Grandson of Nelson Mandela to Speak at WSU

OGDEN, Utah — Ndaba Mandela, grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, will share his message and experiences, Feb. 10 at noon in the Weber State University Shepherd Union Ballrooms. The event is free and open to the public.
 
“There are not many chances in life that people can say they sat and listened to an international icon — especially an icon who mobilizes and rallies so many people around a positive message of peace and happiness,” said Tara Peris-Caputo, WSU assistant director of Student Involvement and Leadership.
 
In 1994, Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected president of the nation of South Africa, following his 30-year imprisonment for his fight against South African apartheid. For his role to end apartheid, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize. He passed away in December 2013 at the age of 95.
 
Ndaba Mandela has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather to share the message that one person can make a difference. He is proud of his African heritage and works to dispel the misconceptions that surround Africa. Mandela was named one of Black Entertainment Television’s 28 Men of Change for 2014.
 
Mandela is the co-founder of the Africa Rising Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting a positive image of Africa around the world and to increasing its potential for growth in the areas of education, employment and international corporate alliances.
 
“Ndaba Mandela is an individual who has not suffered the weight of his name or the legacy of his grandfather,” said Adrienne Gillespie Andrews, WSU assistant to the president for diversity. “Instead, he has taken that mantle and used it to propel a social-justice movement by founding Africa Rising.”
 
Mandela will address several topics, including the legacy of his grandfather, Africa Rising, HIV/AIDS, how to manage a successful charity and empowering youth through education, interconnectivity and employment.
 
February is celebrated as Black History Month. WSU will host several other events commemorating African-American history, culture, impact and achievement.
 
“This year, we have a unique opportunity to examine the impact of Nelson Mandela, world leader from South Africa, on the American stage through the speech, action and memory of his grandson, Ndaba,” Andrews said. “Considering the racial struggles and triumphs in South Africa, we can see parallels to our own black and African history in the United States.”
 
For more information on the Africa Rising Foundation, visit arfoundation.co. For more information on Mandela, visit weber.edu/StudentInvolvement/convocations.html.
 
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. 
 
Author:
Marcus Jensen, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • marcusjensen@weber.edu
Contact:
Tara Peris-Caputo, assistant director of Student Involvement and Leadership
801-626-7334 • taraperis@weber.edu
 
Adrienne Gillespie Andrews, WSU assistant to the president for diversity
801-626-7243 • adrienneandrews@weber.edu