A Final Step to Freedom
“Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again…I have walked that long walk to freedom,” Nelson Mandela, 1994.
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
On Sunday 11 February 1990, Tata Madiba took his final steps to freedom as he walked out of the Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison) onto the R301, which had recently been renamed Nelson Mandela Freedom Road. Today, residents are reminded of the area’s historic significance when they drive past the new sign at the end of Kliprug Road.
A life-sized bronze statue adorns the entrance to the prison, where hundreds of local and international visitors gather regularly to take photos in front of the iconic figure. Residents of the region are privileged to live in one of the most historically significant areas in South Africa – and the world. Madiba’s influence has resonated globally as he sought to unite South Africans in an increasingly polarised world. His ideas have promoted solidarity, transcended differences and embraced the concept of shared humanity.
On 18 July 2025, the Val de Vie Foundation, in collaboration with the Hope Through Action (HTA) Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre, joined hands to honour Madiba’s legacy in a celebration of community and compassion.
One hundred children from the @HomeLearning Programme and fifty residents and friends from Val de Vie Estate and neighbouring estates came together in honour of Mandela’s life and legacy for a joyful morning filled with fun, food, gifts and laughter.
Athi Ndamane, HTA Centre Manager, coordinated the celebration with support from the Val de Vie Foundation (HTA’s major benefactor), Rickety Bridge Winery (a key HTA donor), Brenthurst Wealth Management (represented by André Basson) and Bootleggers Drakenstein Centre.
The morning kicked off with warm welcome speeches from representatives of the Val de Vie Foundation, Rickety Bridge Estate, Brenthurst Wealth, Pastor Thembelani Msolo, a warden of the Drakenstein Correctional Centre and HTA/SCORE partner Stefan Howells.
The central theme that echoed throughout all the speeches and indeed the day itself was the “Y” in South Africa’s national flag, connoting the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, moving forward with unity.
