Dr. Makawize Mandela, the daughter of the iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, took center stage at the World Diversity in Leadership Conference in Calgary, Canada, openly expressing her strong opposition to the recent political alliance between South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Addressing a global audience, Dr. Mandela highlighted concerns over the ideological clash between the ANC and DA, stressing the potential implications for South Africa’s future.
“The ANC has a historical commitment to social justice, equality, and redressing the imbalances of the past and aligning with the DA, whose policies often contradict these principles, threatens to dilute our core values and disillusion our supporters. She said and added, “The ANC made a mistake long ago.”
The conference, which drew political leaders, environmental experts and activists from around the world, provided a platform for discussing global diversity in leadership challenges.
During the Q&A session, Dr. Mandela underscored the symbolic weight carried by the ANC.
“Our party has endured immense sacrifices to pave the way for freedom and democracy in South Africa. It’s crucial that we remain true to our mission and not be swayed by political expediency,” she emphasized.
The ANC-DA alliance was announced after the ANC failed to secure majority in parliament to form a government in accordance with the South African constitution.
Dr. Mandela declared that she aligned herself fully to the statement made by South African former president Jacob Zuma that “this alliance is unholy.”
Dr. Mandela’s response also touched on her continuous support for the Palestinian State.
South African support for the Palestinians is not a new phenomenon. For years its government and civil society have shown unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, despite considerable geographical and cultural differences.
The World Diversity in Leadership conference in Calgary, Canada is organized by Centre for Intellectual Excellence( CeFIE ).
The President and Founder of Centre for Intellectual Excellence ( CeFIE) Canada, Dr Hilda Fankah -Arthur also underscored how Sustainable inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives are increasingly recognized as key components of effective Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
