‘Embrace Mandela values for a better world’
TANZANIA: ENDING poverty, inequality and boosting education accessibility in Africa have been highlighted as the core values that all people should embrace when remembering the late Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa.
The core values were emphasised yesterday during an event organised by the United Nations-Tanzania (UNT) in collaboration with the South African High Commission to Tanzania and the Victorious Centre of Excellence in observance of the Mandela International Day.
Speaking at the ceremony, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Noluthando Mayende-Malepe said the Mandela Day is a reminder to all people to do more in order to end poverty, a global challenge which Mandela battled against until his last breath.
“Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity for citizens around the world to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better,” Ms Mayende-Malepe said.
She said that the late leader’s legacy signifies dedication to the services of humanity that seeks at elevating the wellbeing of all people.
Furthermore, she insisted that any effort toward combating poverty and inequality is the protection of fundamental humanity rights.
In that regard, she called for concerted efforts from all development stakeholders in ensuring the girl child acquires proper education and enjoy equal opportunities in the society.
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This echoes Mr Mandela’s famous quote that says “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” For her part, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tanzania, Ms Shabnam Mallick lauded the government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to cherish efforts for uprooting poverty and strengthening education accessibility.
Ms Mallick said the country’s great strides in uplifting education accessibility are in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the number one goal of ending poverty and number four rooted at fostering quality education to all people.
Reflecting on the life of the late Mandela, she said his legacy stands as the guiding framework for people to make positive contributions in their societies and the world at large.
“As we engage in these activities, we are reminded that every action counts” Ms Mallick said.
This year’s Mandela day globally was celebrated under the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity” in recognition of the former South Africa’s head of state’s pivotal role on development of peace and freedom.
