Youth Called To Carry Madiba’s Baton Forward
The main lecture, which was delivered by former US President
Barack Obama, took place on the eve of what would have been
Mandela’s 100th birthday, which is celebrated globally under
the banner of Mandela Day.
Obama’s speech was preceded by speeches from high ranking
dignitaries, who reflected on Madiba’s legacy, as the late
Mandela was affectionately known.
The lecture is an initiative of Nelson Mandela Foundation in
partnership with the Motsepe Foundation.
To honour the centenary of Madiba’s birth, the lecture’s theme
was ‘Renewing the Mandela Legacy and Promoting Active
Citizenship in a Changing World’. It focused on creating
conditions for bridging divides, working across ideological
lines, and resisting oppression and inequality.
Bidvest Wanderers Stadium was packed to the rafters with a 15
000-strong crowd.
The event was graced by former United Nations Secretary-General
Kofi Annan, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
members of the Mandela Family, government ministers and leaders
various political parties.
The much awaited lecture was addressed by programme director
Busi Mkhumbuzi, Mandela Foundation chairperson Professor
Njabulo Ndebele, Motsepe Foundation founder and CEO Dr Patrice
Motsepe, activist and Madiba’s widow, Graça Machel and
President Cyril Ramaphosa before Obama spoke.
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