From September 10^th to the 18^th, Afeni Shakur, mother of hip-hop culture icon Tupac Shakur (2Pac) will visit South Africa to deliver her son’s ashes on the 10^th anniversary of the hip-hop icons death.

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation says this also will be an opportunity for Afeni to meet with world icon and former South African president Nelson Mandela. Afeni hopes to develop a relationship between the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation.

Afeni will be traveling with her sister, Gloria Cox, and her daughter, (and sister of the slain hip-hop icon), Set Shakur. Afeni will tour South Africa and bring Tupac’s ashes to Soweto, South Africa. The Shakur family will also be visiting hospitals or orphanages offering their support.

The significance of Soweto as the birthplace of the South African struggle for democracy and against apartheid makes the area the perfect place for this honor. Afeni was a section leader in the Black Panther Party and her involvement as a leader influenced Tupac immensely. At a very young age, he was aware of the struggles of black youth both in the United States and Africa.

Afeni Shakur will be honored for her contribution as an activist for the rights of black people and the oppressed all over. She will be honored for her unselfish gesture in bringing her son to Africa. This touching gesture shows her commitment and belief in the youth of this country and her continued support of their struggles with the AIDS epidemic.

Afeni will also be visiting with South African Kwaito star and actor Zola. The musician and activist will record vocals to be featured along side hip-hop and rap legend Snoop Dogg and the late hip-hop rap icon Tupac (2Pac) on a 10th Anniversary CD.

Afeni Shakur says “I feel blessed to be able to visit South Africa, especially Soweto. Events that happened there are so much a part of our history and it will be an honor for my son to rest in this special place; the birthplace of the South African struggle for democracy. Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the people of South Africa has been immeasurable and I look forward to helping with his work all over the country.”

The return of Tupac Amaru Shakur’s remains to the birthplace of his ancestors will be celebrated in a traditional African ceremony with a praise singer on the 10th anniversary of his death, September 13^th, 2006. In attendance will be prominent political leaders, the South African government, representatives of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and guests of the Shakur family.