Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Max Boqwana, said to have their patron receive the award from the home of one of the pioneers of the African renaissance was a humbling experience. Boqwana added that it was particularly significant that Mbeki was awarded the doctorate in Tanzania as former Tanzanian President, Julius Nyerere, was a mentor to Mbeki and also because of the close ties South Africa has with Tanzania. 

“There’s a greater significance with Tanzania in particular because of the longstanding relationship between Tanzania and South Africa, especially during the time of the liberation struggle. Tanzania has always been like home for many of those in his generation in the African National Congress.”

This is Mbeki’s sixth honorary degree. He is expected to be back in the country next week before he jets off to monitor the Ghana elections as head of the Common Wealth delegations, which will be held on the 1st of December.

Boqwana says that working under the selfless leadership of Mbeki, who Boqwana describes as the “ultimate teacher” has been nothing short of an inspiration. The CEO adds that the vigour with which Mbeki operates often supercedes that of employees much younger than Mbeki himself and it is only because he is inspired every day to work for patriotic interests which will serve the people of his land. 

Touching on projects that Mbeki is currently working on, Boqwana mentioned peace efforts in Sudan and other parts of Africa, a leadership flagship programme focusing on change agents in leadership for the coming generation, and a programme recording the history of the liberation struggle in South Africa from 1960 to 1996.

Pulane Choane/OFM News