News
Public asked to respect Mr Mandela’s privacy
Nov 24, 2008 – Nelson Mandela receives an average of 4 000 messages a month from people throughout the world. Of course, many of these messages pay tribute to Mr Mandela and wish him well. Equally, many are requests, mostly for his signature, a message of support, an endorsement, a public appearance or an interview.
Mr Mandela is 90 years old and in 2004 he publically announced his intention to step away from public life. Since then he has steadily reduced his engagements, and he now appears at public events only in extraordinary circumstances.
Statement from the Foundation on the death of Helen Suzman
Jan 1, 2009 – Following the announcement by her family that Helen Suzman passed away at age 91 this morning, I would like to express the deepest condolences from the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Our country has lost a great patriot and a fearless fighter against apartheid.
We remember how Mrs Suzman was one of the very few members of Parliament who protested against apartheid legislation, including the May 1, 1963 promulgation of the General Law Amendment Act or “the Ninety Day Detention Law” – the beginning of South Africa’s notorious system of detention without trial.
Questions now, answers in 2031
Dec 2, 2008 – “It’s an enormous responsibility, but there’s an opportunity to strategically influence the course of the epidemic [HIV/AIDS] in the future.”
Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Achmat Dangor was speaking at an aids2031 strategy meeting today, aimed at finding ways to change the future for SADC countries with extremely high HIV prevalence rates.
Nelson Mandela congratulates Barack Obama
Nov 8, 2008 – Nelson Mandela has written a personal letter to Barack Obama, congratulating him on his election as the president of the United States of America.
In the letter, Madiba applauds Obama’s commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world, and encourages him to make it the mission of his presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere.
Nelson Mandela’s speeches in 2008
Oct 31, 2008 – As we near the end of 2008 and the celebrations for Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday have begun to abate, we look back at his words of wisdom presented at various occasions in his honour.
Mr Mandela is fully retired and he seldom makes speeches. However, in this very special year, he chose to address a range of issues. This retrospective includes, in alphabetical order, speeches made at: an ANC birthday rally in Tshwane; the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Annual Lecture in Kliptown, Soweto; a children’s celebration in Johannesburg; a fundraising dinner in London for the 46664 HIV/AIDS awareness campaign; and at the 46664 concert, also in London.
Billy Nair passes away
Oct 23, 2008 – Veteran anti-apartheid activist and former political prisoner, Billy Nair, passed away on Thursday, October 23, at St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban. He was 78 years old.
Incarcerated for 20 years on Robben Island for sabotage as an Umkhonto weSizwe operative, Nair was held in the same section of the prison as Nelson Mandela and the other Rivonia Trialists.