Thousands celebrate freedom
2010-02-18
Sieb Sieberhagen
MORE than 7000 people attended the commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s final steps as political prisoner last Thursday at Drakenstein Correctional Services outside Paarl. Mandela was released from the prison 20 years ago. With the mercury reaching the middle thirties, thousands commuted by buses and taxis to the prison to listen to the speeches of former activists and hopefully to see Nelson Mandela (91). The day kicked off with a symbolic march along the route which Mandeal travelled to the gates of the prison, where a bronze statue of Mandela has been erected. At that stage there was no sign of Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela or President Jacob Zuma. After that the crowds rushed onto the sports fields where a big stage had been erected. Although attempts were made to have people pass by an X-ray control point, police were forced to open the gates to prevent any injuries as people were pushed up against the fence. After waiting for a hour in the blistering sun, some dignitaries entered the stage area, but there was still no sign of President Jacob Zuma, as had been advertised. By the time deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe made the last speech, most of the audience had retired to the shade under trees surrounding the field. Despite media reports, ANC officials denied that there had ever been plans for Mandela or his ex-wife Winnie, to be at the event.
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