The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, which began calling for tenders late last week, said the former Transkei parliament, Umtata’s Bunga building, will be converted to house all the gifts received by Mandela during his term of office.
It’s hoped the museum, which will also document the anti-apartheid struggle, will be a major tourist attraction and help boost the urban renewal of decaying downtown Umtata.
One of the sections linked to the museum will be a youth education and recreation centre at nearby Qunu where Mandela grew up.
A third section will be at Mandela’s birthplace of Mveso and the department says initiatives are under way to make the village more accessible to visitors.