The 1860 Heritage Centre in Durban joined hands with the India International Centre and the South African High Commission in New Delhi to mark Nelson Mandela Day through an international youth dialogue focused on tackling some of society’s greatest challenges.
Held on Saturday, 18 July, the Working Group Interaction on Alternative Strategies for Nelson Mandela Day brought together school learners from South Africa and India to discuss issues including poverty, inequality, corruption, accountability and moral leadership.
Representing the South African contingent via a live Zoom link from the 1860 Heritage Centre were learners from Northlands Girls’ High School. Joining the discussion were Yonga Rozani, Saanvi Chitra, Okwethu Hlongwane, Lisokhanya Mbhatha and Vaisham Naidoo of Northwood Boys’ High School.
The learners exchanged ideas with their counterparts in India on practical ways young people can contribute towards building more just and accountable societies, in keeping with the values championed by former President Nelson Mandela.
Yonga Rozani was awarded first prize for her insightful and interactive contribution during the discussions.
The dialogue was inspired by one of Mandela’s most powerful messages on poverty: “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.”
Organisers said the initiative highlighted the importance of international collaboration in empowering young people to become ethical leaders and active citizens committed to creating positive change.
The India International Centre regularly partners with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan to host diplomatic, educational and cultural engagements that promote global cooperation and dialogue.
