- At the head of the Nelson Mandela foundation, Sello Hatang takes care of the memory of the former head of state.
- For him, Madiba was an “example of what human can be, what human can have best”.
- "We have to build more tolerant countries together," says Sello Hatang.
How to perpetuate the legacy of Nelson Mandela? Thanks to dialogue, answers Sello Hatang, guest of honor at the VIS! ONS conference organized by 20 Minutes on December 4. At the head of the foundation of the same name, Sello Hatang takes care of the memory of the former South African head of state. Former spokesperson for human rights organizations, active member of the reconciliation process in South Africa, he took over as head of the foundation in 2013. Since then, he has surveyed his country and the world to call for more tolerance between peoples. He is answering our questions…
What does Nelson Mandela represent to you?
Nelson Mandela represents leadership. Leadership at the service of others. It represents what reconciliation may be. He represents what is most human in each of us. It represents humility and the will to serve all of humanity. And of course it represents tolerance. He was an example of what human can be, what human can have.
Is it the role of your foundation, to show the best of humanity?
We must build together countries that are more tolerant, that help each other more, and that respect human rights. What Mandela left us as a legacy can change the lives of children, women and men. With the foundation, we are trying to set up discussion groups where those who cannot speak to each other think together about a solution. We are also setting up social assistance for those in need. And finally, we commemorate the memory of Nelson Mandela around the world, to prevent his legacy from disappearing. Solidarity between human beings must not be achieved only with their own. It must extend to those who are different.
Are you optimistic about the future of our planet?
While in prison, Nelson Mandela never gave up. Why should I do it today? I have only one wish: that we will manage to live all together, in a world that accepts differences, in a peaceful world that takes care of the most fragile. That is why we work so hard with the Mandela foundation. We work so that the young generation never loses hope.
Why do our societies remain so divided?
Unfortunately, I think we don't talk to each other enough. That we don't listen to each other enough. It's much easier to stay in your corner, than to dialogue and accept differences. It's easier to destroy than to rebuild. Nelson Mandela has spent his life wanting to rebuild, and I hope that people around the world will learn from this. Let's continue to rebuild together!
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