“Education is the most powerful weapon in the world.” – Nelson Mandela

On International Mandela Day - July 18, Professor Mzobanzi Mboya, Head of the NEPAD Education Programme devoted 67 minutes of his time – one minute for every year of Madiba’s public service – to high school students in the townships of Mamelodi and Soshanguve in Pretoria.

The purpose of the lectures were to keep the legacy of Nelson Mandela alive in the minds of young people and to emphasise that education is the most important asset that Africa’s youth can acquire.

In his presentations, Prof Mboya spoke about Mandela’s upbringing in a small rural community, the value of family and his belief that “Education is the most powerful weapon in the world.”     

Professor Mboya also briefed the students on various NEPAD programmes and projects and the impact NEPAD is having in transforming Africa.

Group photo of Prof Mboya and students of Mamelodi High School

At the end of the lecture the students were inspired by Mandela’s legacy and encouraged to take a much more active role in advancing Africa’s socio-economic development.