India donated 9.3 million rupees to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to help it in its welfare work for the people of South Africa. Announcing the donation at the offices of the Foundation in Johannesburg yesterday, Indian High Commissioner Ruchi Ghanashyam said, the donation was a direct result of the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation was established in 1999 after the then President Nelson Mandela stepped down as the President of South Africa. The Government of India helped in the building of the Foundation’s premises. The Foundation has duly acknowledged this contribution on the plaque at the entrance.
Speaking on behalf of the Trustees of Foundation, veteran politician Tokyo Sexwale highlighted how the donation was a continuation of the support that India had always shown to the people of South Africa since it started the anti-apartheid struggle globally soon after its own independence in 1947. He said, India was also the first country to give a home to those opposing the apartheid regime and was the first to grant diplomatic status to the African National Congress.