Item 981 - Speech for the reception following unveiling of statue in London

Identity area

Reference code

ZA COM MR-S-981

Title

Speech for the reception following unveiling of statue in London

Date(s)

  • 2007-08-29 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

Transcription of speech made by Mr Mandela

Context area

Name of creator

(18 July 1918-5 December 2013)

Biographical history

Archival history

Migrated from the Nelson Mandela Speeches Database (Sep-2018).

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Reception following the unveling of Mandela's statue

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Conditions governing reproduction

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

Language and script notes

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Finding aids

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Related units of description

Related descriptions

Notes area

Note

TRANSCRIPT

A great honour was bestowed on us today. I am told that the statue now unveiled in Parliament Square is a salute from the people of Britain to the liberated people of South Africa. We thank you for such a tribute.

I am pleased that the statue will be a representation - and a constant reminder - of South Africa’s liberation after many long years of struggle. In Britain you have played an important part in this process. We in South Africa will not forget your efforts to support our liberation struggle - your hospitality to individuals and organisations, your boycotts, your protests, your fundraising campaigns. We remain profoundly grateful for this support. And, today, we are grateful for the support you have given in ensuring that this statue has become a reality.

As a very old pensioner, I am particularly happy to have been part of today’s celebrations. I well remember the visit I made in 1962 to Parliament Square with Oliver Tambo, and how we joked that perhaps someday a statue of a black man would be found alongside that of General Smuts.

Well, now the General and I are both in the Square. I think we can live together.

Congratulations to you all for your contribution to the success of this initiative. I thank you again for the accolade you have given us and the people of South Africa

Alternative identifier(s)

Access points

Subject access points

Place access points

Name access points

Genre access points

Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

Rules and/or conventions used

Status

Level of detail

Dates of creation revision deletion

Acquisition method: From hard drive ; Source: Nelson Mandela Foundation. Accessioned on 16/07/08 by Razia Saleh

Language(s)

Script(s)

Sources

Accession area

Related people and organizations

Related genres

Related places