The highly respected Esteban Lazo, Vice-President of the Cuban Council of State, who is also member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of Cuba's Communist Party received the Ubuntu Award on Behalf of Fidel Castro in Havana, Cuba on 15 April 2009. The high profile ceremony was hosted at the tightly secured Museum of the Decorative Arts by the Cuban Minister of Culture Abel Prieto. The 82 year old Fidel could not attend the event but was happy to be represented by his closest allies.Says Abel Prieto: "Ubuntu philosophy presents itself to us as one of those valuable treasures of wisdom and morale that humanity has in order to save itself from irrational consumerism, in the face of crisis of ethical standards that come along economic crisis, in the face of racism, in the face of xenophobia, in the face of the model that every day is killing millions of human beings of hunger and curable diseases; and which is taking the species to extinction".
The Ubuntu Campaign seeks to restore the positive African cultural values of respect, love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, humility and unity. This campaign is introducing learning areas that will be integrated into schools and prisons as modules for learners and offenders as a starting point.
"In honouring Dr Castro we celebrate the solidarity of the Cuban and South African people in the quest to create a better world. Through the relentless efforts and leadership of Dr Castro the world will be a better place.  The values we stand for at home are the same values of Ubuntu that have characterised the Cuban nation under the leadership of Dr Castro" says Sonwabile Mancotywa the CEO of the NHC.
The annual Ubuntu Award is the highest honour to persons who have consistently embodied values of humanity that had a global impact. The honoured persons remain symbols of Ubuntu that serve as an example for society. The first and second awards of this campaign that revives awareness of the people who upholds values of humanity were received by Nelson Mandela and Kenneth Kaunda in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
The 2009 Ubuntu Award recipient will be announced by the National Heritage Council later this year. Meanwhile suggestions from the public can be sent via sms to 34767 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The NHC strives to be the leading agent for the preservation, protection and promotion of the South African heritage, both tangible and intangible, for sustainable development. It was established by parliament to, amongst the other, advise on policy, coordinate the heritage sector, facilitate transform of heritage, provide funding to projects and create awareness.
Source : Ends /avb
Date : 16 Apr 2009 11:16
