Gurnah’s message of hope resonates at 22nd Nelson Mandela Lecture
"Hope is not something we simply inherit; it is something we must actively cultivate," Abdulrazak Gurnah reminded the audience at the 22nd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.
The 22nd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, held at the Wits Linder Auditorium in Parktown on September 28, was a profound exploration of human interconnectedness.
Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, the keynote speaker, delivered a powerful message of hope, anchored in the theme, Realising Our Shared Humanity. Gurnah’s reflections illuminated the need for empathy, compassion, and justice in a world fractured by divisions.
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The yearly lecture, a prestigious platform for global thought leaders, seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society. This year’s theme focused on decolonisation and the idea that, despite our differences, all human beings are fundamentally connected. Gurnah, whose literary works delve into the legacy of colonialism and the experiences of refugees, was a fitting choice to discuss these vital issues.
Born in Zanzibar, now part of Tanzania, Gurnah went to England as a refugee in the 1960s. Over the years, he has become a voice for the displaced, using literature to bridge cultural divides. His 10 novels, including Paradise and By the Sea, have earned critical acclaim for their unflinching portrayal of exile, identity, and belonging.
In his lecture, he drew on his journey and literary career to emphasise the power of stories in building empathy. He celebrated the role of ‘story, song, and dance’ in shaping communities and fostering solidarity. As he noted, these forms of expression were not mere entertainment but essential tools for understanding and human connection.
Reflecting on his earliest memory of South Africa, Gurnah recalled the excitement surrounding the continent’s decolonisation movement in the 1960s, when African nations were breaking free from colonial rule. He spoke of the shared sense of solidarity that linked African struggles, particularly against apartheid, with liberation movements across the world.
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Gurnah’s words resonated deeply with the audience, which included former cabinet minister Dr Naledi Pandor. He praised South Africa’s ongoing commitment to justice, specifically highlighting its recent efforts to bring the case of Gaza to the International Court of Justice.
In a world where injustice often seems insurmountable, Gurnah’s lecture was a reminder that while words alone may not end suffering, they are crucial in fostering understanding and change. “For us, there is only the trying,” Gurnah quoted poet TS Eliot, underscoring the ongoing struggle for justice and humanity.
The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture remains a beacon of hope, challenging individuals to strive for a more just and compassionate world. As Gurnah eloquently put it, “Shared humanity means caring deeply for one another, regardless of our differences – it is a vision that must inspire us all to action.”
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