Mandela, SA to star at Tattoo
26 January 2004
Nelson Mandela has been invited to be a guest of honour at this year's Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as part of the Scottish capital's celebration of the 10th anniversary of democracy in South Africa.
According to Scotsman.com, Mandela's visit will be the highlight of a year-long celebration which will see all of Edinburgh's international festivals carrying a South African theme.
The former South African president, whose struggle against apartheid inspired support for the cause around the world, received the freedom of the city on his last visit to Edinburgh in 1997.
The city has a long association with South Africa and its struggle for equality, Scotsman.com reports. "It is home to a bronze statue, African Woman and Child, by sculptor Ann Davidson in Festival Square on Lothian Road.
"And a council meeting room where officials wrote letters of support to freedom movements in South Africa and put pressure on the British government
to support calls for democracy was renamed the Nelson Mandela room in the 1980s."
Edinburgh Lord Provost Lesley Hinds told Scotsman.com: "As we move closer to celebrating 10 years of democracy, it is important to recognise the efforts of people and organisations in Edinburgh, and indeed in Scotland, who have played a role in bringing about and maintaining democratic freedom in South Africa."
Edinburgh's festivals and events champion, Steve Cardownie, said: "Unfortunately, when Nelson Mandela was awarded the freedom of Edinburgh [in 1997] he was ill and had to accept it in the confines of his hotel room. To get him to come here to celebrate in a more fitting fashion would be fantastic, and hopefully he will accept the invitation."
Tattoo organisers have already booked the South African Navy Band from Cape Town for this year's event.
Scotsman.com quoted a spokesman for the Tattoo as saying: "We would certainly be very happy to welcome a statesman such as
Nelson Mandela to be a guest of honour at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Who wouldn't?"
During his acceptance speech for the freedom of Edinburgh in 1997, Mandela said: "We will always cherish our association with the citizens of Edinburgh and the people of Scotland. Long may we be partners for peace and prosperity."
SouthAfrica.info reporter
| 
