Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebration
This year marks a significant date in South African history as it celebrates the centenary year of one of our country’s celebrated leaders, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Joining in on the tributes is Africa’s leading carrier, South African Airways (SAA), proudly announcing its support of centenary celebrations of our humble former President.
To mark this milestone, SAA has introduced special initiatives to honour Madiba, in keeping with the worldwide centenary campaign by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SA Tourism, and to celebrate what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday. SAA has branded three aircraft within its fleet – an Airbus A320-200, A330- 300, and an A340-600, with its own specially designed logo, as well as the official ‘Be the Legacy’ logo in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s contribution to humanity and as a sign of respect for the late President and philanthropist.
In Kenya, SAA has partnered with the national museum of Kenya, to hold a conference and exhibition on 17th, 18th and 20th July in celebration of Mandela 100th birthday. SAA has also contributed stationery to a school in Kilifi.
Over the coming months, headrest covers and special edition paper cups inside the planes will inspire travelers to contemplate and reflect on Madiba’s legacy and carry these with them to their next destination. SAA’s in-flight entertainment will also be reflective of the Nelson Mandela Centenary, and travelers are encouraged to watch the movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and the sports documentary – Mandela’s World Cup, on SAA’s international flights.
SAA’s support of the Centenary, which runs for the entire year, will culminate in a surprise element later in the year, which promises to carry further the Nelson Mandela legacy across the airline’s route network. “As an African carrier with global reach, it is only natural for SAA to celebrate what would have been Tata’s 100th birthday, by sharing his values with South Africans and people around the world. We hope that through these small gestures we can inspire others to strive for his ideals and continue his legacy,” says Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.
Customers who are members of SAA’s frequent flyer programme, Voyager, will also be given the chance to give back, by voluntarily donating some of their Voyager Miles to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. In addition, Voyager customers flying today, Wednesday, 18 July will earn an extra 100 Voyager Miles per sector when flying on SAA operated flights only. “We hope these gestures show our gratitude and recognize his selfless contribution towards the freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” concludes Tlali.
Finally, as Madiba’s smiling face appears on the July 2018 cover of Sawubona, SAA’s inflight magazine, articles within urge passengers to visit some of the must-see historic Mandela sites across the country. These include the 100 landmarks that shaped Nelson Mandela’s journey. South Africa continues to honor the man who touched the world, and South African Airways invites you to engage with his remarkable legacy.
Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs
About South African Airways
South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and nine intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low-cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Africa category; this shows that our customer-facing employees are our true brand ambassadors who made a difference to millions of travelling customers
