In 1994 Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected president of South Africa. He embodied not only the hopes of his long-suffering people, but also the spirit of thousands of anti-apartheid supporters around the world who had worked tirelessly to rid the country of its racist laws. Among these supporters were people from across the world, who rallied in support of the end of apartheid. From as early as 1950, trade unions, the government, sportsmen and women, musicians and many individuals took part in the fight for justice in South Africa. The anti-apartheid movement was diverse and complex, and made up of many different groups and voices. The presentation uses the frame of the anti-apartheid movement in Australia to highlight the importance of international solidarity and the role that citizens and governments played. In this instance, three Prime MinistersGough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawkemade key decisions that put pressure on the South African government to abolish apartheid. Angus Leendertz will share with the audience an exhibition that he curated, and that showcases the anti-apartheid movements activities in Australia. The anti-apartheid movement internationally galvanised large scale support that led to the United Nations calling Apartheid a crime against humanity. The activities of the anti-apartheid movement turned South Africa into a pariah state which became a contributing factor to the negotiations that eventually heralded the first democratic elections in South Africa, and the acclaimed inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the first Black South African of a democratic, non-sexist, non-racial South Africa. This presentation features the voices and memories of some of the Australians and South African expatriates who worked hard over decades to bring about the end of apartheid. They often faced bitter opposition, and some were jailed for their actions. Memories of the Struggle pays tribute to the dedication and commitment of everyone who took part in the movement.

Monday 29th January 2018 at 4:30 pm

ICES Auditorium, 2, Kynsey Terrace, Colombo 8