President Higgins was elected as Ireland's Head of State in 2011 and is a former member of the Irish Parliament and government minister. The president has been a leading campaigner for human rights and for the promotion of peace and democracy in Ireland and in many parts of the world. Ireland, similarly to South Africa has experienced recent economic challenges.
His decision to visit South Africa is reflective of the importance of the historical and current bilateral relationship between Ireland and South Africa. Among the 350 youth who will be engaged by Ireland's President Higgins, will be youth leaders from UJ, surrounding schools and other local institutions.
The choice of Soweto and specifically the UJ Soweto campus is symbolic. It links the South African struggle for democracy and human rights with the civil rights movement in Ireland. It further demonstrates UJ's and the Irish president's passion for youth development on the continent and globally.
The talk will last approximately one hour, after which there will be an opportunity for open engagement on these crucial aspects that affect the African continent and the world equally.
The conversational approach of this engagement is in line with UJ's key institutional values - conversation and open dialogue.
UJ is continually seeking to empower young African leaders through exposing them to exceptional voices globally. The Irish president's engagement follows on other successful leaders such as USA President and UJ alumnus, Dr Barack Obama and SA Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela who engaged with youth in the last two years.
The academic institution is honoured to join hands with SA government and citizens in welcoming the president of Ireland to South Africa.
