century to the advent of democracy, educate about the role of traditional leadership in the fight against colonialism and subjugation, to demystify the misconceptions about the relationship between the traditional leadership and the motive forces in the mission for democracy. High Commissioner HE MS.S.N.MJI with CEO Jane Mufamadi EXHIBITION

Commemorating the Legacy of the Bantu Stephen Biko, Freedom Park in collaboration with the Steve Biko Center and the Steve Biko Foundation, launched an exhibition and conducted a seminar on the legacy of Steve Biko- 40 years on. The seminar themed Consciousness of Being is derived from Bantu Stephen Biko’s Black Consciousness Movement, BCM –Commemorating the Legacy of Steve Biko- 40 Years on.

The exhibition launch event was officially opened by the Freedom Park CEO Ms Jane Mufamadi. In her opening remarks she stated that, “it is befitting that the Steve Biko exhibition is placed at the Gallery of Leaders wherein national and international iconic leaders like Oliver Tambo, Sharlot Maxeke, Kwame Nkruma, Augostino Neto, Julius Nyerere, Samorah Machel etc are commemorated for their selfless contribution in fighting for freedom and The program was also intended to promote Indigenous Knowledge System through in the form humanity”. of conservation and preservation of cultural heritage through music, praise songs, narration, traditional attire, craft, weaponry as well as traditional rituals. The primary objectives of the seminar and the exhibition is to bring together scholars from diverse disciplines to reinvent Black Consciousness Movement and the Legacy of Steve Biko in Learners were taught skills in the art of traditional cooking, sewing, painting, skin tanning, the struggle for liberation in the 21st Century South Africa as well as to teach the communities, thatch roofing, slaughtering and royal praise singing. All these are part of the Creative Arts both local and international about selflessness. Curators, academics, researchers, leaners and curriculum in Senior Phase. educators attended the event. OLIVER TAMBO EXHIBITION EMANCIPATION OF SLAVERY

Freedom Park and the Oliver Tambo Foundation recently presented an exhibition opening On the eve of Emancipation Day and Reconcilation Month (December 1), Freedom Park hosted of: The Modest Revolutionary (1917-1993). the event calling on Capetonians to take to the streets – and take back the streets - in celebration, recognition, and remembrance of those who were enslaved and also ultimately This exhibition entitled Oliver Reginald Tambo: The Modest Revolutionary (1917-1993), has emancipated. been produced by the Apartheid Museum, in association with the Tambo Foundation and On December 1, 1834, the enslaved people of the Cape celebrated the official end to their the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Tambo’s story has not been told before in a enslavement with religious services, public gatherings and much rejoicing. Street parades, marching bands, singing and dancing in the streets and homes filled the city with the sounds popular way that talks to the youth of the country. We hope that this exhibition will begin and sights of celebration. the process of restoring this great man to his rightful place in the hearts and minds of all Annually since 2006 we have continued this tradition of celebration. On November 30, at 9pm, South Africans and future generations. Capetonians – including people from other parts of the Western Cape Province - gather at the Slave Church in Long Street where poetry, song and stories will remind us of that day. Oliver Tambo's ideas live on in our constitution, in the democratic and cooperative values of the African National Congress and in its vision for a just, inclusive and equitable society. At a A study of the slave trade is also important to appreciate the contribution of Indians to the building of South Africa: the descendants of the slaves may well outnumber the million people time when we are introspecting and preparing for the next phase of our history, it is now known as Indian South Africans. Ms Ela Gandhi spoke at length about the plight of the important to reflect on our heritage and pay tribute to Oliver Tambo, revolutionary thinker, indentured labourer as well as the millions of people currently enslaved in modern slavery. humanist and mentor. She further elaborated on the important role Indians played in the spread of Islam in South Africa: the first mosque in Cape Town was established early in the 19th century by Imam Frans and Imam Achmat, both from Bengal. The Indians contributed to the origin of the Afrikaans language which was created by slaves and the Coloured (mixed) people: the oldest book in Afrikaans was a Muslim religious text published in 1856.

It is also important to appreciate the historic blood relationship between the Indian, Coloured and African communities whom apartheid has tried to separate - and role of resistance by slaves in the history of the freedom movement in South Africa. HUMAN CHAIN – 5th December 2017

Freedom Park commemorated Reconciliation Day under the theme: “Towards building a united nation at peace with itself and its neighbours”.

This day is considered as one of the most historic and memorable days in the history of South Africa, which stands as a reminder of where we come from, where we are and where we are going as a united nation. Although commemorated differently during apartheid, this day has since the onset of democracy, been used to foster reconciliation and national unity.

In line with government’s initiatives, Freedom Park used the day to fulfil its mandate, which is to remember and honour men and women who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and humanity and to foster social cohesion and nation building in the country.

As a beacon of hope to the entire nation, Freedom Park dedicated the day 5th December to reflection and prayer, delivering messages of hope, peace, and reconciliation and healing to the entire nation, coupled with this will be the Human Peace Chain. This day is also significant as we remember the death anniversary of our Patron-in-chief former president Nelson Mandela. NATIONAL PRESS CLUB PRISA NETWORKING SESSION

Freedom of the press and journalistic ethics is an important topic today in South Africa and globally with the word ‘press' encompassing the electronic media also. There should be serious discussions on the topic. The media have a great responsibility also to see that the news they present is accurate and serve the interests of the people. The evening of 16 November 2017 saw the crème del a crème of the media/marketing industry descend on the most breath-taking and spectacular venue; //hapo Freedom Park. On a regular basis Freedom Park invites organisations in the media industry for a conversation, dialogue, debate, panel discussion on current topics. This year Freedom Park The National Press Club is a monthly networking function, giving members the opportunity to hosted the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA). The timing could not be mingle and form meaningful business relationships. This is the only opportunity where better as we approach the month of Reconciliation and Nation building. journalists get to meet their colleagues from the industry as well as other members from the communications/marketing industry in an informal way. Functions like these foster and The topic/theme for discussion: Social Cohesion, Nation Building and Reconciliation is a promote good relations. The aim of this initiative is to showcase both the Park itself as a priority in our young democracy, how do media and communication practitioners contribute heritage and tourist destination of choice but also as a venue for corporates to use in future. to these attributes and still uphold ethics?

The panelists included the crème del a crème of the likes of Yusuf Abramjee, Khathu, Mamaila Given Mkhari and Ralph Mathega. What a great evening it was to rub shoulders with the likes of the panelists and other esteemed guest. The evening was enlightening as the panelists expressed their views on social cohesion and nationbuilding. We need more of these discourse and dialogues, as the summer rains lashed the buildings; I became oblivious of the storm raging outside, my attention transfixed on the discussions. FIDEL CASTRO LECTURE Cde Blade Nzimande, SACP General Secretary addressed the commemoration of the first RUSSIAN HANDOVER OF NAMES anniversary of the passing on of Cde Fidel Castro (1925-2016), Freedom Park held a ceremony to honour and pay tribute to the Soviet Russia people who former President of Cuba, historic contributed to the South African liberation struggle. The Russian Ambassador His Excellency leader and Commander of the Mikhael Ivanovich Petrakov, handed over the names of the fallen heroes and heroines to Cuban Revolution on Monday, 30 Freedom Park CEO Ms Jane Mufamadi. October 2017. The event took place at the As South Africa celebrates the centenary of Oliver Tambo, this event could not be more Freedom Park, under the theme: opportune. The event rekindles the close relationship these heroes and the entire Soviet “Celebrating Fidel Castro’s Russia community had with the late struggle stalwart, Comrade Oliver Reginald Tambo. Revolutionary Legacy: His Freedom Park is mandated to honour those who died in the struggle for freedom and CEO Jane Mufamadi with Blade Nzimande Internationalist Commitment to humanity and to foster reconciliation, social cohesion and nation building in the country. Africa”. This is better reflected in its memorialisation of over 85 000 heroes and heroines who perished in the eight conflicts that shaped South Africa we have today. These conflicts In his speech Cde Blade Nzimande expressed the SACP’s message of solidarity with the Cuban include pre-colonial wars, Wars of resistance Genocides, Slavery, First World War, Second people in the face of the continuing imperialist offensive by the United States as no led by World War, South African War and the Liberation struggle. Donald Trump tightening draconian measures against Cuba. “We recall the more than 600 assassination attempts at Fidel’s life by the imperialist United States. We do so with an On the liberation struggle, Freedom Park narrated and exhibited the four pillars that defined overwhelming joy for his survival from each and every one of those deadly assassination people struggles against the most heinous and diabolic system called apartheid, correctly attempts. defined by the United Nations as a crime against humanity. The four pillars of the struggle against apartheid were: underground struggle, armed struggle, mass struggle and It was after surviving all these and most probably other attempts that Fidel passed on at an old international solidarity. age, 90. While his contribution as an activist, soldier and leader of the Cuban Revolution is monumental, Fidel worked within the principles of class, national and international struggles We could not be more proud to be the conduit of the Soviet Russia political, social and and collective leadership. It is therefore very important to express our sincere gratitude for that economic footprints in the African continent. The names will remain an epitome and eternal role as well as to the people of Cuba for staying the course of the struggle for freedom, testimony of the true global diplomatic relations between Soviet Russia and South Africa. nationally and internationally”.

Cuba’s involvement in Africa is a remarkable tale of selflessness, unconditional support and the invaluable contributions to the cause of freedom, justice and development which spans more than four decades and has involved 450,000 men and women. 380,000 of these were combatants and the remaining 70,000 were civilian aid workers that included doctors, nurses and medical technicians.

Castro's solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement would never be forgotten. He was a source of inspiration and courage for all those who value and fought for freedom. In Castro, African activists found a leader willing to share flaming rhetoric as well as practical guidance to freedom at a time when Africa had few political allies. Those liberation leaders became the founding fathers of modern Africa, and they never forgot Cuba’s help. FREEDOM PARK Title: Influences & Roles of museums and memorials in recording and safeguarding historical facts: Emancipation of African voice in decolonising the representation of Southern African history, in //hapo interpretive centre at Freedom Park, in South Africa. MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Executive Mayor Mr Solly Msimanga It is a time for giving and spending time with family and those close to our hearts. Most orphaned children do not have families and loved ones to spend Christmas with and Victor you have done the organization proud not in terms of delivering a paper of this nature therefore this was an opportunity for them to have a memorable Christmas and receive gifts. but what this represent in terms of Freedom Park reaching out not only to the global audience The Mayor hosted 800 children from different orphanages from all the regions in the City and but to like-minded academics and institutions. 200 stakeholders here at Freedom Park.

As I watched the animated faces around me of the children, I could not help thinking of how much we take for granted. These children just needed someone to say I love you, a hug but more importantly if we could give off our time to impart the niceties not just around International high Profile Visits - Christmas but all year long. From the desk Guest Relations

Ambassador of Cuba H.E. Mr C Fernandous hosted on the 29th October for the celebration of INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND Fidel Castrol seminar. MUSEOLOGY NANJING, CHINA H.E Mr FM Mahamat the African Union Commission hosted on the 31st October for //hapo guided tour with about 30 people. 28- 29 NOVEMBER 2017 H.E. Mr Joao Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola, hosted a wreath lay on the 25th November 2017. H.E. Ms Jaqueline Faria, Minister of Arts & Culture, Republic of Venezuela hosted for Presented by: Netshiavha Victor guided tour 30th November 2017. Chief Curator H.E. Mrs Mitcy LARUE Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Republic of Seychelles hosted for a guided tour. Mr. Rodolfo Benítez Verson, new Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Cuba to the government of South Africa, recently visited Freedom Park

Freedom Park was recently honoured to host the chairperson of AU Commission H.E. Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat Editorial Team

Public Participation HOD: Ms. Modjadji Makoela Editor: Rogini Govender Layout and Graphic Designer: Olebogeng Mafoko Photography: Vincent Vilakazi/ Stephen Mbelengwa Julius Ledwaba

FIND US GPS COORDINATES

Tel: +27 (0)12 336 4000 Latitude: S 25 45.846 Fax: +27 (0)12 336 4021 Longitude: E 28 11.238 State visit by H.E. Mr Lurenco, President of the Republic of Angola Corner Koch and 7th Avenue Salvokop Pretoria

H.E. Ms Jaqueline Faria, Minister of Arts & Culture, Republic of Venezuela