The man who was imprisoned with Nelson Mandela for 12 years and secretly transcribed then smuggled Mandela's memoirs out of prison will speak at a Monash University forum this week.
Sathyandranath Ragunanan "Mac" Maharaj is a key figure in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, and was once described as the most tortured political detainee in South Africa.
Over the past 40 years he has been an activist and exile, and a detainee, political prisoner, negotiator and cabinet minister in South Africa's first democratic government.
Mr Maharaj, 73, will share his story and discuss the lessons learnt from the South African experience as a special guest of Monash University at the African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific 'Building a Common Future - Africa and Australasia' conference at the State Library from 26-28 November, 2008.
Monash University has strong links with South Africa, having established a dedicated campus in Ruimsig, Johannesburg in 2001. Now in its 50th year, it is Australia's largest university with campuses across Melbourne and regional Victoria and another international campus in Malaysia.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Stephanie Fahey said the conference highlighted the importance of Africa-Australia relations.
"Monash University is committed to taking the lead in building support for Africa here in Australia," Professor Fahey said.
"We are honoured to have a figure of Mr Maharaj's stature speak at the conference and we believe much can be learnt from his valuable experience of peace making around the world.
"This African studies conference will engage academics from Australia, the Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa, members of the business community, leaders of African communities in Australia, politicians, members of the African consular in Australia and NGOs in both Australia and Africa.
"The University believes this conference to be an important step towards building closer links between Africa and Australia in the years to come."
Keynote speaker: Anti-apartheid campaigner Mac Maharaj
Topic: 'Building a Common Future - Africa and Australasia' conference
Date and Time: 26-28 November. Maharaj keynote address: 9.30 - 10.30 am, Thursday 27 November
Venue: State Library of Victoria | 
