Welcome and Personal Impressions about the 2002 Southern Africa Visit
By Jim Brasher, Director, Global Philanthropists Circle
Dear Friends,
In my opinion, one of the most special aspects of the GPC is the opportunity to travel with other Circle Members and interact with innovative local actors in so many countries. I would like to personally welcome you to this site and to invite you to use it to further your international philanthropic goals. I would also like to share with you some of my own impressions from the recent GPC trip to Southern Africa.
As most of you know, our trip began in South Africa where we met with a remarkable collection of individuals and organizations. From the Minister of Finance, Trevor Manual, to young people educating their peers about HIV/AIDS at Love Life, to rural women working together to solve local problems, we found countless sources of inspiration and promise.
While our schedule was constructed around daily themes such as partnership, community development, and youth, one of the overall themes of our time in South Africa was the importance of leadership and the power of reconciliation and forgiveness. South Africa's history of apartheid and institutionalized discrimination could have left it permanently scarred. However, because of the leadership, vision and magnanimity of key individuals such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former-President Nelson Mandela, the country has been able to establish itself both as a thriving democracy and an economic engine for the region.
In our meeting with Nelson Mandela in which he greeted us with a wholehearted endorsement of the Global Philanthropists Circle creed (quoted by him word for word!), he talked about the way in which he had gone about appeasing his enemies with forgiveness while unfalteringly standing by those who had helped him. In so doing, Mandela was able to forge a transition coalition for the "New South Africa" built upon a foundation of strength and cooperation, rather than weakness and division. And we saw how these examples generated a multiplier effect around the country, inspiring people to join their former rivals to rebuild their nation and their communities together.
I don't think that most of us had realized how deeply and powerfully the forgiveness and commitment to reconciliation not only of Mr. Mandela, but also hundreds of other individuals have penetrated this society. Because of this, there is extraordinary hope in this country in spite of South Africa having the largest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the world.
In Mozambique, our group had a very different experience, but one that was equally positive. We were hosted by Graça Machel and the organization she founded, the Community Development Foundation (FDC). The FDC gathered some of Mozambique's most engaged and innovative actors from the business, government and civil society sectors to dialogue with our delegation.
Our meetings with President Chissano and the Governor of the Bank of Mozambique also gave us insight into the impressive growth that Mozambique has experienced in the past five years, and confirmed our belief in the ability of nations to turn themselves around with the right combination of perseverance and ability.
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip for me was witnessing the exchange of ideas and energy between our delegation and individuals at all levels in each country. The personal relationships and opportunities for collaboration that emerged from each event were energizing, and we know that this is just the beginning.
Again, welcome to the GPC Web Parlor and please let us know how it can best help you fill your needs.
Sincerely,
Jim
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