Untold Mandela Stories

Gqeberha and the greater Eastern Cape was the birthplace of many struggle heroes. The most recognised of the leaders is Nelson Mandela (Madiba). Of the thousands of towns and cities across the globe that wanted the right to use Mandela's name, our metro was given the right to use the name. This tour seeks to explore and unearth stories that will help you understand the close relationship Mandela had with our city. We will talk about how Madiba influenced many activities in the city like the 1952 Defiance campaign; the launch of the armed struggle with the attack of security sites in 1961.

10h00: Depart from the harbour's cruise terminal. We will head east towards New Brighton. 10h30: We will visit Red Location, one of the oldest townships in South Africa. It was in this township that the first act of defiance was led by Raymond Mhlaba (one of the closest confidants of Madiba). Come and hear how Mandela helped with the planning of the campaign. Some of the first recruits to join Umkhonto Wesizwe were from New Brighton. We will visit their gravesite at Emlotheni Memorial Park. 11h30: We will depart for Zwide cemetery where Madiba's friends Oom Ray and Govan Mbeki are buried with other generations of leaders like the PEBCO 3. 12h00: We will depart for Motherwell. 12h15: Upon his release from prison, Madiba gave his speech at the Freedom Park in this township. 12h40: We will have a light lunch at the Pellet Doctor, a restaurant in the heart of Motherwell. Enjoy vetkoeks or roosterkoek with ginger beer or hot beverages. 14h00: Depart for the harbour 14h30: Arrival at the harbour.