With the goal is to extend to the world the history of South African president, Nelson Mandela, and his fight against apartheid, two of the world leader’s grandchildren created a virtual social network with the name of his grandfather. They expect to make a profit of the website,with which could fund Africa Rising.
“It’s a social network that draws on the inspiration that my grandfather raised globally,” says Ndaba Mandela, 30, grandson of Mandela that leads the family initiative with his cousin Kweku, 28.
Madiba’s followers can connect to the platform “mandela.is” and leave messages, photos or share thoughts. The idea is that people can relate “what Mandela has prompted them to do, and how it encouraged them to the service of their community.”
The site, which now has several thousand members, some quite active, and has received messages of support, congratulations, religious, real stories about life changes.
“It’s not about making money, but to make people understand who is Nelson Mandela, and encourage them to act for the good of their community,” said Ndaba, who is also president of Africa Rising, a non-profit who wants to support innovation and development in Africa.
