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| Announced by the call of African drums, dancers and the passion and perspective of the Praise Singer, Nelson Mandela, introduced by IWF's own Frene Ginwala, Speaker of the National Assembly, Parliament of South Africa, provided his personal insights on what courageous leadership truly means. In a room pulsating with enthusiasm and anxious admirers, Madiba as he is affectionately known to locals, shocked, stunned, delighted and challenged the audience to question accepted precepts and notions. He told us that fighting to change society is the easy part. Changing ourselves is much more difficult. And, it is that work, the changing of ourselves, that allowed him to sit down with his enemy and find common ground for the transformation of South Africa. |
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Whether outdoors with the animals, flowers, lilac scented breezes and stunning topography and architectural delights of Johannesburg and Pretoria, or seated among 375 leaders of 23 nations of which 8 African countries were represented, IWF's South Africa Cornerstone Conference took IWF to new heights in global conversations and dialogue among leaders. Packing the program were the voices of Nobel Laureate FW de Klerk who spoke of the historic events that led to the negotiations with Nelson Mandela to free South Africa's people from the shackles of apartheid. South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma provided an inside look at the ups and downs of the negotiations. How many times both sides walked out, only to return with the determination to make it work. |
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| Black and white on the stage…a united South Africa…an example that human beings can find a peaceful solution to grave differences which seem impossible to reconcile. In song, in dance, in truly South African style, the ambience, the content, the direction, the drive of this meeting was poignant. South Africa's Foreign Minister and IWF's own Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma addressed the conference on The Role of Women Towards World Peace with Dr. Brigalia Bam, Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa facilitating. |
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| Graca Machel, Former First Lady of Mozambique and Former Minister of Education and wife of Nelson Mandela spoke passionately about Children, the Leaders of the Future. Gill Marcus, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank addressed Women, the Economy and Society, introduced by Lindiwe Hendricks, Deputy Minister, Department of Trade & Industry, South Africa. |
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| Gillian Martin Sorensen, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations spoke of the Vision of the United Nations for Courageous Leadership & Global Transformation and brought the conversation home to the center of the debate over the impending war in Iraq. |
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Dine-Arounds in the graceful homes of South African Forum members and a Gala event honoring African women receiving the Leading Light Awards, set to the staging and production of one of the most musically diverse, festively rounded Gala events in IWF history, topped off the conference with a tone of celebration and hope.
With day tours to game reserves, archaeologically renowned sites, Cape Town and more, the meeting drew praise and applause from hundreds who expressed their appreciation for having the privilege of hearing the perspectives, experiences and struggles of the leading legends of our time whose stories have changed the world.
The IWF salutes Bridgette Radebe, President of IWF South Africa and all the amazing women of the South African Forum for this gripping event.
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| So many members expressed to me their appreciation for being part of an organization that provides such opportunities. I hope many of you will be able to join IWF in Dublin next May 22-25. The Ireland Women's Forum has cooked up a stellar agenda you won't want to miss. Details are available at www.iwf-ireland.com. I hope to see you there! |
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Luz Lajous
IWF President
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