Born on this day in 1918, Tata Madiba gave 67 years of his life to public service and, now, it is in our hands to collectively make a step towards a global movement for good.

If you have yet to get the memo, today is Nelson Mandela Day. Do-gooders of the nation will be out giving back for 67 minutes – or at least doing something within the theme of that number.

Yesterday, Bill Gates spoke at the 14th annual Nelson Mandela foundation lecture at the TUKS Mamelodi campus, an event dedicated to the many residents of townships who gave their lives in the struggle for liberation and democracy.

The theme for Gate’s speech was “Living Together”, during which he laid out his vision of how to create a better world for all, based, obviously, on Madiba’s fight.

Here’s a snippet:

Nelson Mandela would be remembered for generations to come for his courage, his vision, and his relentless pursuit of equality and justice.

Previous speakers in the lecture series have shared thought-provoking insights about how we can create a better world envisioned by Nelson Mandela. I’m privileged to add my voice to the conversation this year.

For hundreds of millions of people life is better today than it was a generation ago, but there is so much more we can, and must do, to make that a reality for people everywhere.

Preceded by speeches and introductions by various members of the board, Bill Gates was introduced to the packed auditorium at around the 37-minute mark.

Watch the full event below:

Gates also pledged a $5 billion (R72 billion) investment over the next five years for Africa’s development.

His foundation, inspired by his trip to Soweto with Mandela, has already invested $9 billion in Africa and their continued commitment to Africa is great – the whole continent has been polio-free for two years.

During the speech, Gates explained the other various accomplishments his foundation has achieved.

Go, Bill.

[source: enca&firstpost]