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The early years of the icon
The Nelson Mandela Museum
The Nelson Mandela Museum in downtown Mthatha.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Rolihlahla is a Xhosa name meaning 'the twig that bends but does not break'.
The Nelson Mandela Museum in South Africa was opened on 11 February 2000 as a tribute to the great man's tireless efforts in the struggle for liberation.
The Nelson Mandela Museum focuses on 3 sites in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. At the impressive Bhunga building in Umtata, the story of his life is celebrated in his own words alongside gifts he received during his presidency. At Mvezo visitors can see where he was born, and at the Qunu Museum, the cultural village where he was raised, a youth and heritage centre is being built.
The Nelson Mandela Museum celebrates the story of South African liberation and international peace icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who was born of Tembu royal lineage at Mvezo in the Eastern Cape on 19 July 1918.
He joined the African National congress (ANC) and in August 1943 took part in his first march in support of the Alexandra bus boycott. ‘I had become a participant,' he noted. ‘I found that to march with one's people was exhilarating and exciting.'
Soon the youthful Mandela was pushing to the front of resistance marches. He was also at the forefront of changing the direction of the ANC. He was instrumental in establishing the movement's Youth League and its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), after it was forced underground.
In 1963, while serving a three-year sentence for leaving the country illegally and inciting workers to strike, he was charged with treason and sentenced to life in prison.
Nelson Mandela was finally released on 11 February 1990 and played a pivotal role in South Africa's peaceful transition, becoming the country's first democratically elected president in 1994. For his efforts he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
The Nelson Mandela Museum is situated halfway between Durban and Port Elizabeth on the N2. It can be accessed by road from Cape Town, East London, Port Elizabeth and Durban. Note that the exhibition in the Bhunga building in Mthatha will be moved to the Qunu centre in September while the Bhunga undergoes a two-year renovation.
Around the area
The Eastern Cape has some beautiful beaches. You can also take in a township tour or an African cultural village in any of the main cities.
Get around
To visit all three parts of the museum you will need a car.
Length of stay
You will need at least a day to explore all 3 sites.
Where to stay
Umtata has some wonderful guesthouses where you can spend the night. The major cities of East London and Port Elizabeth also have a variety of accommodation options.