Hunt on for Madiba’s ‘taxi’
Searching for vehicle that transported Madiba from prison to Cape Town’s Grand Parade on his first ride to freedom.
THE department of transport and public works is trying to trace the vehicle that transported Nelson Mandela from prison to Cape Town’s Grand Parade on his first ride to freedom.
Madiba made his first address on the steps of the City Hall on 11 February 1990 after being released from the then Victor Verster Prison in Paarl, his first taste of freedom after 27 years in prison.
Kensington resident and ANC veteran Dawood Khan had been tasked by the party to arrange transport for Mandela and his entourage.
Khan organised a fleet of Toyotas, including the Cressida which carried Madiba; it belonged to Khan’s daughter-in-law, who later sold it.
Nearly 24 years on, it is unclear what became of the vehicle and who owns it.
Senior manager in strategic management support in the department, Kenneth Booysen had instructed officials to get details that could help track down the vehicle.
They want the vehicle restored and to become a tourist attraction.
Head of Ministry Sanele Nyoka sent the vehicle’s registration number, as it appears in a photograph taken the day Mandela came out of prison, to an official who would conduct a search for the current owner.
Nyoka said transport and public works MEC Robin Carlisle was aware of the project.
Khan, now 83, could not provide details that could be helpful in the search.
He had previously said he didn’t remember who the car had been sold to as it was sold to a private owner who paid cash and left with the car.
