Liberia honours Mandela, Makeba
NELSON Mandela and the late Miriam Makeba were yesterday awarded the Golden Image Award in Liberia.
The glittering ceremony at the Monrovia city hall was attended by Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, her ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries.
Thanking the 25 recipients who came from different humanitarian backgrounds, including icons, human rights activists and developers, Johnson-Sirleaf, in whose honour the awards were conceptualised, paused when it came to Makeba's turn.
She said she knew how much joy "Mama Africa" had brought to millions of people all over the world.
"She touched so many lives. We remember fondly the time she spent here in Liberia," Johnson-Sirleaf said referring to Makeba's stay in Liberia.
Referring to Mandela as a selfless statesman and the father of Africa, she said his award would be delivered personally to him since there were no family representatives to receive it.
The awards are the brainchild of traditional queen and musician Juli Endee and her Crusaders for Peace cultural exponents.
Thandile
The majority of people will always remember Mandela as a bomb planter and a terrorist.Report Abuse