Foundation’s Legacy Gala Dinner helps to build a sustainable organisation

July 8, 2010 –The Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted a Legacy Gala Dinner last night, to raise funds and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

The dinner, which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, brought together some of South Africa’s top business people, government ministers and officials, as well as South Africa celebrities, musicians and artists, to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life.

At the opening of the event, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Achmat Dangor said: “We intend to stay around to promote Nelson Mandela’s legacy and we need your help.”

The Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted the event in partnership with World Fashion Month, World Legacy, Anglo Platinum and African Fashion International, to showcase Mr Mandela’s values and lifelong commitment to social justice.

Minister of Home Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who was a guest at the dinner, said: “This is very special because it’s in the name of the father of the nation. It is meant to inspire all of us and remind us of all his values. We hope he will remain our guiding star.”

The dinner saw jewellery and fashion items created by some of South Africa’s top designers sold on auction. The once-off pieces were all created to reflect the various facets of Mr Mandela’s legacy and the values that guide his life.

Fashion pieces designed by Eboka Design Studio, Marianne Fassler, Peter Soldatos, KLûK CGDT and Azzedine Alaïa were auctioned by Savile Row Auctions at the event; all funds raised go to support the Foundation’s work, aimed at continuing Mr Mandela’s humanitarian legacy.

Each item was named after one of the core values that have characterised Mr Mandela’s life, including his commitment to human rights, justice and reconciliation.

Master of Ceremonies Batsetsane Khumalo said: “Each designer reflected their own understanding of Mr Mandela’s value and we are here to support his value-driven legacy.”

Following the main course, platinum jewellery pieces designed by Chris van Rensburg, Cari Mari Wilsenach, Argyris Papgeorgiou, Bongani Ntshangase, Svelta Stephens, Hawa Bibi Essa, Labi Kapo,
Xolani Mayikana, Hailey Bruno, Hermine Kotze and Ivka Cica were auctioned. 

Mark Abraham, a guest who bought the “Diversity” piece designed by Cari Mari Wilsenach, said: “It’s important to support the work of the Foundation. It was an amazing event and I wish we could have more of these.”

Nelson Mandela Foundation Trustee Tokyo Sexwale said: “This evening’s dinner is about his legacy, reconciliation, human rights, all the things we know he stands for. He isn’t here tonight and we should learn do things by ourselves, in his name, for his legacy, in his absence.”

A host of top South African musicians including Swazi Dlamini, Judith Sephuma, Zolani Mkiva, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Danny K, Lebo Mashile, Lindiwe Suttle, Zolani Mkiva, S’bu Buthulezi, Laurie
Levine and the Buyani Dancers and Drummers entertained guests. At the start of the evening, Mashile recited a poem that was inspired by Mr Mandela’s early years and his hunger for freedom.

Deola Sugoe, a guest at the dinner, said: “I have no words to express this. It is an honour [to be here]. He is an awesome man who gave his all for freedom. Even in his old age he has spread a message of hope throughout the whole world.”

In addition to the fashion and jewellery pieces, a series of personal and collector’s items were auctioned. The event ended with performances by several local artists.