Nelson Mandela Museum
Overview of the Entity
The Nelson Mandela Museum is a Schedule 3A public entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), established in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act, 1998 (Act No. 119 of 1998). The Museum is mandated to preserve, protect, promote and present the life, legacy and values of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela for the benefit of present and future generations. The Museum is a unique “living museum” that interprets Nelson Mandela’s life through the landscapes and communities that shaped him. Its heritage footprint includes the Bhunga Building in Mthatha and the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu, The Museum also manages linked heritage sites, including the Ingquza Hill Museum and the OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance. Through exhibitions, education and public programmes, research, heritage conservation, community outreach, tourism development and digital engagement, the Museum advances social cohesion, nation-building, constitutional democracy and active citizenship while contributing to South Africa’s cultural and heritage landscape.
Vision
A leading African Liberation Museum that inspires positive change globally through the legacy and values of Nelson Mandela.
Mission
We are committed to preserve, protect and promote Nelson Mandela’s legacy through heritage conservation, advocacy, embracing nation building, social cohesion and transformation.
Legislative Mandate
The Nelson Mandela Museum derives its mandate from:
- Cultural Institutions Act, 1998 (Act No. 119 of 1998)
- National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)
- Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999)
- White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage
- National Development Plan (Vision 2030)
- Government priorities of preserving and promoting South Africa’s heritage and liberation history.
Key Mandates / Objectives
The Nelson Mandela Museum is mandated to:
- Preserve and safeguard the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
- Collect, document, conserve and digitise heritage collections.
- Develop and present exhibitions that interpret Nelson Mandela’s life and values.
- Promote heritage education and lifelong learning through schools and communities.
- Advance nation-building, reconciliation and social cohesion.
- Promote heritage tourism and economic development within the Eastern Cape.
- Conduct and support research on Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s liberation heritage.
- Build strategic partnerships that strengthen heritage preservation and public participation.
- Increase access to heritage through physical and digital platforms.
- Inspire ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and constitutional values.
High-Resolution Photographs
The following high-resolution photographs are attached as annexures:
- Bhunga Building (Head Office)
- Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, Qunu
- Mvezo Birthplace
- Permanent Exhibition
- Guided Heritage Tours
- Educational Programmes
- Nelson Mandela International Day Activities
- Heritage and Community Outreach Programmes
- Collection Conservation and Digitisation
- Public Engagement and Stakeholder Events
Annual Flagship Programmes for Profiling on DSAC Social Media Platforms
The Nelson Mandela Museum implements an annual programme of commemorative, educational and heritage activities that provide opportunities for profiling both the Museum and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. These include:
Annual Commemorative Programmes
- 11 February – Nelson Mandela Release Day Commemoration
- 18 July – International Nelson Mandela Day
- 5 December – Commemoration of the Passing of Nelson Mandela
Heritage and Public Engagement Programmes
- African Liberation Heritage Indaba
- Women’s Month Dialogue Series
- Human Rights Essay Competition
- International Youth Camp
- Public lectures and dialogues
- School heritage education programmes
- Community outreach initiatives
- Museum exhibitions and travelling exhibitions
- Heritage tourism promotion initiatives
Contact Details
Physical Address
Nelson Mandela Museum
Bhunga Building
Corner Nelson Mandela Drive and Owen Street
Mthatha
Eastern Cape
South Africa
Postal Address
P.O. Box 52808
Mthatha
5099
Contact Information
Telephone: +27 047 501 9500
Email: info@nelsonmandelamuseum.org.za
Website
www.nelsonmandelamuseum.org.za
Official Social Media Platforms
Facebook: Nelson Mandela Museum
Twitter: @MandelaMuseum
Instagram: official_nelsonmandelamuseum
YouTube: NelsonMandelaMuseum
TikTok: Nelson Mandela Museum
