SAWIP’s Inaugural Donald M. Payne Congressional Forum

Hosted by: Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

The SAWIP Annual Congressional Forum brings together esteemed Members of Congress and members of the SAWIP community for an opportunity to hear the personal stories of young South Africans' trials and triumphs in a struggle for reconciliation in a post-conflict society; and to be inspired by their visions for this emerging African power.

Foreign policy committees and Members of Congress with an interest in African foreign policy were invited for a chance to meet the students of the program that the late Congressman Donald M. Payne endorsed as an organization that “seeks to prepare the future leaders of South Africa and create a new and positive link between an emerging democratic South Africa and the United States.”

Host Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) remarked on the importance of SAWIP in building relationships among diverse young leaders who will help lead a continent about which he cares deeply. SAWIP also welcomed Senator Coons (D-DE) who humbly shared his experiences in South Africa 25 years ago, expressing his confidence in SAWIP in helping to nurture emerging leadership in emerging economies.