Queen's to honour Mandela with doctorate
NELSON Mandela is to be made an honorary doctor at Queen's University on Tuesday.
The former president of South Africa will formally become the university's Centenary Honorary Grad-uate at a ceremony tonight.
The Nobel Peace prizewinner, who led the struggle against apartheid, receives an honorary doctorate for distinction in public service.
In his citation, Queen's Chancellor Senator George Mitchell will describe Mr Mandela as "an inspirational figure".
Born in 1918, just 10 years after Queen's received its Royal Charter, Nelson Mandela was elected his country's first black president in 1994. As South Africa's most famous ambassador, he continues to play a leading role in the search for peace in conflict zones around the world.
His work for peace was recognised in 1993 when he was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace prize with President FW de Klerk.
Senator Mitchell said: "Nelson Mandela was the 11th President of South Africa, but the first to be elected in democratic elections which were free, fair and open to people from all races and backgrounds.
"He is an inspirational figure and a global statesman whose courage and leadership brought about healing within a nation divided by apartheid."
Mr Mandela, who cannot be in Belfast for the occasion, has received a copy of his degree parchment from Sir Anthony O'Reilly, and he has recorded a special message which will be relayed to the audience at the ceremony.
"Thank you for the honour bestowed today. My grandchildren will be impressed when I can boast I have an honorary doctorate from such an esteemed institution," he said.
"Queen's University Belfast plays a central role in the life of Northern Ireland and is key to its future."
He added this was an "honour to the people of South Africa too".
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Weather for Belfast
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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