Wednesday 18 July marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Former South African President, Nelson Mandela.
Mandela was an inspiration to the South African people and to the world, having fought hard against apartheid. He famously spent 27 years in prison after being accused of conspiracy. After global pressure, he was finally released in 1990 and elected President of South Africa in 1994, where he continued his fight for social justice, equality, and an end to poverty.
Mandala sadly passed away in 2013 at the age of 95, however his legacy has continued on through the works of The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the many global leaders he inspired.
The Mandela Lectures, now in its 16th year, coincided with the philanthropist’s birthday. The annual event acts as a forum to discuss South African and global issues and solutions.
The Nelson Foundation took to Twitter to honor the political leader’s birthday, saying “Today marks what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday. Let us celebrate Madiba’s centenary by taking #ActionAgainstPoverty each & every day”. The foundation continued to remind people that the fight for social justice must continue through a quote by the revolutionary: “The world remains beset by so much suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.”
On Tuesday, Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended the lectures to address attendees and the global community. While his speech did touch on the current U.S. Administration, some of which many viewed as thinly veiled critisims, he ended on a high note of inspiration, reminding people of Mandela’s mission.
“Mandela said young people are capable when aroused of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom,” Obama said. “Now is a good time to be aroused.”
> Charlotte Amoa
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