The Apartheid Museum, in collaboration with the Don Matter Heritage Foundation, will present an exhibition dedicated to the poet and activist Don Matter to commemorate his contribution to South African culture, his struggle, and his legacy. This Don Matter memorial installation will open on Mandela Day, July 18th.
Don Matter, who passed away on July 18, 2022, at the age of 85, was a recognized author, journalist, poet, and activist. His works documented the experiences of South Africans during apartheid. He was born Donato Francisco Matter in the Western tribal township of Johannesburg and was affectionately known as Bra Don, Zing, and Monnapula.
Later, as a Muslim, he adopted the name Muhammad Omarudin. Matter earned the nickname 'Bard of Liberation,' using poetry and journalism to resist injustice and preserve the memories of communities affected by apartheid.
The exhibition explores Matter's Afro-Italian roots—Khoi-Khoi, Tswana, and Neapolitan—and how the apartheid regime attempted to reduce complex identities to racial categories. It also examines his connection to Sophiatown, a Johannesburg suburb that served as a symbol of multicultural life before its demolition in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Growing up in Sophiatown, Matter encountered music, debates, beauty, and violence. After overcoming challenges related to street gangs, imprisonment, and personal losses, he turned to writing as a form of resistance. His words, activism, and cultural heritage are now being celebrated in this new exhibition at the Apartheid Museum.
Influenced by Pan-Africanism and Black Consciousness, Matter believed that culture could serve as a tool for liberation. His autobiography, 'Memory is a Weapon,' remains an important testimony to life under apartheid and the role of memory in the struggle. Despite two bans that lasted nearly nine years, as well as house arrest and marginalization, Matter continued to write, mentor, and organize events.
The Don Matter memorial installation will open on July 18th and will be available at the Apartheid Museum until the end of 2027. The exhibition is a joint project of the Apartheid Museum and the Don Matter Heritage Foundation.
On the annual Mandela Day, observed on July 18th, South Africans and people worldwide commemorate the memory and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This day serves as a global call to action, urging individuals, communities, and organizations to dedicate 67 minutes to helping others, symbolizing Mandela's 67 years of social justice.
Since school holidays coincide with Mandela Day this year, families have a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the remarkable life of Tata, extending beyond history textbooks. Visiting places that shaped his journey allows young people to personally connect with South African history, absorbing valuable lessons about courage, equality, forgiveness, and resilience.
Below are six historical sites where children can follow Madiba's footsteps and gain a deeper understanding of the man who helped shape democracy in South Africa.
Mandela House, located at 8115 Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, is a modest four-room home where Nelson Mandela lived before his imprisonment and returned after 27 years in jail. It now functions as a museum, offering an intimate glimpse into Mandela's family life through personal photographs, furniture, memorabilia, and honors.
Children can see bullet marks and burn scars left by attacks during the apartheid era, helping them grasp the reality of South Africa's struggle for freedom. The museum also displays gifts given to Mandela over the years, including sports souvenirs from Sugar Ray Leonard, revealing a more personal side of this global icon.
This experience is made even more memorable because Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize laureates—Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu—lived, making it a powerful place to discuss peace, leadership, and reconciliation.
Nelson Mandela's arrest site is located along the R103 highway near Howick, in the central part of KwaZulu-Natal. It marks the exact spot where Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962, leading to his 27-year incarceration. The most notable feature is an impressive sculpture made of 50 steel columns, which align perfectly to form Mandela's face when viewed from a specific angle.
The adjacent visitor center offers interactive exhibits, historical timelines, films, and multimedia displays that simplify the understanding of Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom' for children. Walking the same road where Mandela was detained creates a strong connection to history that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Families can also extend their day by visiting nearby attractions such as Piggly Wiggly Country Village and other Central Province family-friendly spots.
Few places illustrate Mandela's resilience as vividly as Robben Island, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. The trip begins with a scenic ferry ride from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, offering breathtaking views of Table Mountain and, if lucky, opportunities to spot marine life.
On the island, visitors tour the maximum-security prison, including Mandela's tiny cell. One of the most moving aspects of this experience is that many tours are led by former political prisoners who share their own experiences of confinement and the fight for freedom. For children, hearing these firsthand accounts transforms history into something real and deeply personal, while emphasizing the importance of democracy, human rights, and perseverance.
The Apartheid Museum remains one of South Africa's most vital educational attractions, offering a compelling experience suitable for older children. One of the most striking features begins even before visitors enter the museum. Guests are issued random entry tickets marked 'White' or 'Non-White,' requiring them to use different entrances. This simple yet powerful exercise immediately demonstrates the injustice and absurdity of apartheid.
Inside, photographs, film footage, recreated prison cells, and interactive exhibits document South Africa's painful past and Mandela's remarkable journey from activist to the country's first democratically elected black president. The museum encourages meaningful discussions about equality, discrimination, forgiveness, and nation-building, making it an unforgettable learning experience for the whole family.
Nelson Mandela delivered his first public speech at the Cape Town City Hall. Standing beneath the famous balcony, children can imagine the excitement and hope that swept across South Africa on that historic day. Inside the building, the permanent exhibition 'Nelson Mandela in Cape Town – A Legacy' uses audiovisual displays, photographs, and interactive exhibits to tell the story of Mandela's liberation and South Africa's transition to democracy in an engaging way for young visitors.
Children often admire that Mandela gave his iconic speech wearing Winnie Mandela's reading glasses after accidentally forgetting his own in prison. Most importantly, entry to the exhibition is free, making it an accessible addition to any family trip in downtown Cape Town. Families can easily combine their visit with nearby attractions such as Company's Garden and the Castle of Good Hope.
The historic Olange Institute, located 28 kilometers northwest of Durban, is where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote in the democratic elections on April 27, 1994. Founded in 1901 by John Langalibalele Dube, the significance of the school extends far beyond Mandela's visit. It was the first education institution controlled by the Black community in South Africa and remains an important symbol of Black excellence, education, and self-determination.
After voting, Mandela visited Dube's grave to pay tribute to one of the country's earliest Black leaders, providing an opportunity to teach children respect for those who paved the way for future generations. The Institute is also part of the Inanda Heritage Route alongside Gandhi Settlement and Inanda Seminary, allowing families to explore several important historical sites in one trip.
In observance of Mandela Day across the country, numerous events are planned in the City of Gold. One of these is a run and walk in honor of Mandela Day, intended to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, as well as the values of unity, determination, and well-being.
This run is inspired by Madiba's famous route through the streets of Houghton. It offers various participation options: a half marathon of 21 km, a 10 km race, or an easy family walk of 5 km, making it accessible to everyone. The event will take place on Sunday, July 19th, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium located at Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton. The start time for the 21 km and 10 km distances is set for 7:30 AM, while the 5 km starts at 7:45 AM. The event will also feature live entertainment and various activities.
A special version of Secret Sunrise Joburg called 'Madiba Magic' invites city residents to participate in a session dedicated to music, movement, and positive vibes. This gathering will include silent disco, light breathing exercises, rooftop views, coffee, food, and a Saturday morning atmosphere. Attire should be comfortable, casual, and weather-appropriate; extra points are awarded for caps, sunglasses, or the best 'Madiba' themed outfit. The event will take place on Saturday, July 18th, starting at 8:30 AM, at Mall of the South in Liefde En Vrede.
The Supercar Rhino Run event returns to the Kyalami track, uniting the Mzansi supercar enthusiast community in support of rhino conservation. Approximately 150 outstanding vehicles from across the country are expected to participate. There will also be an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest supercar/hypercar display. The program includes a supercar parade, a drift demonstration (a motorsport display of skill and athleticism), spinning displays, tire burnouts, a simulated anti-poaching operation, and a K9 demonstration, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This will happen on Sunday, July 19th, starting at 8:30 AM, at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit track in Midrand.
