As part of International Nelson Mandela Month celebrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa will unveil two statues of ‘the Father of the Nation’ on Mandela Day, July 18, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

The project, spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Museum, is implemented in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture; OR Tambo District Municipality and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality.

According to a South African Government statement, the statues will be unveiled at the Nelson Mandela Museum, Bhunga Building in Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu.

“The first statue will represent Nelson Mandela as a Statesman and the other as a traditionalist.”

On the same day, the museum and department will hand over a library at Zingisa Comprehensive High School.

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day will be commemorated under the theme: “It is in Your Hands”. 

The planned activities will start with a public lecture at the Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu on July 17. 

During this month, government will host several events led by Ministers, Premiers, Deputy Ministers, Directors-General and public servants in all provinces.

These events include the planting of trees and the donation of blankets, clothes and food. Activities will also include the bolstering of food security with the planting of food gardens in communities.