Building Africa from Within: Kikwete's insights at the Buthelezi Lecture

A former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has been chosen to deliver the second Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Lecture this year, set to take place on November 15 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

The event, which kicks off at 14:00, promises to attract prominent leaders and influencers from across the African continent and beyond, igniting meaningful discussions about the future of Africa.

This year’s lecture is themed “Building Africa from Within: Advancing Peace, Reconciliation, and Self-Reliance for Sustainable Development.”

According to Fanele Mhlongo, a spokesperson for the foundation, the subject profoundly resonates with the legacy of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Buthelezi, a stalwart figure in South African politics, was renowned for his commitment to peace and reconciliation, coupled with his relentless efforts to empower African communities through self-help initiatives.

“Kikwete is uniquely positioned to delve into these themes,” Mhlongo stated.

“His remarkable political career and his enduring vision for African unity and self-sufficiency provide him with the perfect foundation to address such pivotal topics.”

The philosophical roots underlying this lecture trace back to the deep bond shared between Prince Buthelezi and the late Tanzanian President Dr Julius Nyerere.

Their intellectual camaraderie and consequential discussions on governance and empowerment highlight the need for collaboration in tackling Africa’s pressing challenges.

As a young leader, Buthelezi admired Nyerere's Ujamaa principles an African model of socialism focusing on unity and self-reliance which merges historical and cultural ideals to promote sustainable development across the continent.

The Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Lecture Series serves as a vital platform for reflection on leadership, nation-building, and community service.

This particular event not only aims to explore essential topics but also to celebrate the life and contributions of Prince Buthelezi, one of South Africa’s most esteemed political figures.

His enduring legacy continues to inspire emerging leaders striving to forge a more equitable and harmonious Africa.

The announcement comes after the Nelson Mandela Foundation held its 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture this past Saturday. The event was described as a significant event renowned for fostering dialogue on crucial global issues.

This year, the foundation had extended an invitation to Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, to deliver the lecture.