Former South African President Nelson Mandela was named Honorary Laureate of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership at a ceremony held in Egypt on Monday. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation bestowed the title upon Nelson Mandela in recognition of his extraordinary leadership qualities and achievements.
In recognition of the award, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation will be making a grant to the four organisations carrying on the work of Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graça Machel - the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, and the Foundation for Community Development in Mozambique.
In a statement Nelson Mandela said he was proud to be the Foundation’s Honorary Laureate and accepted the honour on behalf of all those across the continent who made it possible.
In October this year Joachim Chissano, the former President of Mozambique, was announced as the first winner of the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, the world’s largest prize, worth US$ 5 million over ten years.
The ceremony on Monday was held to honour the achievements of both former presidents Chissano and Mandela.
Upon accepting his award, Chissano thanked the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for their work in promoting good governance in Africa and reminded African leaders of the important role they play in Africa’s development. “We must fight corruption and promote integrity and good governance. And we need to establish a sustained process of national dialogue and reconciliation in all the countries emerging from conflict. In short, we need to work towards building capable states in Africa,” said Chissano.
Over 500 invited attended the function that featured live performances from some of Africa’s greatest artist including Salif Keita and Anjelique Kidjo.
