This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. He was an activist, a revolutionary, a political leader, philanthropist, and a role model for many global leaders. He fought apartheid in South Africa and spent 27 years in prison before emerging to lead his country as South Africa’s first black head of state, and the first head of state to be elected in a fully representative democracy. Mandela was also awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and his ideals and words have inspired millions.
On this hour of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with Ambassador in Residence at University of Iowa, Ron McMullen about Mandela. Before serving as ambassador to Eritrea, McMullen spent more than 30 years working for the US Foreign Service and has lived, worked, or traveled in 105 countries. McMullen was assigned to diplomatic duties in South Africa during a portion of Mandela’s presidency and speaks of the strong leadership and negotiation skills that made Mandela such a notable leader.
Then, three Mandela Washington Fellows, Charles Faul, Luana Pereira, and Joyleen Kafuka who spent time incubating new ideas and honing their leadership abilities in partnership with University of Iowa before returning to their respective homes in South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, and Zimbabwe.
