'Stop exploiting Madiba's name'

2008-09-08 20:07

Johannesburg - The Nelson Mandela Foundation on Monday appealed to people to stop exploiting Madiba's name.

"While Mr Mandela's name is protected by law, and we expect people to respect the law, there is an equally great, moral imperative for people to cease exploiting his name for commercial gain," said Achmat Dangor, the foundation's chief executive.

"Mandela has repeatedly asked that his name only be used by charitable organisations of his choice."

The foundation was recently informed of a 24-carat black diamond called the "Madiba Diamond" apparently purchased by a David Linsley of the Guernsey-based Sirius Investment Management company.

Dangor said the diamond was ostensibly the first purchase of the company, which would be launched in 2009.

"Mr Mandela is a champion of democracy and human rights not only in South Africa, but the world over," he said.

"To use his name in such a crassly commercial manner as this 'diamond' proposal, not only trivialises his leadership and sacrifice, but that of the millions of others who gave their lives and livelihoods in the name of what is good and right."

- SAPA