Take part in dialogue about xenophobia

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation have undertaken to host a dialogue on xenophobia and the launch of an exhibition acknowledging the role played by South Africa’s neighbouring countries in the struggle against apartheid.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation will also be marking the month of Africa Day with a dialogue and the launch of the photographic exhibition On the Frontline at the Foundation’s Centre of Memory on May 7 from 10:00 till 17:00.

“These events take place at a time when South Africa is experiencing violence directed against people perceived to be foreigners. At its heart, this phenomenon constitutes a terrible failure of memory. We believe it is timely to remind South Africans of their indebtedness to the peoples of neighbouring countries and the many other African countries which supported our struggle for liberation,” said a statement by the two foundations.

Titled Taking responsibility: Finding sustainable solutions to xenophobia, the dialogue will bring together participants from many sectors as a first intervention by the Foundation designed to contribute towards ridding South Africa of this scourge. Starting at 10:00, the proceedings will move from a wide-ranging discussion of the deeper causal factors into exploration of particular themes, including business, the political terrain and the media.

On the Frontline is curated by Ingrid Sinclair and Simon Bright and acknowledges the role played by South Africa’s neighbouring countries in the struggles against apartheid. These countries suffered profoundly as they provided frontline support to South Africa’s liberation movements. Some of these countries organised formally in association as ‘the frontline states’, with President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania as chair.

Speakers at the launch, starting at 19:00, will include Mrs Graça Machel, Mr Max Sisulu, Professor Njabulo Ndebele and the exhibition curators.