I was there it feels good to say that I was at the 16th Annual Nelson Mandela lecture which was held on the 17 July 2018 at wanderers stadium in Illovo. Thankfully a colleague had sent me the link to register for a ticket about two months prior. So when the Obamacare phoria started I was sorted. I actually couldn’t believe this was my first time attending these, like how did I miss this memo 15 times before? Any way I made it this time my ancestors made it happen!

So how did I find it go?

I enjoyed myself I’m glad I decided to go. I really wish the entry system was better we waited in a que for over 70 minutes and we were two and a half hours early, everyone had to go through a the scanner or detector and there were only 3 of those but all was well once we got in. We were given fleece blankies when we entered that was cute. Turns out they were also giving away cool drink and water vouchers and a memorabilia book that looked amazing from the quick flipping I got to do on my stadium neighbor’s copy. The queues for food were also very long and the event was over lunch time so most of us were quite hungry. If you toughed it like I did you would have gotten a decent bite though.

The speeches

To be honest I felt there were too many speeches it felt excessive and slightly inefficient from a time perspective during a working hours. The keynote speaker Barack Obama’s speech was inspiring and felt like a much needed sermon, if I may call it that. What I appreciated his use of simple language and just how heartfelt his speech was…Malome Barack. The message that touched my core the most was when he encouraged us to share with others as there is really only so much you can consume of everything. As I grow older this makes more and more sense to me having enough is enough. Even when it comes to my goals and dreams it’s become less about wanting all the worlds riches but rather a richness in the quality of life and abundance of happiness.

The After Party

So after the speeches King Tha gave a performance you can never go wrong with Thandiswa Mazwai long live King Tha! I didn’t stay too long for the festivities during the week in the cold so I ducked.

All in all a day well spent and much gratitude to all those who made this event possible for free!!! I thank you.