Written by Yazeed Kamaldien

It is perhaps ironic that American actor Forest Whitaker won a string of awards for his portrayal of an African dictator and is now involved in peace efforts on the continent.

Whitaker must have been motivated by his role as dictator Idi Amin from Uganda as he is now playing a role in ending Africa’s conflicts. He is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

Cape Town poet Brian Williams (left) with American actor Forest Whitaker. Picture by Yazeed Kamaldien

Whitaker was in Cape Town this week at the launch of a poetry book penned by Brian Williams, who works with him as a mediator in countries like Sudan and Uganda.

Williams, who lives in Kensington suburb, left for South Sudan on Friday, shortly after launching his book, Daughters of the First, at the University of the Western Cape on Wednesday night.

Williams works as a professional mediator…