Mandela grandson praises inclusivity of Games
THE Commonwealth Games will host a 100th birthday party for the late South African president Nelson Mandela with a celebration of African music hosted by his grandson tonight.
As Aboriginal protesters hijacked a morning television broadcast yesterday morning, Kweku Mandela was preparing to host a vibrant celebration of the Commonwealth Games’ power to unite people of different backgrounds.
Kweku Mandela, who was born in South Africa but grew up in the United States, said his grandparents would have approved of the inclusivity of the Gold Coast Games.
“I think any opportunity where you can connect people from around the world, both my grandparents would say that’s a positive step forward, so it’s great to see the Commonwealth Games here in Australia again,” he said. “I’m glad I could be part of it so I can showcase the next generation of African leaders and entertainers.”
Mr Mandela said he wanted to learn more about the people behind the protests, which also disrupted the Queens Baton Relay and attempted to disrupt the Opening Ceremony. “I don’t really know that much about it,” he said.
“I know a lot of indigenous people and the great strides they’ve had to undertake to play a political role in society.
“I’d like to learn more about it so I can understand it a little bit more.”