On Tuesday, 5th of November, two distinguished South Africans were bestowed the Honorary Freedom of the City at a cermony at the Chamberlain’s Court, Guildhall, the home of the City of London Corporation.
In receiving this prestigious award, Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec and HE Mr Kingsley Mamabolo, South African High Commissioner to the UK followed in the footsteps of some of the greatest South Africans; President Nelson Mandela, the Rivonia Trial accused, their legal team, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The ceremony is nine centuries old, so many thousands of people have walked this path before, forming a connection across the centuries with people who lived very different lives in very different times.
The audience comprised many of the new Freemen’s family and friends, along with representatives of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK, including outgoing Executive Chairman, Sharon Constançon, who made the nominations. They were joined by the Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, who raised the traditional toast to the youngest Freemen of the City. The Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court advised that these two South Africans will hold the title of “youngest” for at least a week, longer than many who hold it for only a few hours. The Lord Mayor’s term ends on Friday and the Chamber looks forward to an equally cordial relationship with the new Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King.
Other honoured guests included the Lady Mayoress, Elisabeth Mainelli, Mrs Alenore Mamabolo, Sheriff Gregory Jones KC and Councillor Tijs Broeke, our host and MC for the lunch. Dennis Zietsman, the new Chairman of the SA Chamber UK was also present, along with the Chamber’s new CEO, Svend Littauer, Directors of the Chamber and representatives from the South African High Commision.
Ruth Leas said of the occasion, “I am honoured and humbled to receive this honour and to have shared this special moment with the SA High Commissioner”. The High Commissioner, Kingsley Mamabolo said, “I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of well known South African leaders.”
The ceremony was followed by a light lunch, which provided an excellent opportunity for networking and discussion, key topics being the US election and South Africa assuming the Chair of the G20 later this month, taking over from Brazil after the Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
