Mandela's civic organization to receive Dole prize

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) A civic organization started by former South Africa President Nelson Mandela is this year's leadership prize named after former U.S. Senator Bob Dole.

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas plans to present the 2013 Dole Leadership Prize to Mandela's great-grandson, Luvuyo Mandela, on Oct. 27. The $25,000 monetary prize will benefit the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving of the 10th anniversary Dole Leadership Prize than President Nelson Mandela," said Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy in a written statement. "He's the perfect example of an individual who fought for justice through the political system in place. He truly made a difference."

The prize is awarded annually to an individual or group whose public service leadership inspires others. Other winners include former President George H.W. Bush and former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison during white minority rule. He led South Africa through a delicate transition to all-race elections that propelled him to the presidency in 1994. The now 95-year-old was discharged Sept. 1 from a hospital, where he was treated for nearly three months for a recurring lung infection.

Lacy said that Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, selected Luvuyo Mandela to receive the award on behalf of his great-grandfather. Luvuyo Mandela was educated in the U.S. and will speak about the legacy and historical significance of the former leader of the anti-apartheid movement.

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory was inaugurated by Mandela in September 2004.

"The Memory Centre's work is very similar to the Dole Institute's in terms of archival materials and public programming," Lacy said. "It's the perfect place to put our $25,000 award to work."