South Africa’s 30 Years of Democracy was recognised and celebrated at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris this week with the hosting of an exhibition on the life and times of first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela. 

A Global Master Class on the fight against racism was held and attended by more than 1,000 school children from around the world. Both events were addressed by Ambassador, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, who shared the experience of South Africa and the hurdles it faced towards achieving democracy. Whilst addressing guests at the exhibition cocktail event, Ambassador Mthethwa said while Mandela was the most famous freedom fighter he didn’t work alone, but was part of a team that had leaders such as Inkosi Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo and many others.

Ambassador Mthethwa thanked UNESCO for its support in establishing ten world heritage sites to tell the story of Africa, and South Africa in particular. “We anticipate the declaration of two additional sights during 2024. When speaking about Nelson Mandela, we are taking about a man who understood that he represented a higher goal, not as an individual, but for the collective. I was honoured to engage with the youth visiting the exhibition and to discuss issues about racism for this global scourge to be defeated to create a better world for all who live in it. We learned from Mandela to stand by his principles, and to stand firmly by what we believe,” he concluded.

Mr Soviet Lekganyane, Advisor to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, represented the basic education sector in the programme. In his remarks he expressed his gratitude on behalf of Minister Motshekga for the support and excellent relations with UNESCO, as well as the Embassy for the support given in respect of the exhibition. “Two years ago, South Africa hosted the World Science Forum, and earlier this year the Teacher Task Force 14th Policy Dialogue Forum in Johannesburg. South Africa has been one of the founding members of UNESCO since 1945, with South Africa and Egypt being two of the African countries that participated. Since then the relationship has grown from strength to strength until the apartheid regime negatively affected the relationship. After the release of Nelson Mandela, he made a commitment with UNESCO for South Africa to again join UNESCO when as a free and democratic South Africa was achieved in 1994. Going forward, we strengthen our commitment to UNESCO and their values”.

The delegation was led by the Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development, Mr Linton Mchunu. In his opening remarks he said that the exhibition celebrated the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and injustice. The exhibition depicts the life story of Nelson Mandela, and his resilience, unwavering commitment and perseverance to justice and equality. “The exhibition shares deeper lessons and serves as a guiding light for those who strive to follow in his footsteps to build a just and equitable world. Let’s not only celebrate Mandela’s life, but also recommit ourselves to the values that he embodies – those of tolerance, empathy and respect for all of humanity as we confront the challenges of the time and work towards a future that is peaceful, prosperous and brings dignity to all. In addition, Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on 18 July, is a moment to reflect on justice, equality and resilience, education and action when we call on people to support causes aligned to his vision. This exhibition is not only about honouring the past, but also embracing the principles he stood for to create a world where we feel safe, respected and able to reach our full potential as agents for change.”