Andrew Russell (1982G) recently addressed ODs and their partners at The Mitre on the topic of the lessons that we can learn from Nelson Mandela.  Stephen Bornman of St George's Grammar School brought some of his students to attend.  

The talk was based on Andrew Russell's book The Leadership We Need: Lessons for Today from Nelson Mandela.

Andrew also addressed the students on a similar topic at one of the school societies where ODs address the boys at various societies, for which the meetings are held at The Mitre.

Andrew is also editor of the updated and expanded edition of Christo Brand’s book Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend, published in 2022 by Blue Ear Books.

These books have taken Andrew on ventures around South Africa and to the USA.

One of the reviews from the book states: “Just about everywhere we look, our faith in political leaders has hit rock bottom; mediocrity, fanaticism, and moral cowardice abound. Nelson Mandela, who remained as generous as he was shrewd, despite spending twenty-seven years in jail, stands as a timeless reminder and a timeless inspiration. Humanity is, and always has been, capable of great things, and there is always room and reason for us to be better.” – John Carlin, Knowing Mandela

The talk was followed by a Q & A session.

The talk is one of two colloquia that were held this term at The Mitre (each term there are two colloquia).

The other colloquium this term was a talk from the ODA  Paul Murray (Staff 1991 - ) on "Reminiscences of a student in Florence - 1978/9" illustrated with slides and readings.  

After studies in South Africa Paul went to the University of Florence in Italy to continue with his Italian.  The presentation included topics that were relevant at the time, as part of his experience; living next to the Palazzo Pucci, studying the poetry of Dante and generally absorbing the lifestyle of the Florentines.

The meetings are preceded by Tea for ODs and their spouses and friends to enjoy a time of socializing.  

Next term will see two more of these colloquia which are advertised in advance on the OD Website (not to be confused with the quarterly society meetings held at The Mitre for students from the school where ODs address them).

In the photographs below, are ODs and friends at The Mitre, attending the talk on Florence; and, below is the ODA at the small exhibit of sketches, letters, and poetry texts from this time as a student at the University of Florence (1978/9).