In partnership with Brand South Africa, an intimate brunch in honour of Congresswoman Waters was held on Saturday, 26 October at the Hyatt Hotel. All Memorial Lecture sponsors were invited to the event in order to give them an opportunity to interact with the Congresswoman during her brief time in South Africa. In addition, the Foundation also invited stakeholders with whom we have worked closely with over the past year.
The format of the event was a discussion between Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza and CMW who worked closely together in the anti-apartheid movement – Ambassador Mabuza in her capacity as the ANC’s Chief Representative to the United States, and Congresswoman Waters in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Free South Africa Movement. For decades, both these incredible women fought against the apartheid regime and continue to fight injustice today and speak truth to power, all despite polarised political environments.
They went on to strike up a friendship during this period, which has spanned over thirty years. Given the remarkable work that both women have done in their lives, the Foundation felt that hosting an event that allowed our stakeholder base to listen to- and learn from the life experiences of these formidable women would indeed be a once in a lifetime opportunity for all in attendance.
The Foundation’s CEO was the programme director for the brunch and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Thembi Siweya provided the welcome address. Thereafter, a conversation, facilitated by veteran journalist, Lerato Mbele, took place between the two iconic friends entitled, Friendship, Feminism and Politics. The audience was then able to ask CMW and Amb Mabuza questions or share personal comments.
The morning proved to be an inspirational and aspirational occasion for all who attended.