Nelson Mandela International Day: ‘Interdependence & Internationalism, Imagining a Mandela Future’

ABOUT THE EVENT: 

The inimitable Nelson Mandela left a legacy of principles and vision that are more necessary today than when he gave brave leadership to all citizens of South Africa. He was a courteous, generous individual who carried no bitterness, not even to those who had imprisoned him for twenty-seven years. His courage showed in refusal to compromise when faced with injustice. His vision of a non-racial South Africa was displayed in his embrace of the people of all nations, colours and creeds and by his skills in negotiating peace with justice. He believed that interdependence meant learning about living together. Perceived as an international citizen, he was supported in the worldwide chorus ‘Free, Free Nelson Mandela’. Today’s Webinar provides the chance to recall his life’s work and to remain determined to live by his principles and to learn from him.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: 

Mr Sello Hatang is the Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Previously he was the Head of Information Communications and spokesperson for the South African Human Rights Commission. He participated in the post-1994 transformation of the National Archives, including providing archival support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and is a former Director of the South African History Archive (SAHA) at Wits University. He serves on the boards of the Open Democracy Advice Centre and Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC). He is a member of the editorial team for Nelson Mandela’s book Conversations with Myself and co-editor of Nelson Mandela: By Himself: the Authorised Book of Quotations. He is a 2014 Archbishop Tutu Fellow. He recently successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro three times to help keep girl children in school. Hatang was given the Keys to Florence, Italy, in acknowledgement of his leadership, and an honorary diploma from the city of Buenos Aires.

Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees AM is a former Professor of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of Sydney, Founder/Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation and co-founder of Sydney University’s Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies. A Human rights activist in several countries, author of books on human rights, peace negotiations, social justice and of poetry anthologies, ‘Tell Me The Truth About War’ and ‘A Will To Live.’ In 2005, Stuart was awarded the Order of Australia ‘For service to international relations’ and in 2018, the Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize. His most recent book, ‘Cruelty or Humanity: Challenges, Opportunities and Responsibilities’ was published in September 2020 by Policy Press.

Phillipa McDermott is head of Indigenous Employment at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and is acknowledged as an influential national senior leader in the fields of employment, media and the arts. Her work encompasses complex decision-making and high-level strategic planning, governance and change management, HR and workforce planning.

Phillipa’s Board memberships include the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre and Ramsgate Out of School Hours Care. The previous Chair of Gadigal Information Service and Koori Radio, Co-Chair of Corroboree Sydney, Chair of Tullagulla Inc., Phillipa has also sat on the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board and on the Boards of NAISDA, First Hands Solutions, The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team and Media Ring.