News
In conversation with Fatima Meer
July 13, 2008 – As part of an interview series to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 90th year, Tara Turkington spoke to veteran activist and campaigner for the poor, Fatima Meer. She shared her opinions on a range of issues facing South Africa and the world today, including poverty, the limitations of the South African Constitution and her thoughts on present-day leadership.
Audience receives Liberian president’s address warmly
July 12, 2008 – Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf stressed the importance of transparent, accountable government and the need to fight corruption in Africa, in a wide-ranging address delivered as the 6th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Kliptown, Soweto, this afternoon.
“Africa is not poor, but poorly managed,” she said, but encouraged the audience of hundreds of invited guests to be positive about the continent’s future. But, she said, there was no stopping the African Renaissance. “The new Africa is at hand!” she said.
The Sixth Annual Lecture address
Our revered President Mandela, our sister Graça Machel; distinguished ladies and gentlemen:
What an honor it is to be standing before His Excellency, Nelson Mandela, to deliver the 6th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture here at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto. What an honour to follow all the many sterling persons who have given this speech before me.
Madiba addresses audience at 6th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Kliptown, Soweto
July 12, 2008 – Mr Mandela opened the Annual Lecture event this afternoon with the following words:
President Johnson-Sirleaf, distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen,
We have for years remarked about people coming to such events primarily to see what an old man looks like. To see a ninety-year-old in real life must surely be an irresistible temptation!
Liberian poet presents poem to Madiba
July 12, 2008 – After the 6th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in Kliptown, Soweto, this afternoon, Liberian poet and politician Togba-Nah Tipoteh presented Mr Nelson Mandela with a poem he had written in his honour, entitled Mandela the Madiba. It is reproduced here.
Youth parliamentarians call for child-friendly leadership at annual lecture
July 12, 2008 – Two representatives of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund’s Youth Parliament attended the Annual Lecture today to present the parliament’s recommendations to Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Mr Nelson Mandela.