As the global community is finalizing plans to commemorate former South African first democratic president Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s birthday plans, in Alexandra Township- a stone throw away from the bustling Sandton City, a massive cake has been designed to commemorate his legacy.
The late uTata- a grandfather to us South Africans- will be turning 100 on Wednesday 18 July 2018.
The gigantic cake measured at 6x5m long, has been under construction for the past three-days.
It’s been prepared by cake fundi Doctor Mokwena, who has been in the confectionery industry for more than 17 years’ and colleague Gift Maruma from The Cake Masters at the Thusong Youth Center, Alexandra.
“The purpose of the cake is two-fold: firstly to let the people of Alexandra the role uTata played in the emancipation of the society in Alex, because he came to this township after his release; and secondly to his family for affording us this giant to foster and build democracy pre and post incarceration,” says Mokwena, who also indicated they duly informed the Nelson Mandela Foundation on the event and were given blessings.
The cutting of the cake will be led by one of Mandela’s political friend and stalwart ubaba Linda Twala, named “Father of Alex”, who will address the gathering.
ubaba Twala also indicated that he’s the one who welcomed Madiba into Alex straight from his cell.
“Myself and other well known politicians made home for Madiba after his incarceration at the house in 7th Avenue, which has now been turned into a heritage site,” says ubaba Twala, aged 73.
Interestingly, the likes of former Mozambique president Samora Machel, also came from Alex, he said.
Known as Sondom & Gomorra, Alex has also produced stalwarts of good standings from the likes of Kgalema Motlanthe, Zanele Mbeki, Alfred Nzo, and so on.
But for ubaba Twala, the world should not only see Soweto as the place where Madiba was raised, Alex also played a part in his upbringing and shaped his political career.
“I was invited to Qunu for celebrations but due to this event had to cancel. This will also help because I want former US President Barack Obama to pay a visit at the heritage site before his departure. I will make sure I meet up with him at the annual Mandela lecture today,” noted ubaba Twala, enthusiastically.
The event is sponsored by one of the world’s humanitarians Gift of the Givers- that will provide food parcels and soup kitchen for the community.
It begins from 10am until late.
Venue: 46, Richard Baloyi & 7th Ave, Heritage Site, Alexandra.
Our thoughts are always with you Madiba!
