Tshwane to bestow freedom of the city on Mandela

South Africa's capital - the City of Tshwane - will bestow the freedom of the city award on former president Nelson Mandela on May 13. City of Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa said it would kick-off a year long programme to celebrate Mandela's life and legacy.

The former president turns 90 this year.” We are really honoured that Madiba has accepted our offer to bestow on him the Freedom of the City of Tshwane.

"It is indeed fitting that the capital city, the city in which he worked and lived as the first president of the democratically elected republic should bestow on him this honour." Ramokgopa said.

The official ceremony will take place on May 13 2008 at the Tshwane City Hall and simultaneously as an open public event at Church Square.

The conferment of the award on Mandela would, however, be done at another venue with the event beamed live to the City Hall and the Church Square.

Mandela already holds the freedom of various cities - including London, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney and Harare internationally; and Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Durban locally. - Sapa