Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 August 2021
H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Leader of the Nation, and his principles have played a special role in the formation and development of Kazakhstan as an
independent state. Like my late Grandfather Nelson Mandela, the Leader of the Kazakhstani Nation has prioritised freedom, peace and harmony in
his country.
As eldest grandchild of Nelson Mandela, the first democratic President
of the Republic of South Africa, I highly value the formula of peace and
harmony H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev has put forward. He has, in particular, been able to convey and promote these principles on the
world stage, where they have garnered due recognition. I would like to note that His Excellency’s constructive international initiatives are historically significant for the future of humanity, as well as its
security and sustainable development.
In this regard, I established a Representative Office of the International Platform G-Global for the African continent in Johannesburg, and became the Chairperson of the International Foundation “Contribution of Youth to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Agenda 2030,” as well as the Member of the Board of the International Global Silk Road Award.
My grandfather, Nelson Mandela, paid special attention to disarmament
and non-proliferation. In this regard, I fully support President Nazarbayev’s timely and relevant initiative – the Global Alliance of Leaders for Nuclear Security and a World Free of Nuclear Weapons, whose membership I have assumed recently. Towards end of this month, I intend to participate in the Alliance’s Summit in Nur-Sultan and contribute to
its work on behalf of Africa.
I consider Nazarbayev’s formula for peace and harmony as a unique recipe for the country’s leadership and people to meet various modern
challenges and overcome difficult times as a successful independent
state under the Kazakhstani motto “One people. One
country. One destiny.”
On the eve of the 30th Anniversary of its Independence, Kazakhstan has
become a dynamic state in terms of development, a confident economic
leader and an influential regional power. The First President Nursultan
Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan guided his country since attaining its independence and led it to a great success. In the turmoil, tension and
uncertainty of the post-Cold War period, he created this formula and
consistently adhered to it, gaining the people’s strong support and
thereby His Excellency was able to ensure a bright future for his
compatriots.
His vision and time-tested values are aligned with the values of my
grandfather Nelson Mandela. Yet, Nursultan Nazarbayev also gave priority to the creation of statehood and freedom, improving the quality of
education and raising the living standards of his people, as well as
ensuring equality for all citizens from all ethnicities and communities.
Indeed, the extraordinary achievements under President Nazarbayev’s
leadership are a source of admiration in many countries around the
world, and it is a source of great pride in the people of Kazakhstan.
There is a lot to learn from Kazakhstan’s experience in ensuring
inter-ethnic harmony as well as human development throughout Africa. This amazing country has also established itself as a reliable partner in the building a new bright, safe and prosperous future.
Kazakhstan’s multifaceted actions and renowned international
initiatives, good reputation, rich experience, as well as tangible results have inspired and influenced positively South Africans and representatives of many other countries.
In this regard and on the occasion of the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, I wish its founding father His Excellency First President Nursultan Nazarbayev, His Excellency President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and all the people of Kazakhstan peaceful life,
prosperity and continued success.
Ndileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s first grandchild,
President of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation