Mercedes-Benz South Africa produced a two-minute video
highlighting the special moments and ties the company has had with Nelson
Mandela.
The video traces the story of the top-of-the-range Mercedes
500SE that was built as a gift for
Madiba to celebrate his release from prison in 1990 after 27 years of
incarceration. Workers at the Mercedes-Benz factory in East London built the
car in their spare time for no pay and the company donated the parts and
facilities, and it took four days to produce this very special vehicle.
The bright red Benz was marked with a plaque announcing it
as Mandela's car, sported an engraving of the South African flag, and had a
personalised license plate inscribed with "999 NRM GP" - the NRM
standing for Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Footage from the plant shows workers dancing and singing in celebration as they work on the car, which was presented to Mandela on 22 July 1990 by company worker Philip Groom at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane.
“The Mercedes-Benz SA team made more than a car for Madiba – they made a symbol of pride and togetherness,” says a Mercedes-Benz SA spokesman. “Today on what would have been his 100th birthday, we honour the great man.”
Madiba’s Mercedes 500SE now resides at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.