14/07/2008
City honours Mandela
Liverpool's Lord Mayor is to send a personal message of congratulations to one of the world's greatest statesman.
Councillor Steve Rotheram is sending a message to Nelson Mandela and has also asked anti-apartheid campaigners to be civic guests at a party in honour of the former South Africa leader's 90th birthday.
Councillor Rotheram has invited Pretoria born and raised - but now a long-time Liverpool resident - Shirley Mashiane-Talbot to a civic reception in honour of Mr Mandela tomorrow (Tuesday 15 July). Shirley campaigned tirelessly for 35 years for the great man's release and for an end to the apartheid regime.
Councillor Rotheram said: "We wanted to hold a civic reception to thank the people of Liverpool for the part they played in Nelson Mandela's release and for their support over the years. Everyone is welcome to attend an open day where they can sign a book in support of Mr Mandela or leave a video message of support which will be forwarded onto him.
"Mr Mandela was a truly great man. But it was also important to recognise those individuals who were working towards a free South Africa long before most people were aware of the cruel regime - Shirley Mashiane Talbot was certainly one of those people."
An open day will be held at Liverpool Town Hall on Tuesday 15 July from 10am till 5pm. Around 20 stalls will be on display ranging from global charities to local community groups.
Shirley Mashiane-Talbot, a former head of Social Work Programmes for John Moores University, will be speaking about her long-standing opposition to the apartheid regime.
<< Back