The region's tributes to Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela died on December 5, aged 95.
Nelson Mandela died on December 5, aged 95.
Millions of people around the globe have been mourning Nelson Mandela today but for one man from Tynemouth his passing has particular significance.
Archie Sibeko shared a cell with the former South African president for a year as they both fought against Apartheid.
Now settled in the North East, the 85-year-old spoke to our Correspondent Gregg Easteal about the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.
"I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing. "
Owners John and Irene Hays say there is ''light at the end of the tunnel'', after the pandemic forced them to close 650 UK stores.
There has been resistance to calls to dismantle memorials to the explorer.