I was lucky to embrace Islam: Zwelivelile Mandlesizwe Dalibhunga Mandela

Zwelivelile Mandlesizwe Dalibhunga Mandela, the grandson of former South African leader Nelson Mandela, was accorded a warm welcome at the Lahore airport on his arrival. Senior PAT leaders namely Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of MQI Supreme Council, PAT Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur and other senior leaders received the distinguished guest who was accompanied by A.V. Muhammad, chairman of Memon community and other guests. The honorable delegation has come to Pakistan to attend Tajdar-e-Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Conference on the special invitation of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Talking to media outside the airport, Zwelivelile Mandlesizwe Dalibhunga Mandela said that he was pleased to be in Pakistan to participate in the International Milad Conference. He said that Islam is a complete code of life that teaches peace, tolerance and respect for others. He said that he considered himself lucky for embracing Islam. He said that for establishment of durable peace in the world, the Islamic teachings of peace will have to be spread in the far and wide.

Mandla Mandela, replying to a question, said that South Africa has produced some talented and wonderful cricketers. He said that his personal opinion was that the South African cricket team should visit Pakistan, stating that sports play an important role in promoting solidarity and good will among the nations. He said that he was ready to play any role he could as representative of the people.

Answering another question, Mandla Mandela said that his visit to Pakistan was of religious nature. He said that he has come to Pakistan to attend the Milad Conference on the invitation of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. He said that Dr Qadri’s services for peace and interfaith harmony are praiseworthy and he is his fan.

Speaking to media, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that thanks to the efforts of Minhaj-ul-Quran Islamic Centre South Africa, Mandla Mandela was converted to Islam and he has come to Pakistan for the first time after conversion and we extend to him the warmest welcome. He said that in addition to attending the Conference, Mandla Mandela will visit central secretariat of MQI where comprehensive briefing will be given to him on the working of the organization.