US family in SA to mark 50 years since Senator's visit
This year marks 50 years since US Senator Robert F. Kennedy visited Chief Albert Luthuli in Groutville in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
To commemorate the historic meeting, Kennedy's daughter Kerry Kennedy is in the province with members of her family.
Members of both the Luthuli and Kennedy families have gathered at the Luthuli Museum where the official commemoration programme will take place.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Chief Luthuli's daughter Albertina and Kerry Kennedy are all expected to reflect on the day in June 1966.
The two families started the day with a service at the Groutville Congregational Church where Chief Luthuli served as a deacon.
They also laid wreaths at the family's gravesite. KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor Ricardo Mthembu says the occasion is important in keeping Chief Luthuli's legacy alive.
#KennedyVisit The choir singing before the delegation lays wreaths at the cemetery pic.twitter.com/g86VoDh7g0
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) May 31, 2016
KwaDukuza Mayor Ricardo Mthembu, Kerry Kennedy, Albertina Luthuli & Ambassador Patrick Gaspard #KennedyVisit pic.twitter.com/xjbwYkqZ9k
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) May 31, 2016
#KennedyVisit Kennedy & Luthuli families lay wreaths at Chief Albert Luthuli's gravesite in Groutville pic.twitter.com/3nN63Ub9Io
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) May 31, 2016
#KennedyVisit Dr. Albertina Luthuli introduces members of her family pic.twitter.com/ULtGGRXLFj
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) May 31, 2016
#KennedyVisit Minister Nathi Mthethwa has arrived. Seated with Mangosuthu Buthelezi pic.twitter.com/rKJ1KzAupE
— Khatija Nxedlana (@its_KhaTija) May 31, 2016