Activist and friend of Nelson Mandela Andrew Mlangeni
By Isseu Diouf Campbell and Utibe MBagwu
Translation in French by Aisha Dabo
The United Nations hosted a special meeting on July 18th, 2013, Nelson Mandela International Day, memorializing the South African leader’s extensive work in social justice, his commitment to public service as well as his 95th birthday.
To mark the occasion, the United Nations welcomed world leaders to its headquarters in Manhattan, to applaud the political leader’s work and enduring inspirational essence. Speakers included former United States President Bill Clinton, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Andrew Mlangeni, a dear friend of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned with him in the plight to overthrow South Africa’s apartheid system.
Observing Mandela’s continual social dedication while the political activist was behind bars, keynote speaker Mr. Clinton iterated “you don’t have to be in public service to serve the public.” In this spirit, the Nelson Mandela Foundation advocates the volunteering of 67 minutes to community service every Mandela Day, one minute representing each year Mandela devoted to public service.
Andrew Mlangeni also recalled Mandela’s years of dedication to the struggle for human rights and illustrated that Mandela’s sincerity, purity and “readiness to serve his fellow man” were qualities that made him a better human being and leader. By continuing to fight injustice and serve others, we “work together to obliterate all social ills that undermine the progress of a better world.”
Andrew Mlangeni as well as the numerous world leaders that spoke of Nelson Mandela’s outstanding legacy conceded that at this time of Mandela’s hospitalization, thoughts and prayers are with South Africa’s former president, his family and all the citizens of South Africa.
Photos of the event
