THE Mvezo Welcome Center — a contact point for tourists visiting the birthplace of former president Nelson Mandela — was completely destroyed by fire after a lightning strike last Saturday. Heavy rains and storms have lashed the Eastern Cape, causing flooding and leaving at least one person dead.

Mvezo chief, and Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, confirmed the destruction of the center in a statement Saturday. He said the building’s thatched roof caught fire.

“This was an act of nature and no foul play or any other cause is suspected. It is regrettable that we have lost this infrastructure, which was at an advanced stage of construction,” he said.

“We assure the local community and our development partner, the National Lottery, that no sabotage was involved,” he continued. (SD-Agencies)