By Nangamso Mabindla
6 August 2007

THE Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development got off to a flying start, with a multimillion rand donation made at its launch in East London, in Buffalo City on Friday, August 3.

The institute, which aims to focus on research and development of rural schools and communities, is a joint venture of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the University of Fort Hare and the Eastern Cape Department of Education. The R7-million donation was made by American film and music legend Harry Belafonte, on behalf of the Vanguard Foundation, to ensure that the institute got off to a good start.

The launch, at the East London City Hall, was attended by Executive Mayor Zintle Peter; Graca Machel, Mandela’s wife; Belafonte; Minister of Education Naledi Pandor; Premier Nosimo Balindlela; education MEC Johnny Makgato; and Derrick Swartz, the vice-chancellor of Fort Hare university.

Belafonte, who is known for his humanitarian work, is also involved with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

"The Nelson Mandela Children’s fund aims to help the children of Africa, especially those in this country. And we are aware that when children are deprived and not educated, they turn to crime; we want to avoid that," he said.

He also thanked the university for being part of the partnership, which aims to offer the province’s children a better future. "This institution wants to give education opportunities to needy children here in the country." It was Belafonte’s first visit to East London.

He said the Vanguard Foundation, which does similar work in the US, was committed to Mandela and to Africa. "We have a special place for Africa and the African diaspora; that is why the foundation has an interest in an institute like the one named after Madiba."

He urged young people to emulate the likes of Madiba, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo and to act responsibly for the benefit of the country. "Each generation is responsible for itself, which is why I want to tell youngster here that their future is in their hands. The Vanguard Foundation hopes to work closely with the institute and university for the benefit of the province’s children."

Thanking the Vanguard Foundation for its pledge, Swartz said he was happy that the institute had got off to a good start. "This is a big investment in the youth of the province. I am sure that the foundation will continue to support the university well into the future."

Brian Ramadilo, the vice-president of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said that his organisation appreciated the pledge. "It is a fantastic gift and we promise to put it good use and ensure that it benefits the schools that we work with."

He said the money would be used for teacher development and support, and the refurbishing of schools.