Former president Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla has dedicated his graduation from Grahamstown’s Rhodes University to his grandfather and late father Makgatho Mandela, who died in 2005.
Mandla will receive his BA degree at Rhodes on Friday. ”It will be a special day, because it will cement the foundation of education which my father Makgatho strongly advocated for our family,” he said on Thursday.
”It will be a bittersweet moment when my name is called, because my father would have been very proud, but he is unfortunately not here to witness my achievement. However, I believe that my graduation is a tribute to both my father and my grandfather,” he added.
The graduation ceremony comes only days before another historic moment in Mandla’s life.
On Monday, he will assume the role of a traditional leader when he is installed as head of the Mvezo traditional council in the Eastern Cape.
Many dignitaries, including the former president, and community members are expected to attend the ceremony in the Eastern Cape’s Mvezo Great Place in Mthatha.
Mandla, who is currently completing an honours degree in political science at Rhodes, said he is looking forward to the installation ceremony and his new role as a traditional leader.
”Politics is my passion, probably because it runs in my blood,” he said.
He will take up the traditional leadership role on behalf of his clan and focus on establishing a health clinic, primary school and pre-school in the poverty-stricken area.
”I will be living among my people and I look forward to assisting with the numerous challenges that we face, including social, poverty and health issues.
”Monarchy and tribal leadership have a substantial role to play in the continued democratisation of the country and I am thankful that this role will allow me an opportunity to follow in Dalibhunga’s footsteps,” he said. — Sapa