Mandela Day at JMI

<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> In tribute of the late Nelson Mandela, the Jordan Media Institute (JMI) organized a special day (Mandela Day), hosting the Ambassador of South Africa to Jordan, Dr. Molefe Tsele, who presented a lecture on Mandela&rsquo;s life and his long struggle against racism.<br /> <br /> On this occasion, JMI&rsquo;s Masters students documented the Arab media coverage and cartoons, designed posters, and prepared reports and articles about Mandela, who is known as one of the greatest global figures of the last century.<br /> <br /> During the lecture, Dr. Tsele said that monarchs, presidents and global leaders paid tribute to Mandela who is recognized to many in the world as a symbol of oppression, a global figure, a statesman and a model of national reconciliation, through his forgiveness and acceptance of others. This is the lesson that Arab societies, who passed through the Arab Spring, should learn, that unless they transcend their sectarian interests, they are bound to relive the same tyranny from which they freed themselves.<br /> <br /> He added that Mandela&rsquo;s logic challenges the current style of conducting politics. It is a call for politicians to seek a new form of engagement with those whom they govern, &ldquo;they should seek an inclusive system that has a place for all &ndash; ruling party and opposition, majority and minorities&rdquo; he said.<br /> <br /> He explained that it is too soon to define Mandela&rsquo;s legacy, but there is no doubt that part of it will be in his redefinition of the logic of politics. Mandela demonstrated that it is possible to be principled, ethical and moral and still engage effectively in politics.<br /> <br /> Dr. Tsele pointed that Mandela dedicated himself to the ideal of a free and democratic society, where no group will dominate the other. For him, the long walk has ended; it remains our responsibility to continue his legacy, and build a just peaceful and free world.<br /> &nbsp;