Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has invited struggle veteran Andrew Mlangeni to represent South Africa at a special sitting of the UN General Assembly, where he will deliver the keynote address.
The General Assembly will annually observe the 18th of July in a special session, in honour of former president Nelson Mandela and the Nelson Mandela International Day, which the assembly declared as an international event.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela says this year’s commemoration of the International Mandela Day takes on a particular significance in the count-down to South Africa’s 20th Anniversary of liberation.
“The best way to celebrate Madiba’s life is to observe the ideals his life encapsulates: freedom, democracy and dignity for all. Madiba’s leadership transcended all human boundaries, whether based on race, clan, ethnicity or religion,” he said.
Mlangeni-comrade, compatriot and fellow Rivonia trialist of former president Nelson Mandela, will speak alongside Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, the President of the General Assembly, Vuk Jeremic, former President of the United States, Bill Clinton and legendary musician Henry Belafonte.
This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the Rivonia Trial – a seminal event in South Africa’s liberation. - SAnews.gov.za
