It has been 16 years since the great giant Nelson Mandela planted the Champion Tree in Thokoza Park in 2008. The Celtis Africana or White Stinkwood, stands tall and strong, symbolizing the fortitude and resilience, characteristic of Tata Madiba.
The Gauteng Provincial Heritage Resources Authority declared the “Mandela Tree”, and the Garden of Remembrance as an official heritage site.
In commemorating this great legend, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is pulling all the stops for what could be considered the most historical and significant International Mandela Day since the dawn of democracy, thirty years later.
Delegates from the city will lay a wreath, plant trees, and light a candle in remembrance of Madiba. Children from a nearby creche will render an item, while attendees will be encouraged to write messages of hope on white pebbles.
The community, environmental organisations, Friends of Thokoza Park, and veterans will pay homage to a stalwart of peace and human rights.
“After 16 years, the site remains a popular international tourist destination and is visited regularly by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and other dignitaries. Its presence in Soweto, which lacked trees and green spaces, highlights the importance of greening and the need to build vibrant, liveable communities,” said Jenny Moodley, Spokesperson at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ).
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