On Wednesday 17 July 2024 ahead of Mandela Day, OD Andrew Russell (1982G) addressed FORUM on the topic of whether the lessons from Nelson Mandela are still relevant today.  Andrew based his talk on his book “The Leadership We Need – Lessons for today from Nelson Mandela”. 

After presenting his talk he invited participation from the floor, encouraging members of the society to think about the question: "are the lessons from Nelson Mandela still relevant today?".  

Mr Warwick Richter (Staff) also attended.

FORUM is a society started by Mr Michael Fisher (former Staff) in 1976, one of several, which Paul Murray the ODA took over in 1991.  The nature of the society is for experts in their field to address the members on a subject of their choice, with Q&A; and some socialising around refreshments afterwards.

Andrew kindly handed out four copies of his book.

As part of the rich programme of events at The Mitre, the Home of the ODU, Andrew will address ODs on 08 August at 11.00am, which will take the form of a book discussion, with Andrew and Paul Murray the ODA, participating.  A Q&A session from the floor, normally follows. 

Tea and boudoir biscuits are served ahead of the discussion ... ODs and their partners and friends also normally stay on afterwards for socialising. 

In the photograph above are all the attendees at FORUM (photo by Paul Murray).

Mr Richter, Immanuel Magongwa (Grade 12, S), Lucca Maynhardt (Grade 12, F), Michael Mafunda (Grade 10, O), Rowan Piorowski (Grade 11, S), Jeremy Liddle (Grade 10, G), Robert Forrest (Grade 10, K), Matthew de Jager (Grade 10, K), Munya Mtombeni (Grade 12, W - Head of FORUM), Ethan Totaram-Jacobs (Grade 8, K), Matthew von der Heyden (Grade 11, W), Jack Buckham (Grade 11, M), Bryn Parry (Grade 11, O), Peyton Leigh (Grade 11, K), Liam Chester (Grade 11, G), David Lewis (Grade 11, G), Samuel Purchase (Grade 11, W), Thomas le Grange (Grade 11, G), Zeno Benolich (Grade 11, W), Max Marr (Grade 11, S), and Andrew Russell (1982G).

Next week OD Brandon de Kock (1986K) will address Lingua Franca - at 1PM in the Mitre Loung - on Wednesday 24 July.  

On 22 August the ODA Paul Murray will speak on the topic of “Between Pucci & Dante - reminiscences of a student in Florence in the 70s”.   The talk will be illustrated with relevant slides, readings (Dante), music and fashion items shown on the big screen (Emilio Pucci, Florentine designer). 

Term 4 will feature a similar line-up of talks, presented by ODs to the societies, as well as ODs presenting  talks to ODs, their wives and friends.

It is a real pleasure for all who attend these talks to be in such a beautiful space as is The Mitre Lounge and generally at the Home of the ODU.

For further information please contact the ODU, [email protected]