At the 105th GRIPS Forum on January 26, 2015, H.E. Ms. Mohau Pheko, Republic of South Africa’s Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to Japan, gave a lecture titled “Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture: South Africa – Twenty Years of Freedom and a Vision for the Future”

• Please click here to see the video of the Forum.

• Abstract

In April 1994, South Africans of all races voted in the country’s first democratic election, averting a potential all-out racial war, bringing the ANC to power and making Nelson Mandela the first President of a free South Africa. Democracy has been entrenched and the country’s uniquely diverse peoples united under a new flag and anthem, and recognising no less than eleven official languages. An astounding array of achievements during the past twenty years on various fronts, combined by political astuteness, has given the South Africa an important international voice and being regarded by many as punching well above its weight. South Africa’s clear vision for the future will ensure that it remains a valuable international player and partner.

Speakers’ Profile:

1984 BSc Economics & General studies, Indiana University Purdue University

1987 BSs nursing – University of the State of New York

1990 PHM – International Health, New York Medical College

1994 MSc – Development Economics – NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies

2000 PhD – International Relations – LaSalle University Louisiana   

2010 Department of International Relations & Cooperation  

2010-2011 Republic of South Africa’s High Commissioner to Canada

2012 Republic of South Africa’s Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to Japan