INLSA
A visitor to the Nelson Mandela Foundation searches the Nelson Mandela Digital Archive Project a collaboration between the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and the Google Cultural Institute that was launched yesterday. Picture: Antoine de Ras
He’s at your fingertips, and instantly accessible.
Yesterday, the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory launched the Nelson Mandela Digital Archive Project on the web. Most of the material in it includes Mandela’s own writing while behind bars.
The event follows a close collaboration between the Centre of Memory and the Google Cultural Institute.
Google contributed R8.6 million to the Centre of Memory last year to help preserve and digitise thousands of archival documents, photographs and videos about Mandela.
The event’s organisers chose the launch date of March 27 to coincide with Mandela’s admission to the Joburg Bar as an attorney 60 years ago.
Verne Harris, of the Centre of Memory, told the audience at the launch that all the documents and videos belonged to the Centre of Memory and to all the contributors who held copyright to their material.
Harris said no ownership had been passed to Google.
“The project shows how the internet can help preserve historical heritage and make it available to the world,” said Google Cultural Institute director Steve Crossa. “We’ve worked closely with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory to create an interactive online experience with powerful search and browsing tools so that users can explore Mr Mandela’s inspiring life story.”
Luke Mckend, of Google SA, said the archive included more than 1 900 images, documents and videos, and would grow over time.
“South Africans from all walks of life can now engage with important parts of our country’s history,” he said.
One exhibit reveals what Mandela wrote about a near three-hour meeting he had with FW de Klerk on December 13, 1989 while still at Victor Verster Prison. The archive also includes a letter Mandela wrote in June 1969 to his daughters Zenani and Zindzi after the arrest of their mother, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Also on display is the original version of his book, Long Walk to Freedom, in Mandela’s handwriting.
So too are letters to his long-time friend, comrade and fellow Rivonia trial accused, Ahmed Kathrada.
Mandela also wrote extensively about his legal battles with former rugby boss Louis Luyt.
To explore the Nelson Mandela archive, visit http:// archive.nelsonmandela.org
