Nelson Mandela Foundation

General information

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation contributes to a just society by promoting the values, vision and work of our Founder.

The Centre of Memory undertakes the following activities:

1. Records and Documentation

Memory resources on the life and times of Mr Mandela are scattered geographically and across a range of legal and other jurisdictions. The objective of the Records and Documentation programmatic area is an integrated information resource on the life and times of the Founder. The Memory Programme will promote co-ordinated work on these resources and will convene them through both virtual and physical portals. It will locate, document, and curate scattered materials, linking layers of memory. In addition, it will promote the preservation and accessibility of memory resources, ensure integrated collections management at the Foundation, and, where appropriate, collect materials not already in archival custody.

2. Research and Analysis

Through thorough research and analysis, the Memory Programme will aim to ensure that memory resources are contextualised and reliable. The objective of the programmatic area Research and Analysis is to establish a unique research facility ensuring that all Nelson Mandela legacy endeavours are rooted in memory. This objective will be supported by three primary processes:

* Verification of memory resources in dialogue with scholars and historical participants
* Interrogation of texts, contexts and narratives
* Provision of integrated research services

3. Dialogue Programme

The objective of the Dialogue Programme is to develop and sustain a dialogue platform promoting the Founder’s legacy. The Nelson Mandela Foundation aims to utilise the history, experience, values, vision and leadership of its Founder to provide a non-partisan platform for public discourse on important social issues, and in doing so contribute to policy decision-making. Therefore, the Nelson Mandela Foundation intends bringing about meaningful conversations among all relevant stakeholders. Drawing on the rich traditions of transformative dialogue, problem-solving and social renewal that made South Africa’s remarkable transition possible, we hope to facilitate greater understanding and awareness about the problems faced by people particularly in South Africa and Africa, and the possible solutions available to them.
External Relations

4. Founder’s Office

The Foundation is committed to providing Mr. Mandela with full and integrated personal office and household services. Although Mr Mandela’s public engagements have decreased since his official retirement announcement in 2004, requests to Mr Mandela’s office remain at high volumes.