As part of its research tour in South Africa, a TRENDS Research and Advisory and Aletihad News Center delegation visited the Mandela Legacy Foundation in Cape Town to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on July 18 every year. The day is celebrated in honor of Nelson Mandela, the historic leader who fought for freedom, justice, and equality in South Africa and worldwide.
During the visit, researchers from TRENDS and the media team from Aletihad News Center met with Mr. Zondwa Mandela, Chairman of the Mandela Legacy Foundation. He welcomed them and took them on a tour of the foundation and the activities held to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day. They participated in a panel discussion that highlighted Mandela’s life, his struggle for freedom, justice, and equality, and the legacy he left for future generations.
The visit also explored ways to enhance research cooperation with the Mandela Legacy Foundation, which would contribute to promoting Mandela’s beliefs in freedom, justice, and equality.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, stated that celebrating Mandela’s legacy, a symbol of freedom, justice, and equality, reinforces the importance of his contributions to building a better world.
Dr. Al-Ali sincerely appreciated the family of the late Nelson Mandela and the friendly government of South Africa. He noted that every year, Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on July 18, is an opportunity to pause and celebrate this historic leader, his willpower, and his determination to make positive changes in South Africa and worldwide. Dr. Al-Ali emphasized the need for the world to draw inspiration from Mandela’s positive spirit to build a better future for our people and humanity. “We highly value our cooperation with the Mandela Legacy Foundation and hope this visit will enhance it in various fields, contributing to the dissemination of the values Mandela believed in,” he added.
Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center, said that the relations between the UAE and South Africa are deeply rooted in humanity and history. He recalled that in 1995, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace) met with the late Nelson Mandela during his historic visit to Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed said to Mandela, “We consider you a blessing,” reflecting the great respect he held for Mandela, who replied, “There is no greater blessing than Your Highness.”
This encounter highlighted the mutual respect between the two late leaders, who viewed each other as blessings and understood their duty to lead their people with compassion and kindness. Dr. Al-Kaabi noted Mandela’s esteemed status and explained that the UAE and South Africa share a focus on principles of coexistence, dialogue, and rejection of racism.
Besides visiting the Mandela Legacy Foundation, the researchers from TRENDS and journalists from Aletihad News Center participated in several other events in South Africa marked to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day. These events included a meeting with young Africans to discuss ways to enhance their participation in building a better future for the continent.
The visit also explored ways to enhance research cooperation with the Mandela Legacy Foundation, which would contribute to promoting Mandela’s beliefs in freedom, justice, and equality.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, stated that celebrating Mandela’s legacy, a symbol of freedom, justice, and equality, reinforces the importance of his contributions to building a better world.
Dr. Al-Ali sincerely appreciated the family of the late Nelson Mandela and the friendly government of South Africa. He noted that every year, Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on July 18, is an opportunity to pause and celebrate this historic leader, his willpower, and his determination to make positive changes in South Africa and worldwide. Dr. Al-Ali emphasized the need for the world to draw inspiration from Mandela’s positive spirit to build a better future for our people and humanity. “We highly value our cooperation with the Mandela Legacy Foundation and hope this visit will enhance it in various fields, contributing to the dissemination of the values Mandela believed in,” he added.
Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center, said that the relations between the UAE and South Africa are deeply rooted in humanity and history. He recalled that in 1995, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace) met with the late Nelson Mandela during his historic visit to Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed said to Mandela, “We consider you a blessing,” reflecting the great respect he held for Mandela, who replied, “There is no greater blessing than Your Highness.”
This encounter highlighted the mutual respect between the two late leaders, who viewed each other as blessings and understood their duty to lead their people with compassion and kindness. Dr. Al-Kaabi noted Mandela’s esteemed status and explained that the UAE and South Africa share a focus on principles of coexistence, dialogue, and rejection of racism.
Besides visiting the Mandela Legacy Foundation, the researchers from TRENDS and journalists from Aletihad News Center participated in several other events in South Africa marked to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day. These events included a meeting with young Africans to discuss ways to enhance their participation in building a better future for the continent.
