ANC: Mandela will not be part of celebrations at former prison

Feb 9, 2010, 14:32 GMT

Johannesburg - South Africa's ruling African National Congress said former president Nelson Mandela, 91, would not be taking part in commemorations at his former jail on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of his release from prison.

The party was clarifying the anniversary programme after confusion about the participation of the frail anti-apartheid icon.

Referring to Mandela using his clan name, by which he is affectionately known in South Africa, the ANC said: 'The only activity that Madiba will attend is the state of the nation address, which will take place on Thursday evening in parliament.'

President Jacob Zuma, who is South Africa's fourth post-apartheid president, will deliver the address at the opening of parliament.

Last week, Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula, who is overseeing the anniversary activities, was quoted as saying that Mandela himself was expected to attend the celebrations at Victor Verster prison - the prison from which he memorably walked free hand-in-hand with his then wife Winnie on February 11, 1990.

The jail outside the town of Paarl in the Western Cape is where Mandela spent the last years of his 27-year imprisonment for defying white apartheid rule.

In Mandela's absence, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela will headline the event, by leading a 500-metre walk to symbolize Mandela's walk to freedom from the prison.

Mandela, who became South Africa's first democratically-elected president four years after his release, relies on a wheelchair for mobility now.