Messages of support

Achmat Dangor, Chief Executive, Nelson Mandela Foundation

It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to the second Social Report of the Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development.

Mr Mandela continues to inspire the citizens and leaders of the world as we collectively struggle to deepen democracy and freedom throughout an unequal world. As Mr Mandela moves more and more out of public life to spend time with family and close friends, we are increasingly reminded that it is not the man but what he represents and lives for that will guide us as we move forward.

Enver Motala, Chairperson, Nelson Mandela Institute Board of Trustees

In the time of its relatively brief existence the Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development has both conceptualised and developed its work in education and rural development significantly.

Largely through its engagements with schools and communities in rural settings and with the university community in which it is located, it has demonstrated both the importance of its approach to the challenges faced by those concerned with education and rural development and the practices necessary to respond to these.

Naledi Pandor, former Minister of Education

We as a government have committed ourselves to strengthening higher education in South Africa. This Institute is a part of that effort. We want the Institute to offer new beginnings, new opportunities, and new possibilities.

Mvuyo Tom, Vice-Chancellor, University of Fort Hare

The most profound challenge of the higher education sector during this period may very well be the transformation of the patterns and practices of the university to ensure that knowledge more effectively serves the dignified livelihoods of the rural poor.

Harry Belafonte

It is with a great sense of privilege that I come here today to this celebration and this acknowledgement.

My relationship with South Africa, and indeed all of Africa, has been long and rewarding. I have worked, as millions of us have, for the freedom of this continent. And yet my commitment has been greatest of all to South Africa. And the promise of South Africa. In the days of apartheid, we created a core of people among the leaders and people of America, and in particular the African-American community, who worked and struggled side-by-side with this country for its liberation and entrance into democracy. Our struggles were related then, as they are related now.

Graça Machel, Children’s Rights Activist

I wish to thank the Nelson Mandela Institute for a journey at this time – for a bold undertaking to find new solutions to old challenges of rural development and education. Education is undoubtedly the key to unlocking young people’s potential. In South Africa, and indeed across the African continent, more and more of our children are in schools – so we have made gains on that front. But that is only one half of the equation.

Basetsana Kumalo, Nelson Mandela Institute Ambassador

Mr Mandela has blessed us with so many gifts. Perhaps one of the most important is a reminder that life is a blessing – and if lived through the heart can change our world for the better.

In establishing this Institute, Mr Mandela has given us a lively daily reminder that none of us can be content until all of our children have access to life-affirming education, and lives of dignity.