Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture travels to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to posthumously bestow the Ubuntu Honour to the late President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Nwalimu Julius Nyerere. Mrs Maria Nyerere, will on behalf of her late husband Dr Nwalimu Julius Nyerere, receive the Ubuntu Honour of 2014 at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania on 11 August 2014, 16h00 at a ceremony that will be held by the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC).
South Africa and Tanzania hold dearly a strong bond that was formed by the forefathers of these two great nations: President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Oliver Reginald Tambo, President Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela and many others.
“Tanzania forms an integral part of the South African Liberation Heritage Route which is about the recognition of people, communities, icons, places, sites and recognition of epoch-making events which had a significant impact on the South African struggle for liberation,” said Mabudafhasi.
The Ubuntu Honours were conceptualised by the National Heritage Council in 2006 as a means to honour and give recognition to prominent persons who have over a long period in their lives selflessly given and served their immediate societies and in some cases the entire world.
Dr Nyerere joins other ‘Citizens of the World’ who received the honour for their living evidence of the values of Ubuntu - Dr Nelson Mandela (2006); Dr Kenneth Kaunda (2007); Fidel Castro (2008); Dr Boutros Boutros-Ghali (2009), Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (2011) and Ms Miriam Makeba (2013). He has been identified by a select committee of eminent persons as one such citizen of the world who, during his lifetime lived a humble life prioritising the improvement of the quality of life of citizens of Africa.
Partners in support of this year’s honour are the Somafco Trust and the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in celebration of the 20 years freedom, which also coincides with the 50 years celebration of the formation of Zanzibar.
For media enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa, Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: petermb@dac.gov.za
