ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MS. WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA AS THE UBUNTU HONOUR RECIPIENT OF 2011 BY ADV SONWABILE MANCOTYWA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NATIONAL HERITAGE COUNCIIL ON 26 SEPTEMBER 2011 IN VILAKAZI STREET, SOWETO
Africa is blessed with selfless individuals who have contributed to humankind beyond boundaries of human limits. Some have had global influence on bringing about human dignity to many. These men and women deserve the appreciation for their sacrifices and unpopular decisions that they had to take in defence of humanitarian ideologies. A simple explanation for this personality and social consciousness is captured in one word that exists in all the South African indigenous languages and cultures but is popularly referred to as "Ubuntu". This we have identified as "the RDP of the soul".
Annually, the National Heritage Council reminds South Africans about the heritage of Ubuntu that is unique to this country. As a heritage institution it is important to revive this philosophy in a practical manner and attach value to it. The Ubuntu Honour seeks to recognise any citizen of the world who has distinguished her or himself as an embodiment and a champion of the values and principles of humanity, in a manner that is consistent with Ubuntu.
This year's Ubuntu Honour goes to the first woman recipient who is none other than Mama Winfred Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela.
Mam' Winnie we honour you for your persistent patronage of Ubuntu values.
We are humbled by your acceptance of the Ubuntu Honour. This honour is particularly relevant as South Africa celebrates ‘the heroes and heroines of our Liberation Struggle' this heritage month of September. Thank you allowing us to announce it on your 75th birthday which is today. This again proves that you grounded to the people.
Your selfless conservation for global attention to the needs of the less fortunate and relentless contribution to the betterment of the nation has touched the lives of many. Despite the deplorable circumstances that surrounded you for many decades, you are a source of courage and healing whilst a ‘wounded healer' yourself.
Mam' Winnie, the committee that assists the NHC in the selection of the Ubuntu Honour recipient, anonymously agreed to honour you for your dedication to the wellbeing of many, providing leadership and being a pillar of motivational strength in the most difficult times of the struggle. And you still continue to do so. The full citation for your nomination will be presented at the Ubuntu Honour Ceremony on the 30th September.
Over the years, the NHC has honoured Dr Nelson Mandela (2006); Dr Kenneth Kaunda (2007); Fidel Castro (2008) and Dr Boutros Boutros-Ghali (2009) and King Sabata Dalindyebo (2009). The honour was not given in 2010 in favour of hosting a national conference on "Reclaiming the values of a just and caring Society".
Compared to other icons who have contributed as much as you have, you deserve many more accolades. Your dehumanisation while in detention cannot be over-emphasised. The sacrifices that you made in living without your family and being banished in remote areas and or being in solitary confinement were all but to fight for social justice which encompasses the values of Ubuntu.
The Ubuntu Honour Ceremony will take place on Friday 30 September at Gallagher Estate at an event that will be attended by approximately 400 ministers, business leaders, the diplomats, family and friends.
As we look forward to honour you on Friday, four days from today, we also call on the people of South Africa to join in the campaign to revive the values Ubuntu - respect..., love..., honesty..., compassion..., humility... and promoting unity.
This campaign will from this year, call on the public to identify and nominate people who are champions of Ubuntu in their communities. We also invite other organisations including the private sector to join forces with us - and also expect the NHC to come knocking on their doors. Let us, together build a nation that is proud of its heritage.
Thank you.
Statement issued by the National Heritage Council, September 26 2011
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