Mandela: A leader among leaders

Nelson Mandela is one among very few statesmen who has garnered universal respect for his work as a peacemaker and a benevolent negotiator. This African leader is respected all over the world and across all political lines. His leading role in the fight against apartheid, his days on Robben Island as a prisoner and his success in guiding South Africa in a new direction amidst great strife, have all won him international accolades. His days of imprisonment symbolised the worldwide struggle of persecuted people.

In 1944, Mandela, Sisulu and Tambo founded the African National Congress Youth League. The Youth League energised the ANC, who adopted the League's Programme of Action in 1949. This programme was the force behind many mass protests that later led to the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, ANC's armed wing.

In 1948, Mandela became national secretary of the League, and its national president in 1950. In October 1952, he became one among four deputy presidents of the ANC. The countrywide Defiance Campaign was a protest against laws that limited the freedom of non-white people. Mandela participated actively and as a result, he along with 19 others, were charged and arrested under the Suppression of Communism Act.

He was given a suspended (for two years) sentence of nine months of imprisonment with hard labour. A six-month ban order followed some time later. It prohibited him from leaving the magisterial district of Johannesburg. The ban orders were regularly renewed for nine years.

Before the Defiance Campaign, Mandela was a little cautious about working with Africans who were not black. However, after the campaign, he realised the necessity of joining forces with the other exploited races and fighting apartheid together.

For undertaking a campaign in 1955 leading to the adoption of The Freedom Charter, Mandela and 155 other political activists were charged with high treason in 1956, and arrested. On 25 March 1961, after a four and a half year trial, 30 of the activists, including Mandela, were found not guilty. 

Mandela's personal life was not always smooth. His first wife Evelyn Ntoko was a nurse. They had three children, a daughter named Makaziwe and two sons. Their son Thembi died in a car accident in 1969 when Mandela was a prisoner on Robben Island.  The other son, Makgatho Lewanika Mandela died at the age of 54, in 2005.

His second wife was Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela. They married in 1958. Zenani and Zindzi are their two daughters. Winnie was actively involved in Mandela's political activities. She led the struggle when he was a prisoner on Robben Island. About three decades later, during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, Winnie's name was associated with many young ANC activists' deaths. Winnie and Mandela's marriage was a turbulent one and it ended in a divorce in 1996.

North of Johannesburg was ANC's underground headquarters, which was at Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia. When Mandela was in prison, the police raided the place and several ANC leaders were arrested. Mandela's diary, documents related to the manufacture of explosives and information about a possible guerrilla struggle, Operation Mayibuye, were found.

The Rivonia Trial started in October 1963 and continued till 12 June 1964. Mandela and the other accused ANC leaders - Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, Elias Motsoaledi, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Walter Sisulu and Wilton Mkwayi - were tried for sabotage and for conspiring to overthrow the government. They were all found guilty and sentenced for life.  Mandela's statement during the trial became famous all over the world.

While Goldberg was imprisoned at Pretoria prison, the others were sent to Robben Island. 18 years of Mandela's life were spent there. In 1982, he was first moved to Pollsmoor prison, Cape Town, and later to Victor Verster prison. Although Mandela and the other senior leaders were kept in isolation on Robben Island, they maintained contact with the ANC leadership and continued playing a role in the struggle outside. Unfortunately, Mandela was troubled by health problems during this period. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Mandela's efforts to reach government representatives began in July 1986 and finally, in July 1989, he met President PW Botha at Tuynhuys. This was followed by a meeting with De Klerk in December 1989. Sunday, 11 February 1990 saw Mandela's release from prison.

It was a momentous occasion and Mandela's walk out of prison was telecast live to a jubilant global audience. Under Mandela's leadership, negotiations began between the ANC and the South African government. The talks were successful and an interim constitution was adopted in November 1993. South Africa's first multi-racial elections were held in 1994 and the ANC won a convincing victory.

President Mandela's inauguration was attended by a large gathering of world leaders. Such a group had not been seen since former US President John F Kennedy's funeral in 1963. As President, Mandela laid the foundation of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. He donated a third of his annual salary to the fund. A net cash income of almost R220 million was generated by the fund between 1995 and 2001. Programmes that tried to empower impoverished children received around R78 million from this fund.

President Mandela married Graca Machel on 18 July 1998. She was the widow of Samora Machel, former President of Mozambique. 

Port Elizabeth is a great place to start your discovery of the Eastern Cape and Wild Coast. With a combination of nature trails, impressive wildlife, eco-adventures, stunning pieces of coastline, historical cultural highlights, and authentic South African hospitality - it is ideal for adventure holidays, or a family getaway. All of this has lead to Port Elizabeth being widely referred to as the ‘Friendly City'.

Located on the south-eastern coast on the shores of Algoa Bay, it is the ideal launching pad to the popular destinations of the Sunshine Coast, Garden Route and Settler Hinterland.

City Highlights

Some of the more popular things to do while you are here include visiting the No. 7 Castle Hill museum, which epitomizes the cultural heritage of the region. Reflecting the mid-Victorian style, and built in 1827, it is a unique insight to the life of the early settlers. As well as this, another major cultural tourist attraction is the Port Elizabeth museum complex. Located on the Humewood beachfront, it includes Tropical House (with an abundance of exotic plant life), Snake Park (African reptiles galore), Museum and the Oceanarium (where you can be entertained daily with seal and dolphin shows).

Nature

If you want to experience a bit of nature, then there are many options for you in Port Elizabeth. There are countless game reserves close by including the Mountain Zebra Park and Addo Elephant Park (with the Knysna Forest Elephants). These reserves have helped in providing a safe haven, and in bringing these animals back from near extinction, after hunting almost wiped them out. There are also many different hikes, trails, drives and day tours you can indulge in from Port Elizabeth. A popular favourite is the Donkin Heritage Trail, which takes you through many places of historical significance.

Beaches

With some of the most extraordinary beaches in the country, the Eastern Cape (and Wild Coast) covers over 1000 kilometres of shoreline from Port Edward (in KwaZulu Natal) from the north; to the Tsitsikamma National Park in the south. Some of the most popular beach spots along this stretch include St. Francis Bay, a holiday hot spot, with many small resort towns providing the perfect getaway. Algoa Bay is another fashionable beach location, also because of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve at the south of its 40 kilometres of beach. Included in this stretch is Port Elizabeth, where water sports a-plenty await you! Surfers find that Pollock Beach tends to have good breaks and waves, while Hobie Beach is ideal for exploring rock pools, trying some boardsailing, having a game of volleyball, scuba diving the reefs and shipwrecks, or getting on board a boat and enjoying what is a world renowned location for sailing.

South Africa's only river port city is situated on the Buffalo River on one of the most attractive stretches of the Eastern Cape coastline. Sweeping white beaches extend for miles - uncrowded and unspoilt. The climate is temperate and watersports are enjoyed all year round. River mouths, lagoons and gullies provide a paradise for fishermen. Several seaside resorts are scattered along the coastline, all within a short distance from East London.

Its interesting hinterland is rich in local culture and history. Several well-preserved examples of 19th century architecture enhance the charm of the city. When the sun goes down, there are theatres, cinemas and a selection of restaurants to sample. East London has something for everyone, whether you're a sporting enthusiast, fisherman, historian, nature lover, or simply in need of a rejuvenating break away from it all.

Activities & Attractions

City Hall
The foundation stone was laid in 1897. The ''Victoria Tower" was added to commemorate Queen Victoria's 60 years on the throne.

East London Museum
Explore the - home of the Coelacanth and the world's only Dodo egg.

Anne Bryant Art Gallery
Visit the Gallery - built in 1905, a fine example of late Victorian architecture, it contains varied and valuable art collections.

Calgary Transport Museum
The Museum - 13 km from the City, has a collection of wagons and a Gypsy Caravan.

German Settlers Memorial
The Memorial - commemorates the 1858/9 arrival of more than 2000 German men, women and children which helped to expand the settlement.

Visit Gately House
Home of East London's first Mayor, declared a national monument in 1973.

The Queens Park Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Offers a variety of mammals and reptiles, set in lush surroundings, which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

East London Aquarium
Visit the Aquarium, home to approximately 400 species of marine life and watch the seal show.

Latimer's Landing
Visit Latimer's Landing - waterfront development on the Buffalo River with restaurants and pubs. Boat trips up the river are available and Yacht trips and Pleasure cruises can be arranged.

Lock Street Gaol
Formerly a prison, built in 1880, it now houses various interesting shops.

East London has positioned itself as a sportsman's mecca, hosting Provincial, National and International sporting events. The wide variety of sporting activities on offer, cater for groups as well as the individual.

Hogsback is home to an abundance of beautiful and untouched flora and fauna. Flowing rivers create a number of small but amazing waterfalls. A few that are worth checking out while you are here include Kettlespout, Swallowtail and the Madonna and Child. In some instances you can even witness the occasional spout of water shooting up to 9 metres in the air at Kettlespout, depending on the weather conditions. The huge sections of native forests are great for nature walking and viewing some of the birdlife of the area, which includes lourie and parrots.

Hogsback offers every type of accommodation you could think of - including campsites. Hotels, home stays, guest houses and caravan parks. If you are a keen fisherman, then you will find it hard to leave, with great trout fishing throughout many of the local rivers. There are numerous nature trails you can meander along, or even hire a horse if you wish. The locally produced guidebook is an essential investment for visitors, especially those interested in exploring this lovely area on foot. Many of these trails have special natural or historical importance. To get there, it is about 30 kilometres from Alice; which is 22 kilometres from Fort Beaufort

Thomas Summerton was one of the earliest people to settle in Hogsback, who tried to bring the English countryside to the Eastern Cape region. Thomas originally hailed from Oxford and was a market gardener. Through his efforts you can still find the fruits of his labour in the many orchards, tree-lined avenues and various other kinds of plants that have sprouted and spread dramatically.

Umtata lies on the shores of the Mtata River. President Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, a village close by. This area was home to Madiba clan, part of the Thembu Royal Family, to which his family was part of. Because of this part of history, the Nelson Mandela Museum is the most frequented tourist site in Umtata. Here you will be able to view many photos, documents, and other relics from ‘Madiba's' history-changing, influential life.

During the years of apartheid, Umtata (which was established in 1879) served as the capital of the Transkei which served as the native lands of the Xhosa people. Nowadays, Umtata is included as part of the Eastern Cape Province.

Things to See & Do

There are many nature reserves (such as Silika, Dwesa and Hululeka) that give you the opportunity to explore the region's pristine evergreen forests and countryside. Here you can wander in the relative remoteness of the area, away from the tourist crowds. They are also popular locations for fishing, hiking and bird watching.

For a part of South African history, you can take the Madiba Trail, which takes its name from President Nelson Mandela's Thembu Royal Family Clan. The trail takes you to Qunu, the place of his childhood, as well as visiting the University of Fort Hare.

The Nelson Mandela National Museum is housed in a domed shaped building called ‘The Bunga'. Here are many historical items and countless gifts bestowed unto him during his time as president. Before its current function, it housed the Transkei Parliament for over 50 years.

Some other structures that are worth checking out during your visit is the sandstone Town Hall building and its lovely gardens, which was finished in 1908; as well as the Umtata Dam, which serves as the town's water supply, as well as a popular water sport mecca.

Alice is named after Princess Alice, daughter of the British Queen Victoria. Many of the current political leaders in South Africa were educated at the University of Fort Hare, also the alma mater of former President Nelson Mandela. The university is also the repository of the archives of the African National Congress documents and houses one of the most significant collections of African art.

The location was named Lovedale by European missionaries who settled there in 1824. It was named after Dr. John Love of the Glasgow Missionary Society. During the Frontier War it was abandoned and the mission resettled on the west bank of the Tyumi River. On the east bank a fort was built, called Fort Hare, after Major-General John Hare, who was acting Lieutenant-Governor of the Eastern Cape. Alice was the administrative and magisterial capital of the old district of Victori East.

Renowned for its rugged scenery and delicious seafood, the Wild Coast is a very popular destination for extended spear fishing trips. Because of the long distances between towns, the poor conditions of the roads, the lack of facilities and the strenuous diving, this region is suitable only for self-sufficient parties of experienced divers. A bit of pioneering spirit is required.

This stretch of coast line lies in the Eastern Cape Province east of the city of East London and directly south of the town of Umtata. It can be reached by vehicle either from East London or Durban following the N2. The roads leading from the N2 to the diving spots are dirt, generally in poor condition and road signs are unreliable.

The coastline lies squarely in the path of the huge swells rolling in from the deep seas to the east making shore entries quite tricky to negotiate. Scuba diving is consequently not very popular in the area although there are many exciting reefs that remain to be discovered and explored.

Beautiful red, orange and yellow sponges and small soft as well as hard corals are typical of the area. Many species of game fish, plentiful crayfish and perlemoen (abalone) can be found. Sharks like the ragged-tooth, hammerheads and the occasional Zambezi are seen by divers and should be treated with respect.

Crayfish
The crayfish in this area has developed a protective relationship with moray eels. They live in the same hole and when a predator (like a diver) gets to close the moray takes a quick sharp nip. When Cray fishing look very carefully before sticking your hand into a hole.

Warning
Since the beaches are very remote, it is recommended that vehicles are locked and it is worth employing some of the locals to guard the vehicle and goods. It is also recommended that, unless you travel in a group of 5 people and more, you stick to the more populated spots.

How To Get There
Travel by car either from Durban or East Londen to Umtata (N2) and from there to Coffee Bay (after checking condition of the roads)

Best Time
The best time to go is during early winter (May to June) when the rivers are not flowing. During this time visibility is about 3m (10 ft) with sea-temperatures above 17C (63°F) and going as high as 23°C (73°F).