Ramaphosa to deliver Tutu peace lecture

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa will reflect on the course of South Africa’s restorative justice 20 years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ended, when he delivers the 8th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture in October.

The lecture will take place at the Artscape theatre a day after Tutu’s 87th birthday.

The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation said it was “thrilled” that Ramaphosa had agreed to deliver the lecture. Since its inauguration in 2011 by the Dalai Lama, who had to be connected to Cape Town by satellite from India, the International Peace Lecture has become a flagship event on the foundation’s calendar.

The list of speakers who have subsequently graced the podium comprises former first lady Graça Machel, former public protector Thuli Madonsela, former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, the late Kofi Annan, advocate Hina Jilani and advocate Vasu Gounden.

“The idea behind the annual lecture is to provide an influential southern hemisphere platform that contributes to international discourses about peace, human rights and justice in an increasingly globalised world,” said Razaan Bailey, programme manager of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.

“South Africa’s negotiated settlement and approach to post-apartheid justice were internationally regarded as a beacon of hope.

‘‘To have a leader of the negotiations process, who is now our president, reflect on the nation’s journey to date is a rare opportunity to collectively consider our progress, our successes and shortcomings, and the lessons we have learnt along the way.”

The event will be open to the public, but only to those who have registered and received tickets in advance.

For more information follow the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation at www.tutu.org.za, on Twitter @TutuLegacy or on Facebook @ TutuLegacyFoundation.