Memory for Justice: book launches at the Foundation

"The struggle is not for ourselves alone, it is for all humanity." - Fatima Meer

August has been a significant month for us at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, marked by a series of events designed to pursue "Memory for Justice" in the Memory-Dialogue nexus in which we work. The final weeks of August saw the team host three successful book launches that not only celebrated the lives of remarkable South African figures, but also brought together a diverse community of readers, scholars, and activists to do the work of remembering.

The first of these, held on the 22nd of August, was the launch of Born to Struggle: A Biography of Fatima Meer, authored by Arjumand Wajid. Fatima Meer's legacy is one of immense courage and unwavering commitment to justice. The launch took place at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which was a fitting venue considering the profound connections between Mandela and Meer.

Hosting this event during Women's Month added an extra layer of significance as it allowed us to honour not only Meer's contributions but also the vital role of women in shaping our nation's path to freedom. The evening was a reflection on her life, her activism, and her enduring influence on many South Africans.

On the 24th of August, the Foundation hosted the launch of Life Esidimeni: Portraits of Lives Lost, a poignant work by Harriet Perlman with powerful photography by Mark Lewis. The book itself not only commemorates the lives lost in the horrific incidents of the Life Esidimeni Tragedy but also allows us to honour the resilience of those who fought for justice.

On the 28th of August, the Foundation, in collaboration with Jacana Media, hosted the launch of Comrade and Commander: The Life and Times of Joe Modise. This biography sheds light on the life of Joe Modise, a key figure in the liberation struggle and a leader whose impact is still felt today. The event was elevated by the presence of former President Thabo Mbeki and many other notable leaders.

These book launches are more than just events; They underscore the critical role of archives, memory work, and history in activism. The Nelson Mandela Foundation continues to champion the preservation of memory as a form of activism. Memory is not just about preserving the past but about actively engaging with it to shape a more just future. By hosting these book launches, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to its memory work and memory activism.

As we approach the 22nd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture to be delivered on the 28th of September, the anticipation for Abdulrazak Gurnah's lecture builds as copies of Gurnah's books are in circulation, being read by our staff. We're excited to be hosting the Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature at the Wits Linder Theatre.

We hope to see you there, otherwise you can watch the lecture live on our YouTube Channel on the 28th of September from 3pm.

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