News
Liberian president shares reflections on leadership with top South African women
July 11, 2008 – Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf spoke of women’s ability to build peace and a better Africa if they worked together, at a breakfast for women leaders in business and government in Johannesburg this morning.
And wife of Mr Nelson Mandela, Mrs Graça Machel, called on the women present to commit themselves to working together with women from Liberia to rebuild that country’s ruined economy.
The breakfast was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mrs Machel, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where it took place.
Liberian president praises Madiba, criticises Zimbabwe
July 10, 2008 – Africa’s first elected female head of state described Nelson Mandela as “Africa’s greatest hero” today.
Speaking at a press conference at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said that she had been inspired by Mr Mandela’s ability to lead and motivate others. She was moved by his capacity for displaying compassion in the true spirit of truth and reconciliation. “I even admire the fact that he still exercises,” she said.
Annual Lecture programme announced
July 9, 2008 – The Sixth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture will be held this Saturday, July 12, 2008, in Kliptown, Soweto. Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the keynote speaker.
The annual event is considered the highlight of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s calendar programme. Previous speakers include South African President Thabo Mbeki, former United States President Bill Clinton, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and Nobel Laureates Prof Wangari Maathai and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.