Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — December 2025. The Global Conference on Financing for Development Momentum 2025 opened this week in Riyadh, marking what senior Saudi officials described as “a transformative new chapter” in the Kingdom’s development financing landscape. The three-day high-level gathering—organized by the National Development Fund (NDF) and held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—brought together global experts and policymakers to discuss inequality, climate resilience, financing tools, and inclusive development.

Among the most prominent voices was Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, Director of the House of Mandela Family Foundation, global advocate for social justice, climate resilience, community development, and women’s empowerment—and eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela. During an exclusive conversation with ABC MUNDIAL in Riyadh, Dr. Mandela offered a compelling analysis that resonated deeply with current debates in Latin America.

Drawing from South Africa’s historic transition and her family’s profound legacy, she discussed reconciliation, persistent inequality, ethical leadership, gender-based violence, climate challenges, and the next generation’s future.
Below are key excerpts from the interview conducted in Riyadh.

Truth, Reconciliation and Latin America’s Polarization

When asked which elements of South Africa’s reconciliation process could be adapted to Latin America, Dr. Mandela was candid:

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a good model for unearthing the evils of the past… but I have doubts whether it truly brought reconciliation. There was no punitive action against perpetrators. Many victims never had closure.”

She stressed that while revealing the truth is essential, a credible path to justice—including apologies or proportional sanctions—is necessary for societies suffering deep political and social fractures.

Parallels Between South Africa and Latin America: Race, Class, and Inequality

Dr. Mandela drew strong parallels between racial and economic inequality in South Africa and the persistent disparities across Latin America:

“Racism still prevails… not only in politics but in the economic and financial structures. South Africa addressed the political side, but not the economic inequities.”

She recalled visiting Brazil:

“I was amazed at the extent of poverty… People with darker skin live in poorer neighborhoods. Latin America pretended there was no discrimination, but it’s very present.”

She highlighted South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, land restitution, and Brazil’s education-linked social programs as examples of mutual learning opportunities.

Ethical Leadership in an Era of Distrust

Regarding leadership, Dr. Mandela invoked the example of Nelson Mandela:

“Leaders must be truly authentic. They cannot promise to uplift people from poverty and then forget those who put them in power. Everything my father said was followed by action. We need leaders who lead not only in words but in action.”

She underscored that rebuilding trust requires transparency, moral consistency, and an unwavering commitment to citizens.

Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Path to Ending Violence and Poverty

Addressing gender-based violence and structural poverty, Dr. Mandela emphasized that empowering women has a multiplier effect:

“In Africa, many households are female-headed. When we empower women, we empower society. Women invest in their children and their communities.”

This applies equally to rural areas in Latin America, she noted.

Climate Crisis and Rural Development: Community Resilience as a Shared Challenge

On climate change, drought and food insecurity, Dr. Mandela pointed to successful models:

“Kenya has had the most resilient models… If we understand the cyclical patterns of climate change, we can adapt. Technology allows crops to grow faster and water to be used more efficiently.”

She encouraged Latin America and Africa to learn not only from the West but from emerging innovators:

“We must learn from China and Russia, which are experimenting with new ideas for agricultural sufficiency.”

A Legacy Moving Forward

Dr. Mandela’s presence in Riyadh reinforced the relevance of South Africa’s historical experiences for regions confronting inequality, polarization, and climate stress.

Her mission—to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy while applying its principles to today’s global crises—resonated strongly in the Saudi capital, where Momentum 2025 continues its deliberations until tomorrow.