The Brazilian Committee of Solidarity with the Peoples of South Africa and Namibia (ComAfrica) started in 1985 as a bridge from academic research to action by civil society. It had strong links with the labour movement and the Black Movement (Movimento Negro) in Brazil. It organised information campaigns and support for the recognition of the liberation movements ANC and SWAPO. It organised political tours of Brazil for members of the liberation movements and co-founded the Nelson Mandela Reception Committee in 1990. In 2000 the organisation changed its name to Instituto ComAfrica.
The Institute of African Studies (INEAFRIC) started in 1981 and participated in United Nations activities to support the independence of Namibia and the elimination of apartheid in South Africa. Its work led to the formation of COMAFRICA. It provided academic research and debate in the field of international relations and organised seminars.
Award conferring the citizen title Zumbi Dos Palmares upon Mr Mandela from the Centre of the Study of Black Culture in Vitoria, Brazil. Citizen Zumbi dos Palmares (1655-1695) was the last of the leaders of the Quilombo (fugitive slave settlements) of Palmares in the present-day state of Alagoas
Award conferring the Grand Cross Of the Order of Rio Branco (Ordem de Rio Branco, grau de Grão-Cruz), upon Mr Mandela bt the Federal Republic of Brazil.
Honorary Council of the Bar Association of Brazil presented to Mr Mandela for his ceaseless fight against social injustice, Chapter of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
An air-balloon made in honour of Nelson Mandela was released in Brazil. This balloon made of tissue paper and glue was made by 11 people for 8 months on average 4 hours per day, to honour the leader of a nation suffered.
