Launching the Center of Memory Project:
Nelson Mandela expressed his ideals for peace, reconciliation, and social justice, emphasizing equal opportunities for all. It is time to pass on his work, recognizing the importance of memory in uniting divided societies. Archives in South Africa play a critical role in restoring and reconciling society.

Mission and Objectives of the Center:
The Nelson Mandela Center of Memory Project, run by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, aims to be part of the restoration and reconciliation processes. It aspires to grow into a vibrant public resource offering services to South Africans and international visitors. Collaboration with other South African archival institutions is essential. The Center is dedicated to recovering memories and stories suppressed by power, addressing the call of justice.

Addressing the Challenges of Forgetting:
South Africa’s history is marked by forgetting, benefiting the powerful and dispossessing the weak. In building democracy, it is crucial to ensure that the youth understand the history of oppression and the journey to freedom. Remembering offers healing and a way to honor those who fought for change.

Purpose and Gratitude:
The Center of Memory Project embodies the significance of archives and aims to serve as a source of healing and respect for fallen comrades. Assistance in achieving the project’s objectives is greatly appreciated.

Event Overview:
The 14th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture is set to take place at the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi campus, with Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates as the guest speaker. The theme of the lecture is “Living Together,” and Gates is expected to address issues related to social cohesion and preserving Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

Significance of the Event:
The event coincides with the eve of Nelson Mandela Day, a day dedicated to honoring Mandela and promoting acts of kindness and service to humanity. The lecture also occurs during the AIDS conference in Durban, where Gates and Mandela previously collaborated to fight against HIV and AIDS.

Gates and Mandela’s Shared Causes:
Both Bill Gates and Nelson Mandela were known for their dedication to causes that benefited others. The lecture serves as a reminder of their shared commitment to social justice and improving the lives of others.

Anticipation for Gates’ Lecture:
The audience eagerly awaits Gates’ lecture, particularly his insights on social cohesion and keeping Mandela’s legacy alive. Gates is expected to touch on various issues related to social cohesion and the importance of continuing Mandela’s work.

Distinguished Guests:
Professor Njabulo Ndebele Mrs. Graca Machel Mr. Bill Gates The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria

Purpose of the Lecture:
To honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and promote dialogue on pertinent issues facing South Africans, Africans, and the global community.

Theme:

“Living Together”

Reflections on South Africa’s Progress and Challenges:
Significant achievements in education, infrastructure, and social development since the end of apartheid. Ongoing challenges in addressing racism, transformation, and inequality.

Call for Unity and Cooperation:
Importance of addressing social issues through dialogue and collaboration. Encouragement to create a better South Africa for all.

Official Opening:
National Anthem led by the UP Quartet.

Welcome Address by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria:
Gratitude for the opportunity to host the lecture. Acknowledgment of distinguished guests and attendees. Appreciation for the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s initiative.

University’s Contribution through Graduates:
University of Pretoria is a significant contributor to South African higher education, awarding one in every 10 degrees and 15% of all doctoral degrees in the country. Nearly 30% of professional engineers in South Africa are graduates of the University of Pretoria.

Responsibility as a Public University:
Beyond graduate output, the university emphasizes its responsibility to fulfill national development goals in a highly unequal society. The university integrates community engagement in academics, research, operations, and daily activities.

Community Engagement:
Approximately one-third of the university’s 60,000 students engage in community service daily. The university supports over 4,000 community projects across the Tshwane metropolitan area.

Living Together:
The university’s efforts align with the theme of this year’s annual lecture, “Living Together,” emphasizing Nelson Mandela’s commitment to a democratic and free society where people coexist harmoniously with equal opportunities.

Introduction:
The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture is an event held to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and promote the ideals of living together. This year’s lecture was held at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Welcome and Acknowledgment:
Cherelle Duraire, the host, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to those who have contributed to the cause of living together, especially those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Njabulo Ndiaulo Ndebele, the Chairperson of the Board of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, extended gratitude to various individuals and organizations for their support and contributions.

Tribute to Mamelodi:
The lecture was dedicated to the people of Mamelodi who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for liberation. Specific individuals and groups who lost their lives in 1986 were remembered and honored.

Challenges of Living Together:
The gap between the dream of liberation and the current reality leaves many feeling lost and discarded. Structural inequality and exclusion persist, affecting communities, universities, schools, and various institutions.

Positive Aspects of South Africa:
Despite challenges, there are many South Africans who strive for the common good through entrepreneurship, public service, politics, business, education, and research.

Global Implications:
The issue of exclusion and inclusion is not limited to South Africa but is a global phenomenon.

Relevance of the Lecture:
The theme of living together is highly relevant and pressing in today’s world.

Introduction of Bill Gates:
Mr. Bill Gates was invited as the 2016 lecturer due to his global influence on social good and philanthropy.

Bill Gates’ Admiration for Nelson Mandela:
Bill Gates expresses his deep admiration for Nelson Mandela and the honor of delivering a lecture in his name. He emphasizes that Mandela’s life embodied the theme of “living together” and his fight against apartheid.

South Africa’s Striving for Unity:
Gates acknowledges South Africa’s ongoing efforts to achieve unity and recognizes the significant progress made towards Mandela’s vision of one South Africa.

Gates’ First Encounter with Mandela:
He recalls his initial contact with Mandela in 1994, when Mandela requested his assistance in funding South Africa’s historic election.

Inspiration from Africa:
Gates describes his first trip to Africa in 1993, where he witnessed the beauty of the landscape and the friendliness of the people. The poverty in Africa disturbed and energized him, prompting him and his wife, Melinda, to consider taking action sooner.

Urgency for Philanthropy:
Gates and Melinda were motivated to pursue philanthropy sooner due to the glaring inequity they encountered in Africa. A subsequent trip to Johannesburg in 1997 further reinforced their sense of urgency to address global challenges.

Soweto Visit:
Gates’ visit to the community center in Soweto, where Microsoft donated computers, opened his eyes to the realities of life outside his privileged bubble. He realized the need to learn more about the world beyond his comfort zone.

Progress in Africa:
Significant progress has been made in Africa, including reduced child mortality, poverty, and malnutrition. African countries have achieved robust economic growth, leading to improvements in living standards.

Challenges in Africa:
Progress has been uneven, with income inequality and poverty persisting in many countries. Africa lags behind the rest of the world in most indicators, including child mortality and malnutrition. Progress is fragile, with economic challenges and new threats like Ebola and climate change.

The Demographic Dividend:
Africa’s young population is a potential source of economic growth and dynamism. A large workforce and fewer dependents can drive rapid economic growth. Young people are better at driving innovation and creating new businesses.

The Power of Youth:
Nelson Mandela emphasized the importance of youth in bringing about change. Africa’s young entrepreneurs are driving startup booms across the continent. Young people are more open to new ideas and technologies, enabling them to create innovative solutions.

Gates’ Optimism for Africa:
Despite the challenges, Gates believes that Africa can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Advances in science and technology offer new solutions to development challenges. The ingenuity of the African people and the power of youth can drive progress.

Innovation and Ingenuity:
A 23-year-old social entrepreneur in South Africa manufactures school bags from recycled plastic shopping bags, providing a highly visible way to protect children while walking to school. These school bags feature a small solar panel that charges a lantern during the journey, allowing students to study at home even in areas without electricity.

The Potential of Africa’s Youth:
Africa’s growing youth population presents a unique opportunity for innovation and progress if they are given the opportunity to thrive. Former South African President Nelson Mandela emphasized that poverty is not natural but can be overcome through human actions.

Investing in Africa’s Youth:
The time to act is now, as this unique moment of opportunity will not last forever. Obstacles that hinder young people’s potential must be cleared away.

Addressing Basic Needs:
Investing in basic needs is crucial for Africa’s young people, including ensuring good health, nutrition, education, and economic opportunities.

Positive Outcomes:
By meeting the basic needs of Africa’s youth, they will have the resources to change the future and improve life on the continent. Broad-based progress will erase inequities and promote living together.

Health:
* Bill Gates emphasizes the significance of investing in health, recognizing that good health is fundamental to overall life improvement.
* The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has invested over $9 billion in Africa over the past 15 years and plans to invest an additional $5 billion in the next five years.
* Notable achievements include the eradication of polio from Africa, increased access to vaccines for pneumonia and diarrhea, and progress in reducing child mortality in countries with strong primary health care systems.
* Challenges remain, particularly in addressing high rates of HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and micronutrient deficiencies.
* Gates calls for more creative approaches to testing and treatment, the development of new preventative solutions, and increased investment in nutrition.

Nutrition:
* Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in Africa, affecting children’s growth and cognitive development.
* Proper nutrition, especially during infancy and adolescence, is essential for unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
* Advances in biofortified crops, such as high-armed pearl millet and orange sweet potato, provide cost-effective solutions to address malnutrition.

Education:
* Gates acknowledges the challenges of improving education but emphasizes its importance in providing opportunities for young people.
* Innovations in educational technology and new thinking are needed to ensure access to high-quality education for all children.
* Mobile phones have the potential to bridge the gap and connect students to online resources and support.
* South Africa’s universities are recognized for their quality, and Gates stresses the need to maintain this while expanding access to more students.

Challenges in African Agriculture:
* Low productivity due to unproductive seeds, poor soil quality, and limited access to modern farming techniques.
* Climate change leading to severe weather events, exacerbating the challenges for farmers.

Key Innovations Needed:
* Improved seeds that can withstand drought, floods, pests, and diseases.
* Affordable fertilizers with the right nutrient mix to replenish the soil.
* Easily administered livestock vaccines to protect flocks and herds.

Importance of Market Connectivity:
* Farmers need access to markets to buy inputs at reasonable prices and sell their surplus for profit.
* Increased profitability will lead to investments in the farm and support for agribusinesses.

Example of Collaboration in Agricultural Research:
* Bill Gates’ meeting with young crop researchers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.
* Expertise in cassava productivity demonstrated by these scientists.

Agriculture:
Innovations like disease-resistant cassava varieties and mobile diagnostic apps empower farmers. Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program provides a framework for transformation. Investment is needed to create a thriving agriculture sector.

Energy:
70% of Africans lack access to power, hindering healthcare, education, and productivity. Insufficient energy supply hampers economic growth. Africa needs an energy advance providing cheap, clean energy for all. Rich countries must double their energy R&D budgets for globally applicable breakthroughs.

Pragmatic Energy Solutions:
Exploiting reliable and renewable sources like hydro and geothermal power. Utilizing small-scale grids and microsolar for basic electricity needs. Establishing large-scale power grids for economic viability and job creation.

Challenges and Solutions:
Health, education, agricultural productivity, energy, and job creation are key challenges. Governments must function effectively to enable progress in these areas.

Conclusion:
Bridging gaps in various sectors and ensuring good governance are crucial for Africa’s sustainable growth and prosperity.

Digital Revolution and Financial Inclusion:
Bill Gates highlights the potential of digital technology to transform banking and government services in Africa. Mobile phones and digital financial platforms enable millions to store money digitally, make purchases, and access financial services. These services offer a more secure and convenient way to manage finances, promoting financial inclusion and economic growth.

Governments’ Role in Digital Transformation:
Governments can accelerate digital transformation by implementing policies that encourage investment, innovation, and competition. Initiatives like digital payment systems and direct cash transfers have shown promising results in improving efficiency and reducing costs. Digital financial connections facilitate efficient service delivery and increase profitability for small businesses.

Importance of Fiscal Governance and Accountability:
Effective fiscal governance and accountability are crucial for transparent and responsible government spending. South Africa is recognized for its strong budget information disclosure and oversight of government spending. Oluseyi Mbembe’s initiative, BudgetIT Nigeria, exemplifies individual efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government finances.

Africa’s Young People as Agents of Change:
Bill Gates emphasizes the immense potential and dedication of Africa’s young people. Young Africans exhibit a strong sense of purpose, driven by their desire to contribute to their communities and nations. Their belief in themselves and their countries positions them as catalysts for progress and development.

Investment in Youth and Education:
Investing in young people and providing them with opportunities is essential for Africa’s future. Access to quality education and training equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change. The innovations and solutions of tomorrow depend on the opportunities available to children today.

Collective Responsibility and Collaboration:
Addressing Africa’s challenges requires collective action and collaboration among individuals, governments, and organizations. Everyone has a role to play in creating a better future for Africa. By working together, the aspirations and dreams of Nelson Mandela and many others can be realized.

Key Points:
Dr. Hatta expresses his surprise and admiration for Bill Gates’s lecture, noting that they share common ground in their commitment to finding sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Global Player and Sustainable Solutions:
Dr. Hatta emphasizes Bill Gates’s role as a global player actively involved in searching for sustainable solutions to critical challenges facing humanity.

Learning Differently and Empowering Youth:
Dr. Hatta highlights Bill Gates’s central thesis that Africa can achieve its aspirations by learning to do things differently and finding creative ways to empower youth.

Resonance with Nelson Mandela’s Legacy:
Dr. Hatta draws parallels between Bill Gates’s ideas and the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, emphasizing the importance of making a real difference and addressing critical social issues.

Addressing Food Insecurity:
Dr. Hatta emphasizes the significance of food security, particularly given the growing impact of climate change. He highlights the Nelson Mandela International Day campaign’s focus on food security and calls for support for the great South African cookbook initiative.

Structural Change and Global Systems:
Dr. Hatta stresses the need for fundamental changes in global structures and systems of power, which perpetuate poverty and inequality and undermine efforts to solve problems.

Anecdote of Living Together:
Dr. Hatta shares a personal anecdote from Mamelodi, highlighting the importance of living together and the acceptance of individuals regardless of their background.

Enabling Dreams and Creating an Enabling Environment:
Dr. Hatta emphasizes the need to create an enabling environment where young people from all backgrounds can dream big and thrive, despite challenges such as inequality and poverty.

Recognition of Challenges:
Dr. Hatta highlights the dangers of liberation benefits being enjoyed only by a privileged few, leading to the exclusion and disenfranchisement of the majority of the youth. He emphasizes the critical need to address this challenge and acknowledges the responsibility to act.

Gratitude for Support:
Dr. Hatta expresses sincere gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their wisdom and unwavering support. He extends appreciation to the Chairperson, Professor Mampela, for his exceptional leadership and guidance.

SABC’s Contribution:
Dr. Hatta acknowledges the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for collaborating to broadcast the lecture to a wider audience. He mentions that the lecture broke multiple records, including the presence of over 3,300 attendees in the auditorium.

Public Participation and Reach:
Dr. Hatta highlights that approximately 1,200 attendees were public participants, predominantly young people. He acknowledges the curiosity about the 90% mentioned earlier, reassuring the audience that the lecture was accessed by over 50 African countries through Channel 404.

Special Mentions:
Dr. Hatta recognizes the viewing parties organized for the first time in Kenya and Nigeria. He thanks the sponsors, funders, and supporters for their contributions, including Audi, Brand South Africa, Coca-Cola, Monitor Deloitte, Rupert and Rothschild, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, the University of Pretoria, and Vodacom.

Tribute to Skumba Tlaupe:
Dr. Hatta acknowledges Skumba Tlaupe, a comedian, for his generous donation of wheelchairs to the grannies. He emphasizes Skumba’s dedication to using his platform to give back to the community.

Africa’s Role in Sustainable Development:
Africa has a vital role in achieving global sustainable development goals, given its unique challenges and potential. African universities play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Education and Sustainable Development:
Education is fundamental to sustainable development, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to economic, social, and environmental progress. African universities are well-positioned to provide this education, as they are deeply rooted in their communities and have a strong understanding of local needs and challenges.

Research and Innovation:
African universities are also engaged in cutting-edge research and innovation, which is essential for developing new solutions to the challenges facing the continent. This research can lead to breakthroughs in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and environmental conservation.

Challenges and Opportunities:
African universities face numerous challenges, including limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and brain drain. Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of higher education in Africa, and there are many opportunities for collaboration and support from international partners.

Conclusion:
African universities are key players in advancing sustainable development on the continent. They provide education, conduct research, and promote innovation, all of which are essential for addressing Africa’s unique challenges and achieving a more sustainable future.