On 18 July 2016, the South African Embassy in Rome partnered with the Benny Nato Centre, an Italian not-for-profit NGO that operates in the fields of culture, social assistance and social health, education and protection of civil, political and social rights. The event was held in the middle of the Villa Ada Park and was well attended. The Embassy provided an information stand and banners, for the dissemination of free information about Nelson Mandela and the history of South Africa.
The event included a debate on the theme “Rome walks with Mandela for Peace against Racism” Leaflets distributed by the Benny Nato Centre invited everyone to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to serving the under privileged, and remembering that the Municipality of Rome had conferred Honorary Citizenship on Nelson Mandela in 1983. The public debate was part of the “Roma Incontra il Mondo” Summer Festival.
The event began with the showing of a documentary entitled “Mandela Dance” by Mr Massimo Ghirelli, President of the Immigration Archives, also a local NGO that traces the life of Nelson Mandela, with a portrait in the form of a ballad, followed by poetry and songs, music and images, unpublished interviews and photos. The documentary highlighted the history of South Africa and the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela and his role in South Africa’s transformation.
Participants and speakers included: Ambassador Nomatemba Tambo; Ms Laura Baldassarre, Councilor of Rome, responsible for People, Schools and Solidarity towards the Community, who represented Ms Virginia Raggi, Mayor of Roma Capitale; Ms Francesca del Bello, President of Municipality Roma II; Ms Roberta Capoccioni, President of Municipality Roma III; Mr Gianni Palumbo, Speaker of the Forum Third Sector Lazio; Ms Silvia Stilli, President of Arci Cultura e Sviluppo, Rome; Ms Raffaella Chiodo, President of Rete Fare and Deputy President of the Benny Nato Centre; Mr Alberto Buttaglieri, SOS Razzismo Italia; and Mr Cleophas Adrien Dioma, Group Coordinator of CNCS Immigration.
In her address, Ambassador Tambo highlighted the life and times of Nelson Mandela during Apartheid, mentioning that the documentary that was shown was a true picture of how difficult life was in South Africa until freedom was attained. She spoke of the transfer of power from the former Government to a Democratic Government, the building of the Constitution, which is the Supreme Law of South Africa and is one of the most modern in the world. Ambassador Tambo also highlighted the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its work which contributed to in all South Africans being able to live together.
The Mayor of Rome, Ms Virginia Raggi, could not attend the event, but she sent a letter of support for Mandela Day, which was read by Mr Vincenzo Curatola, the President of the Benny Nato Centre. The letter thanked the organizers of this very important initiative and mentioned that Nelson Mandela received the Honorary Citizenship of Rome when he was still in jail. Now more than ever before, following recent negative developments in the world, the City of Rome, the world needs the spirit and example of Nelson Mandela to overcome the social and moral deterioration at a time when integration and multiculturalism is very important. The letter went on to say that the teachings of Mandela and Ghandi should be preserved because they contain the message of peace, culture and education. Education and culture are of critical importance for the new generation. The City of Rome must continue to preach peace and should not support racism. The citizens of Rome should not tolerate discrimination and isolation.
During the debate, various speakers spoke of their experiences and how Nelson Mandela helped to shape and redirect their thinking in building harmonious societies that are non-sexist, non-discriminatory, fair and just. Ms Raffaella Chiodo, the Deputy President of Benny Nato Centre said that Italy recently experienced racism in the town of Fermo in the Marche Region, where an African man was killed because he defended his wife who was referred to as a monkey by a young Italian man. She concluded by saying this and many other forms of discrimination must be condemned and be addressed adequately.
Speakers also contrasted the example set by Mr Mandela with the present situation in the City of Rome, which has been plagued by corruption and mal-administration, with racism and xenophobia on the increase and hailing the recent election of the first woman as Mayor of the Capital.
Overall, the event was a great success and served to highlight the need to build on the legacy of Nelson Mandela and follow his example in working to address social problems, promoting equity and serving marginalized communities all over the world, starting in Italy.