Archbishop calls for commemorations of anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town has called on people of faith to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela by committing to “a new struggle... for social cohesion and the end of inequality.”

He called for events to be arranged at 4.14 pm next Wednesday, February 11, at High Courts or prisons around the country.

In a statement issued from a meeting of the Synod of Bishops in Durban, Archbishop Makgoba said:

“In my capacity as chair of the National Church Leaders' Consultation and after discussion with the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, I am calling on church leaders and their faithful to honour and mark the 25th anniversary of the release of Madiba, our icon and the father of our democracy, at 4.14 pm on February 11.

“I request interfaith groups around the country to spend 67 minutes converging on either their local High Court or a major prison, conducting a short march and holding prayers.

“I appeal to people of faith to celebrate Madiba's release by committing themselves to a new struggle, a struggle for social cohesion and the end of inequality.

“Whether it's a few of you, or hundreds of you, be as creative as you like in what you do – just mark the day and the moment, and commit to the new struggle.”