Nelson Mandela Museum

The Nelson Mandela Museum, spread over three historic sites, tells Mandela’s story with impact of its reality, set as it is in the authentic landscape of his beginnings.

After Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994, he was given gifts from people, governments, institutions and nations. His footprints left imprints all over the world and the world wanted to acknowledge his contribution.

Mandela accepted the gifts on condition that he would donate them to the people and that they would be displayed near his home village of Qunu and it was decided to create the multi-faceted Nelson Mandela Museum.

Ten years to the day after his release on 11 February 1990, the Nelson Mandela Museum opened its doors. Today this constantly evolving legacy is housed at Mvezo, the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu and the Bhunga Building in Mthatha.

The Nelson Mandela Museum, spread over these historic sites, tells his story with impact of its reality, set as it is in the authentic landscape of his beginnings.

Nelson Mandela insisted it was not just to be a static collection and tribute to him, but a living memorial to his values and vision. It was to inspire and enrich all who visit it, serve as a catalyst for development, and should share the heritage and resources linked to him.

His gift is a living one, one that embodies his commitment to the principles of human rights, freedom, peace and democracy.

The Nelson Mandela Museum is at the centre of the Mandela legacy and celebrates that legacy through a variety of projects that include:

• A reference library with a definitive collection of books about Nelson Mandela

• Hosting youth leadership camps at the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, at which our future leaders are provided with an active learning experience that encompasses human rights, democracy, indigenous knowledge systems and national history

• Conceptualising exhibition programmes that illustrate his vision and values, his life and times.

The Nelson Mandela Museum is of enormous importance to the heritage of the Eastern Cape and for the whole of South Africa. Ensuring that Nelson Mandela’s legacy is protected, treasured and given the support to grow and develop, while helping our people to grow and develop, is a responsibility that is not taken lightly.

Bonke Tyhulu, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nelson Mandela Museum, has a mammoth task of accurately communicating and inspiring positive change in society through the legacy values of Mandela - those of ubuntu, integrity, innovation, stewardship, service excellence and development and learning.

We spoke to the CEO on the advantages of the Museum’s partnerships, his aspirations for the Museum and the effects of the recent Covid-19 pandemic on heritage spaces like the Nelson Mandela Museum.

CEO: Mr Bonke Tyhulu

Q: The Nelson Mandela Museum is involved in several strategic partnerships, what is the importance of the Private & Public Sector partnerships and sponsorships? i.e.: Mercedes Benz?

BT: Any form of partnership is highly appreciated in museums in general as they assist in developing content and promoting that to the public. As social partners it also ensures that there is consistent engagement in terms of what is expected from outside, and this museum can improve and satisfy that expectation without any hindrances. With sponsorships, the museum is able to continue with its programming and accessing new audiences. It adapts its content and operations. An example is the Mercedes Benz sponsorship; the vehicle will be used as a mobile museum that will enable the museum to reach out to the most inaccessible areas.

Q: The Nelson Mandela Museum is positioned as the “gateway to the Wild Coast”, what are the advantages of the Museum’s location?

BT: The Nelson Mandela Museum is of enormous importance to the heritage of the Eastern Cape and for the whole of South Africa. Ensuring that Nelson Mandela’s legacy is protected, treasured and given the support to grow and develop, while helping our people to grow and develop, is a responsibility that is not taken lightly.

The museum is situated at Qunu, along the N2 highway, south of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. Of course there are many advantages to that, firstly, close proximity to the Wild Coast, one of the busiest areas in the Eastern Cape, ensures that there is sharing of visitors and continuation of visitor experience without much interruption, and as a gateway, it is easily accessible by both air and road transport. Another advantage is that the museum is within close proximity to all the original sites associated with Tata Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela Museum: inside

Q: Covid-19 has impacted heritage spaces - what has been the effect of this, and the measurements that the Nelson Mandela Museum has put in place in the interest of the well-being of the Museum’s staff and visitors?

BT: Indeed, Covid-19 has affected a number of industries and the museums are some of the worst hit because they predominantly depend on physical visits from its clientele. In order to limit the effects, the museum has been proactive in ensuring safety of its employees and visitors by immediately introducing audio guides and self-guided tours. Covid-19 protocol compliance was prioritised and we secured the building and the exhibitions ensuring sanitation happens before entry to the building and also continues once inside the building. There is also visible directional signage indicating the sanitization stations. Face and nose masking is also a priority and entry is not allowed without wearing it properly. There is also a Covid-19 compliance officer who monitors the implementation of these measures.

Any form of partnership is highly appreciated in museums in general as they assist in developing content and promoting that to the public. As social partners it also ensures that there is consistent engagement in terms of what is expected from outside, and this museum can improve and satisfy that expectation without any hindrances. With sponsorships, the museum is able to continue with its programming and accessing new audiences. It adapts its content and operations. An example is the Mercedes Benz sponsorship; the vehicle will be used as a mobile museum that will enable the museum to reach out to the most inaccessible areas.

Q: Tell us about the innovations that will keep your business moving forward?

BT: One of the innovations was the virtual tours, though enforced by Covid-19. Through this initiative, the museum’s content remains in the public domain, meaning that whilst there cannot be many physical visits to the sites of the museum, at least through technology, people in different parts of the world can still access the museum.

Secondly the museum has continued to use its social media platforms to engage the public and is still able to keep the public well aware of what is happening.

Q: What are the future aspirations of the museum?

BT: One of the main goals is to turn the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre situated in Qunu, that serves as a catalyst for youth and community development programmes, into a hub of cultural activities. Plans to that effect are underway. These include the renovations to the site, the long walk to freedom film set exhibition complex, etc.

Q: How do you see the role of the Nelson Mandela Museum within the National and International Space?

BT: The role of this museum is to continue influencing national and international trends. Continuing with its role of being an African museum that inspires society. The museum inspires society in many forms. We remain a trend setter and a reliable partner at a global level.

The declaration of Mandela International day in 2009 by the United Nations was embraced by the Nelson Mandela Museum as one of its key initiatives to preserve the legacy and values of Nelson Mandela by making a difference in the lives of the needy and to inspire debate on topical matters that affect South Africans.