From January 25, Drakenstein Correctional Services, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the provincial government, announces the commencement of the 27 For Freedom run/walk and accompanying festival of events.
This event is in honour of a great statesman and the father of our democracy, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and is organised from the place of his release. It is the hope that ordinary South Africans will come together and commit to carrying his legacy forward. The focus is particularly on children, whom he adored.
The two weeks leading up to the main event day, Saturday February 10 marks the beginning of the celebrations, with sporting, literary, artistic and spoken word events taking place at the location where Mandela famously walked out of prison with his fist clenched in the air, going on to lead the Republic of South Africa as the country’s first democratically elected president.
The 2018 event is especially significant because Mandela would have celebrated his 100th birthday in July 2018. The event culminates in a 27km run/walk, representing the 27 years that Mandela spent behind bars. It includes a 10km and 5km option for novice participants as well. Entries are open and can be accessed on topevents.co.za. The festival of events comprises the following:
Some of the proceeds of the event will be distributed between various charitable organisations in and around the Drakenstein area.