Verne Harris and British comedian Eddie Izzard
The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory has honoured the individuals and institutions which have helped to promote Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
At a ceremony at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Johannesburg on Thursday night, Achmat Dangor, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, thanked the government of Germany, former US President Bill Clinton, SAP Africa amongst others. He thanked Vodacom for its continued support and Volkswagen South Africa which donated a vehicle to the Centre of Memory to assist it in its work.
A special word of appreciation was made to the Government of India for providing the funds for the construction of the premises of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. British comedian Eddie Izzard said he had done “nothing” apart from boycotting South African products to help free Mr Mandela from prison.
He announced that he would “run 27 marathons in 27 days as a small tribute to Nelson Mandela’s 27 years in prison.” He called on people to not stand in awe of Mr Mandela, but to be inspired by him and aim to match his actions and to say: “I can do what he did.” “You can only get another Nelson Mandela if you study history,” he said.
Tokyo Sexwale speaks to guests about the legacy of Mr Mandela
Tokyo Sexwale, a South African government minister, former political prisoner and Trustee of the Board of the Centre of Memory was also honoured. Dangor said his contributions alone were “in excess of 1.5 million dollars”.
“We are not the champions,” said Sexwale. “The champion is our founder and our father ... Madiba’s values and principles are driving us.” Sexwale said that the focus of Mr Mandela’s political life was on dialogue, and emphasised the significance of the Centre of Memory’s focus on this aspect and the effect it can have. “Nelson Mandela represents one critical value: reconciliation,” said Sexwale. “We want commitment!”