There were no banners or posters inside or outside the house symbolising the statesman's birthday, just a man skipping outside.

Staff members said they had not celebrated the statesman's birthday since 2009.

"The last time we celebrated Tata's birthday all eight of us decided among ourselves to contribute R50 towards a cake and some refreshments, which we shared with tourists on the day," one of the employees said.

Manager Wayde Davy said a fitness trainer, David Khumalo, was asked to stand outside the museum and teach tourists how to skip with a rope. "He skipped for 67 minutes as a way of spreading Mandela's message of keeping fit."

Davy said this is her first year as the museum's manager and that it is difficult for them to organise "any large activities on the day", adding that: "We are a nonprofit organisation and we are still learning to get on our feet. There is no budget for notable activities yet."

Davy, who also manages the Apartheid Museum, said the venue itself was a draw-card for tourists. "Many tourists visit the museum on a daily basis without there being any special activities or events."

But staff members feel more could be done.

"We are not asking for much. We don't want anything for ourselves. We would just like for those who come to the museum on Mandela's birthday to leave with something tangible. A souvenir ... something to show they visited the museum on a special day." - louwp@avusa.co.za

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Sat May 18 21:31:44 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 19, 2012

SENDELENZULE

Craziness Mandela is from Qunu in the Eastern Cape and as he is very proud about his back ground prefers to enjoy his luxury time and special moments in his homeland.So people of Soweto have been spoilt rotten everything that is of importance they need to be always on the spotlight to hell with you.
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