Issued by: The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Mr Lionel Mtshali, on 19 January 1999, will host the unveiling of the Samora Machel Memorial at Mbuzine, the site where the late President of Mozambique was killed in a plane crash in 1986.
The Memorial is the result of a promise made by President Mandela at the tenth anniversary of the death of the late President Machel in 1996: that the governments of South Africa and Mozambique, in a joint project, would erect a memorial to pay homage to the life and vision of Samora Machel and those who lost their lives as a result of the crash.
The memorial was designed by Dr Jose Forjaz, an eminent Mozambican architect.
This memorial is one of eight new commemorative structures planned by the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology as a part of its national Legacy Project and the second to be unveiled. The national Legacy Project proposes to breath new life into South Africa's heritage sector by promoting consultation, redress and the development of community friendly public spaces. These new monuments, museums and other symbolic structures will all reflect the government's efforts to portray the full spectrum of South Africa's history.
The ceremony on 19 January will be attended by President Mandela, President Chissano of Mozambique, Cabinet Ministers, Premiers and MEC's. Both heads of state will deliver addresses, while President Mandela will unveil the memorial.
Representatives of the media are invited to attend the unveiling, the particulars of which are the following:
Date: 19 January 1999
Time: 10:00
Venue: Samora Machel Commemorative Site, Mbuzini
Enquiries: Frans Basson 021 4654850/78