Manfred Jacobs, 15, was at high school in Bredasdorp when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. He didn’t know, then, that Mr Mandela’s imprisonment was going to play such an important role in his life.
After finishing school Manfred joined the Department of Correctional Services, rising to the position of communications manager at Drakenstein Prison, the prison previously known as Victor Verster, from which Mandela walked free.
His role as communications manager brought him into contact with people wishing to visit the home Mandela occupied in the grounds of the prison. By the time Manfred resigned from correctional services in 2019 to set up his own heritage tourism business, he reckons he had guided approximately 40 000 people through the home.
These visitors included members of the Mandela family and cabinet, and international heavy-hitters such as Prince Edward, former presidents, and the musician, Annie Lennox. Manfred also had the honour of meeting Mr Mandela on three occasions.
With the support and guidance of the South African Heritage Agency (SAHRA) and the Department of Arts and Culture, Manfred continued to guide tourists to “Mandela House” – until March, when the coronavirus forced the closure of the tourism industry.
Now, after a few very dark months, there is a hint of sunshine again.
“I am very grateful to have recently been allowed back into the house to be able to put together my first virtual tour, for the Drakenstein Municipality, for Mandela Day. There is also an international cultural tourism group that has expressed interest.
“It sounds grand, but will in fact be quite basic. Just me, giving the normal guided tour to a camera".
“Besides being a lifeline for my own small business, it enables us to continue marketing South Africa’s story of hope to the world,” Manfred, now 45-years-old, said.
Comments