By Aaron Oguttu
In the annals of history, there are a few people who have made an unforgettable impact on the world. Nelson Mandela is one of those remarkable individuals whose unwavering determination, bravery, and fight for justice left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Now a decade since he passed on, the anti-apartheid activist and politician is being commemorated worldwide under the theme, “10-year remembrance of Nelson Mandela.”
As part of the activities to mark Makerere University’s 100 years of existence last year, the university launched the Annual Nelson Mandela Public Lecture where an incisive discussion on “The Legacy of Nelson Mandela and the Role of higher education in the African Union Agenda 2063” was held.
This year, the Annual Nelson Mandela Public Lecture will be held on Thursday 20th July, 2023 starting at 1.30pm under the theme “Positioning Africa for Climate Justice and Food Security”
The Annual Nelson Mandela public lecture comes on the heels of World Bank findings that by the time many of the teenage climate activists of today are in their late 20s, climate change could force an additional 100 million into extreme poverty. Additionally, the International Food Policy Research Institute estimates a 20% increase in malnourished children compared to what we would see without climate change. This year’s annual lecture seeks to start a conversation on the need to focus on climate justice and food security while we revoke some of the bad practices that worsen these circumstances.
This year’s commemorative activities kicked off with community service dubbed “67 minutes of service for Mandela” held at Makerere University Primary School for 67 minutes, on the 14th July 2023. The “67 minutes of service for Mandela” were a tribute to the years Madiba spent making the world a better place.
The event was graced by the presence of H.E Xingwana Lulu, the South African High Commissioner together with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The activities included cleaning and painting of the primary school which emulates Madiba’s belief in service above self and giving back to society in whatever means possible.
H.E Xingwana Lulu, South Africa High Commissioner flanked by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe cleaning Makerere University Primary School
Interesting to note is that this year’s keynote address will be given by Chief Zwelivelile Mandela Mandla, a Member of parliament in the Republic of South Africa & Grandson to the late Nelson Mandela.
Zwelivelile holds a degree and a postgraduate diploma in political science and International studies from Rhodes University. He was appointed a Member of Parliament by the African National Congress following successful elections in May 2009, 2014 and recently 2018 and has focused on strengthening South Africa’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and is currently the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Chief Zwelivelile Mandela Mandla,Grandson to Nelson Mandela, the Keynote Speaker of this year’s Nelson Mandela Annual Public lecture
The Annual Nelson Mandela public lecture will enable knowledge sharing and the continuation of Madiba’s Legacy. It will provide an opportunity for experts and scholars to come together and share their insights on Mandela’s life and work, as well as the broader issues surrounding food security and climate justice.
The Makerere University Endowment Fund invites the general public to attend this year’s Nelson Mandela Public Lecture in honor of a global icon, in whose memory we shall share knowledge in Africa’s pursuit for climate justice and food security.
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