South Africa is preparing to mark the twentieth anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison.
But the 91-year- old is too frail to join the main event of the celebrations - a march recreating his historic walk to freedom after 27 years in jail.
Dozens of ANC politicians, including President Jacob Zuma, are expected to gather outside the former Victor Verster prison at Paarl, near Cape Town, to retrace Mandela's footsteps.
Winnie Madikizela Mandela, who was by her then husband's side as the world watched on February 11th 1990, is also due to attend.
Mr Mandela, who has difficulty walking, will not appear in public until later in the day when he will be the guest of honour at President Zuma's annual state of the nation address.
The celebrations have been overshadowed not just by the failing health of South Africa's first democratically elected president, but a sex scandal surrounding its third.
Mr Zuma, 67, is facing calls to resign after revelations that he fathered a love child with the daughter of a friend.
The president, who practices polygamy according to Zulu tradition, betrayed his three wives with the affair.
The father of 20, is also accused of making a mockery of his own government's "safe sex" campaign, designed to combat HIV and AIDS.
He has apologised, but only after a public outcry over his conduct.
"Mandela led us properly," one student in Soweto told Sky News, "he didn't set a bad example like this."
The comparisons between the two leaders are the subject of national radio phone ins, with many callers bemoaning the lack of moral authority in today's ANC.
There is also frustration about the slow pace of change since the end of apartheid. Most black South Africans still live in poverty and the country is plagued by high rates of crime.
In his address to the nation, Jacob Zuma, is expected to recommit the ANC to uplifting the people. But many in South Africa believe Mandela's legacy is fragile in his hands.
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