Telkom safeguards Mandela’s legacy this Mandela Month

In the spirit of Mandela Month, Telkom, through the Telkom Foundation, has taken urgent action to help preserve Madiba’s legacy. 

When the air-conditioning system at the Nelson Mandela Foundation Archive broke down, threatening Nelson Mandela's priceless documents, letters and artefacts, Telkom stepped in to fund the full refurbishment of the system and ceiling.

This intervention ensures that Mandela’s personal collection is protected for future generations and enables the Foundation to continue to mobilise his legacy through memory and archives. 

“Madiba personified the qualities of compassion, responsibility and unity, and our role in refurbishing the archive air conditioning and ceiling reflects Telkom’s belief in the importance of preserving his legacy and of undertaking projects that have a lasting impact,” said Dr Patrick Sekgoka, Telkom Foundation Board Trustee. 

“By helping preserve these archives, we’re not just honouring history – we’re keeping it alive for future innovators, activists and dreamers," he added.

It is fitting that this handover takes place during Mandela Month, when corporates and individuals pledge their time and other resources to acts of service to others to honour Madiba’s legacy. 

“We are deeply grateful to Telkom for their swift and generous support in safeguarding Madiba’s archival materials. This intervention ensures that future generations will have access to his life’s work and the lessons it holds. Partnerships like these are vital in sustaining his legacy and advancing the values he stood for,” added Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Through this act of service, Telkom reminds us that protecting the past is also part of building a better future.