|
|
Posted by Devin Herd in Untagged
|
|
I’d like to bring your attention to something I’m very proud to finally introduce to the world.
I’ve been real fortunate to be part of a team of highly-skilled professionals working on developing an innovative online software platform. The platform has been designed to facilitate access to information through a unique spatial interface making use of online mapping technologies.
Our first client is the Nelson Mandela Foundation which requested that they use our platform to share content from their archive relating to Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and release, which took place 20 years ago on the 11th of February 1990.
Users can explore archival documents, photographs and audio-visual material related to the release and the political events directly preceding and following it – much of which has not been seen by the public. The archival material has been seamlessly contextualised in both time and space through our trademarked Natural Knowledge architecture.
We went live for the first time on the 11th of Feb and I’d really appreciate it if you could check out the site and put it to the test. Of course any feedback would be great.
http://www.20yearsoffreedom.com/
I also ask that all of you take the time to celebrate this occasion as it marks the release of our nation’s father after 27 years in prison. He has to be one of the most inspiring figures in history and we should all be grateful for the legacy he has left us.
The following was taken from a statement he made at the 1963 Rivonia trial.
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
He went on to become the first President of a democratic South Africa in 1994. In his inaugural speech he said:
“We understand it still that there is no easy road to freedom. We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfil themselves. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign.”
His life has been an inspiration, in South Africa and throughout the world, to all who are oppressed and deprived, to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation. He is a living legend and we must never lose sight of all he stood for.
Hope you enjoy the site. We’re now working on version 2.0 which will include plenty more features.