In a distinguished ceremony held on 5 November at the Guildhall’s Chamberlain’s Court, Ruth Leas, Chief Executive Officer of Investec Bank plc, and His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, South African High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, were conferred with the Freedom of the City of London. This honour, traditionally reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields, recognises the exemplary achievements and enduring ties of both honourees to the City of London.
The Freedom of the City, dating back to 1237, is no longer essential for trading rights within the City but remains one of London’s oldest surviving traditions. Initially available only to British and Commonwealth citizens, it is now open globally to distinguished individuals, such as Leas and High Commissioner Mamabolo, who have made noteworthy contributions. The Freedom is still linked to the esteemed Livery Companies, which uphold this tradition.
High Commissioner Mamabolo has had a remarkable career in diplomacy, spanning several decades. He began his journey in 1978 as the Deputy Head of Mission for the African National Congress (ANC) in Tanzania, before taking on the same role in Zimbabwe in 1985. He subsequently served as the ANC’s Head of Mission in Mozambique, Cuba, and Zimbabwe, where he represented the ANC during pivotal moments in southern African history. Following South Africa’s transition to democracy, Mamabolo became High Commissioner to Zimbabwe in 1994. His diplomatic assignments expanded over the years to encompass roles as South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti, and as the nation’s Permanent Representative to the African Union.
In 2002, Mamabolo was appointed Deputy Director-General for African Affairs within the Department of Foreign Affairs, where he served until 2006. This was followed by a key role as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region. Between 2009 and 2013, he served as High Commissioner to Nigeria, and subsequently, he represented South Africa at the United Nations in New York. His global diplomatic experience culminated in his appointment in 2017 as the Joint Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chairperson of the African Union, a role he held until 2021. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, and Afrikaans, Mamabolo holds a Master’s in public administration from the University of Pretoria and a diploma in journalism from Harare Polytechnic College.
Ruth Leas, who has served as CEO of Investec Bank plc since 2019, has been instrumental in championing diversity and inclusion within the financial services industry. One of only nine female CEOs in the FTSE 250 index, Leas has advocated for initiatives to foster belonging and broaden access to finance for individuals from all backgrounds. She has a significant academic background, holding an M.Phil. from Cambridge University and an economics degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, where she was awarded the Gold Medal for the best Economics Honours Thesis. Her roles on the UK Finance Board and the Cambridge Judge Business School Advisory Board underscore her dedication to the financial sector.
The Freedom of the City ceremony, held within the Chamberlain’s Court, is a time-honoured rite where each Freeman affirms their allegiance to the monarch and their commitment to preserving the “Franchises and Customs” of the City. The ceremony, steeped in tradition, includes the presentation of an inscribed parchment, known as the Copy of the Freedom, and a booklet of the “Rules for the Conduct of Life,” dating back to the mid-18th century.
Although largely symbolic today, the Freedom of the City remains an esteemed honour bestowed on those with strong ties to the City. The City of London Corporation continues to uphold this heritage, recognising individuals whose careers have left a lasting impact on the City and beyond.
