LAUNCH OF ‘REVERSE BOYCOTT’ OF SOUTH AFRICAN GOODS
Network South Africa 2004 announces the launch of a ‘Reverse Boycott’ campaign to urge British people to buy South African goods and visit South Africa. For over thirty years people who wanted to help create a democratic South Africa boycotted South African goods. Now the best way to help is by buying South African goods.
This year has seen the 10th anniversary of freedom in South Africa and this weekend sees the 45th anniversary of the launch of the original boycott of South African goods. With a sustainable democratic system and improvements in education, the economy, workers rights, housing, women's equality, water and sanitation, South Africa has much to celebrate. But the people of South Africa face many challenges in the years ahead, particularly health, poverty and unemployment. By buying South African goods, British people can make a direct and concrete contribution to solving these problems and celebrate the start of the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
The ‘Reverse Boycott’ campaign was launched by TV and comedy star Rory Bremner and Network South Africa 2004 Chair Frank Dobson MP, at a press conference in London on Friday 25 June and the Network plans to hold events outside supermarkets, off licences and travel agents across the UK, over the next few months, urging people to buy South African and holiday in the new, free South Africa.
Announcing the launch, Frank Dobson MP said –
“Maybe, like me, you supported the boycott and didn’t buy products that were produced by apartheid South Africa. I can say to you – is you once helped promote democracy in South Africa by self-denial, now you can help it by self-indulgence.
“Even if you didn’t support the boycott, most people the length and breath of Britain want the new South Africa to prosper and flourish. The best way to help is by buying South Africa’s quality products – trade is better than aid.”
Rory Bremner said –
“I think this is fantastic way to help the South African people celebrate ten years of democracy. Big speeches and kind words are great but here is a direct and practical way that people all over Britain can really make a difference to South Africa. Show that you support a free South Africa by buying South African.”
Euan Wilmshurst, Director of Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA), the successor body to the Anti-Apartheid Movement, encouraged people to make a contribution –
“This is a great opportunity for British people to support the people of South Africa and rekindle the solidarity of the apartheid years. By simply choosing South African goods next time you shop, you can help South Africa begin to tackle the huge challenges it faces in the years ahead.”
