Overview
Identifiers
Descriptions
Mqhekezweni Great Place serves as the seat of the abaThembu traditional authority. This authority endured both colonial and apartheid rule, safeguarding cultural rights, customs, and traditional governance. Former president Nelson Mandela's childhood experience here provides valuable insight into the democratic nature of these traditional systems. Here is where he was taken in by the Mtirara Royal House and groomed to be an advisor to the next King.
A young Mandela taken in by Regent King Jongintaba of the Mtirara Royal House and raised him alongside his son, Justice. The imparting of this value system and approach to life would aid Mandela in becoming the world renown leader that he was.
Record Administration
Location
Location
- O.R.Tambo
- King Sabata Dalindyebo
Mqhekezweni
5040
South Africa
National Liberation Heritage Route
Gradings
Grading
Grading by: South African Heritage Resources Agency
Declarations
Declaration
“Mqhekezweni Great Place is the location of abaThembu traditional authority that has remained, in certain aspects, the same as the pre-colonial administrative system. The Traditional Authority survived colonial and apartheid governments as the custodian of cultural rights, customs and the retention of traditional governance. Nelson Mandela’s stay here as a child offers insight into the democracy of these traditional systems. It is a place where the values of active democracy and participatory citizenship were practiced and exhibited, greatly impressing young Nelson Mandela and profoundly influencing his notions and style of leadership as a prominent leader in the Liberation Struggle and South Africa’s first democratically elected president.”
Media
Media
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