KAMPALA – The new South African High Commissioner to Uganda Lulama Mary-Theresa Xingwana has met with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during her inaugural visit to Makerere University on Friday.
The two discussed the revive the Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture, despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lecture which was launched on August 31, 2017 by President Yoweri Museveni and delivered by Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, Ms. Zoleka Mandela is an initiative of the South African High Commission in Uganda and Makerere University.
“When I presented my credentials, I informed His Excellency the President of our readiness to revive the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture and as part of the events celebrating Mandela Day this year, unveil a statue erected at the Mandela National Stadium,” said Xingwana.
She proposed the weeks either preceding or following Mandela Day on Sunday 18th July, 2021 as possible dates for the Commemorative Lecture and Unveiling Ceremony.
“I thank you for hosting us and contributing your time and resources to ensure that the Nelson Mandela Lecture lives on as an educative, conscientiousness and awareness raising programme especially for the young people.”
In response, the Vice Chancellor said it was a privilege and honour for Makerere University to host the Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture in appreciation of the former President’s selfless sacrifice.
“We are delighted to host the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in recognition of the dignity that the black South Africans and indeed blacks all over the world regained when the icon was released from prison” said Nawangwe.
He noted that the University had enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the outgoing High Commissioner H.E. Prof. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Lekoa Solly Mollo.
The Vice Chancellor and High Commissioner also discussed the possibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence in honour of Ms. Winnie Mandela. The centre would help champion Human rights and Gender activism, fight against oppression of the underprivileged and uplift economically disadvantaged women, issues that Winnie Mandela was passionate about.
