Nelson Mandela’s Grandson visits AIARA Headquarters, discusses historical relations between Algeria and South Africa

Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of former South African leader Nelson Mandela, visited the headquarters of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution (AIARA) on Monday. During a press conference, he discussed the historical relations between Algeria and South Africa, his country’s position on the Zionist aggression against Gaza, and the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara.

This visit comes on the eve of an international symposium titled « Algeria and Africa: A Common Memory, A Shared Destiny, and A Promising Future, » organized in Algiers by the Ministry of Mujahideen and Rights-holders in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, with AIARA’s participation.

Upon arrival at AIARA headquarters, Zwelivelile Mandela was received by mujahid and former diplomat Noureddine Djoudi. He inaugurated a commemorative plaque for a tree planted in memory of Nelson Mandela, an African icon and leading figure in the fight against apartheid.

During the press conference, Zwelivelile Mandela began by discussing his late grandfather’s journey, particularly focusing on his special relationship with Algeria. He explained that Nelson Mandela traveled to several African countries, including Ethiopia, where he met General Tadesse Birru, who advised him to visit Algeria to learn about the national liberation struggle.

During his stay in Algeria, Nelson Mandela forged friendships with leaders of the National Liberation Army (ALN), such as Mohamed Boudiaf, Ahmed Ben Bella, and Houari Boumediene, from whom he learned war strategies and tactics to fight the apartheid regime.

Mandela’s grandson also recalled Algeria’s important role in the liberation struggle of several African countries, including South Africa. He emphasized the need to educate today’s youth about Algeria’s significant contribution to the liberation of many African nations.

Zwelivelile Mandela stressed that his grandfather’s name has always been associated with oppressed people, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the voices of those in Palestine and Western Sahara are heard worldwide.

Regarding South Africa’s efforts to condemn the Zionist entity in international courts, he recalled Nelson Mandela’s insistence that South Africa’s independence would be incomplete without the liberation of the Palestinian people.

Concerning Western Sahara, he stated that as Africans, « we must combine our efforts to liberate the last colony in Africa, expel the Moroccan occupier from Sahrawi territories, and allow the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to regain its independence. »

AIARA President Noureddine Djoudi highlighted the important role played by Cherif Belkacem in connecting ALN leaders with the late President Nelson Mandela. He also emphasized the depth of relations between Algeria and South Africa, exemplified by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s decision to name the new stadium in Baraki, Algiers, after Nelson Mandela.