The Journal

Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Audrey Burke Ambassador Barbara J. Masekela speaks about South African health care at her reception April 5 in University Center Sunnen Lounge.

Webster is no stranger to political speakers from around the world, the likes of which include Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (who is scheduled to speak at this year's commencement ceremony) and, most recently, South Africa's Ambassador to the United States Barbara Masekela.


Masekela, who is from Johannesburg, South Africa, has led a life of political activism. She has held several positions in the African National Congress, including chair of the regional committee to the United States, administrative secretary and head of the Department of Arts and Culture. She also has served as ambassador to France and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and worked toward anti-apartheid and women's issues as well.


"I've been asked to say a few words, but I must warn you that no ambassador says 'a few words,'" Masekela said at her reception April 5 in the University Center Sunnen Lounge.


About 102 people attended the reception, including students, faculty and alumni.


"I'm actually quite flattered by the number of people who are here," Masekela said. "Someone told me it was because of the hors d'oeuvres."


Despite her lighthearted opening, her speech's subject matter was more serious, focusing on issues of health care and wellness.


"Children, women and men are dying from diseases that are curable," Masekela said. "Our aim is to address all of the diseases that are attacking people, especially poor people."


The reception served as a preview for a town hall meeting, "Age of Uncertainty: An International Search for Possibilities in Healthcare and Wellness," held April 6 in the Loretto-Hilton Center.


"We have to improve the quality of life around the world, and it starts with our health. There's nothing more important than that," Webster University President Richard Meyers said. "Not everything can be solved today, but enough things can be solved if we work on them together."


Hosted by the School of Education, the town hall meeting featured speeches by Masekela and Will Ross, associate dean and director of the office of diversity at the Washington University School of Medicine. Masekela discussed issues in South Africa, such as HIV/AIDS.

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