Kaya FM receives Legacy Partner donor status from Nelson Mandela Foundation 2013

On 16 November 1993, Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk agreed on the basic elements that would allow for the country's first democratic general election to take place in 1994. The next day, the Multi-Party Negotiating Process (MPNP) debated the final details, and in the early hours of 18 November, the MPNP approved the interim constitution for the country and an electoral bill to underpin the 27 April 1994 poll.

It was therefore fitting that on 18 November 2013 the official unveiling of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory as a multi-purpose public facility was to be opened.

The official ceremonial opening of the Centre saw Kaya FM receiving acknowledgment of Legacy Partner status from Tokyo Sexwale, chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation Resource Mobilisation Committee. He personally thanked the representatives for their contribution to the Centre; among the new donors were Kaya FM and Thebe Investments.

During his speech President Jacob Zuma stated, "We support fully the work of the Centre of Memory to preserve the legacy of Tata Madiba for current and future generations. We also identify fully with your stated objective of contributing to a society that remembers its past and learns from all its voices in order to promote peace, human rights and democracy."

Pledging support and sounding the words of President Jacob Zuma, Managing Director for Kaya FM, Greg Maloka, stated: "Our contribution took the shape of a 67km relay we ran over Mandela Day 2013, inspired by Madiba's insistence that 'It is in your hands now.' A relay reiterates the idea of handing over the baton, and through this initiative we created a significant event with over 12,000 participants - all eager to participate in the preservation of Madiba's legacy. As we celebrate 20 years of democracy next year, we commit to continue to pledging resources to ensure our children are able to strive and prosper against all odds."

Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, thanked the donor partners, especially the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, and welcomed new Legacy Partner donors for the Foundation. Kaya FM values the partnership with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and particularly thanked Mr Hatang for seeing the vision of the Kaya FM 67km Relay for Mandela Day, and presented a symbolic commendation to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory as a symbol of Kaya FM's appreciation of the Centre's commitment to the inaugural Kaya FM 67km Relay for Mandela Day 2013.

The event concluded on a jovial note with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, performed by President Zuma, Prof. Ndebele and Prof. Nevhutanda and accompanied by the Soweto Gospel Choir.