Challenges Ahead for the Young Democracy in South Africa

About

Ambassador Barbara Masekela received her education in South Africa and Zambia, graduating with a BA (Cum Laude) from the University of Ohio in 1971. After an academic career in which she was Assistant Professor of English Literature at Staten Island Community College, NY, and at Rutgers University, NJ, she founded the African National Congress Office of Arts and Culture and served as its secretary for seven years. After the release of Nelson Mandela, she joined his office as Chief of Staff, a position she held until 1994. During that time she was elected to the National Executive Committee of the ANC and to its National Working Committee, as well.

President Mandela appointed Ms. Masekela Ambassador to the Republic of France as well as Ambassador to UNESCO, in 1995. In 1999 when she returned to South Africa she joined the corporate world where she held a number of executive and non-executive Directorships. She was a Director of the Standard Bank of South Africa, the South African Broadcasting Corporation and the International Marketing Council, among others. At this time she also became a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She retired in March 2003 as Executive Director for Public and Corporate Affairs for De Beers Consolidated Mines. President Mbeki appointed Ms. Masekela Ambassador to the United States of America in June 2003.

This event is also sponsored by the Carr Center for Human Rights, the KSG Africa Caucus, and the Project on Justice in Times of Transition.