Former President of South Africa and apartheid champion, Nelson Mandela. (Stock Photo)

The life and struggles of former President of South Africa and apartheid champion, Nelson Mandela, will come into sharp focus when the Division of Culture hosts a lecture in his honour, as part of the activities for the Season of Emancipation.

Chairperson of the Council of the Nelson Mandela University and the United Nations (UN) Global Compact Local Network in South Africa, Nozipho January-Bardill, will deliver the lecture on Monday, July 18, at the Frank Collymore Hall, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The event is designed to reflect on Mr. Mandela’s life of service to humanity, as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, will deliver remarks.  There will be renditions from the Most Honourable Anthony “The Mighty Gabby” Carter and entertainment by the Barbados Community College’s band during the reception.

Mrs. January-Bardhill served as South Africa’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Holy See, as well as Deputy Director General, with responsibility for human resources and the Foreign Service Institute, in the South African Department of Foreign Affairs. She was also Chief of Staff and Special Adviser to UN Women in New York and South Africa.

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day.  The resolution A/RES/64/13 acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world, among other attributes.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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