July 20, 2004
By Tammy O'Reilly
THE freedom of the city award is meant to honour a person's contribution to the city. But, when someone as distinguished as Nelson Mandela accepts it, it's the city that is honoured.
After two postponements, the City of Johannesburg has finalised the date for the conferment of the freedom of the city on the former president. It will take place at the Orlando East hall in Soweto on Friday 23 July.
This venue has much significance: Mandela once lived in Soweto and it was at this hall that he used to train as a boxer and hold political meetings.
The first date was set for 11 February, the anniversary of Mandela's release from prison after 27 years of incarceration.
Then the ceremony was moved to 14 May, but was postponed because Mandela had to travel to Zurich for the announcement of the 2010 Soccer World Cup bid winner.
The freedom of the city is the highest recognition of a person's contribution to the welfare of the city and its inhabitants.
Mandela will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to the struggle for freedom and democracy, and for his promotion of equality.
This is the third time the award is being given. The other recipients - both figures in the liberation struggle - were Walter Sisulu in 1997 and Beyers Naude in 2001.
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
