Nelson Mandela: The Presidential Years

Introduced by UN Special Envoy for Global Education, and former British Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown, figures from the world of activism, politics and journalism gathered on the Royal Festival Hall stage for readings from the book, and a discussion on the life and impact of Mandela.

The high-profile panel in discussion are South African novelist, poet and biographer of Mandela, Mandla Langa, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, the former Labour MP and anti-apartheid campaigner, Lord Peter Hain, and the American-British playwright and broadcaster Bonnie Greer, chaired by the journalist Jon Snow. The panel discussion is framed by readings from Langa’s book, delivered by the actor Adrian Lester.

‘Mandela represents what we lack, and what we’re fast losing. Humility defines itself at a time when we lack human solidarity; instead of building bridges we are looking for more options for walls.’

Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation