NETWORK SOUTH AFRICA 2004
Yesterday saw the third free elections in South Africa, whilst in a little over a week South Africa will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its liberation and the end of apartheid. With a long history of solidarity between the UK and South Africa, and recognising the importance of the anti-apartheid protests that took place in the UK, Frank Dobson has today announced the launch of ‘Network South Africa 2004’.
Bringing together politicians of all parties, trade unions, charities, businesses, schools and the academic community, as well as individuals from all walks of life, the Network will work to ensure that South Africa’s successes of the last ten years are properly recognised and will co-ordinate and publicise UK events and activities celebrating the tenth anniversary.
Announcing the launch, Network Chair Frank Dobson said –
“The elections of yesterday, the third set under democratic rule represent yet another milestone for a nation that has come a long way since its days as an isolated international pariah, guilty of huge crimes against the majority of its people. So on behalf of Network South Africa 2004, I would like to send our sincere congratulations to President Mbeki and the ANC on the successes of yesterday and our best wishes for the term ahead.
And as South Africa prepares to celebrate ten years of freedom on 27th April, the Network would also like to send a promise of continuing friendship and cooperation to the people of South Africa to help strengthen their resolve as they look to the challenges of the decade ahead.
But no anniversary or birthday of such significance should pass without celebration and the Network is looking forward to ‘Freedom Day in the Square’ in Trafalgar Square on Tuesday 27th April. With leading artists from South Africa and UK performing, the Network will be asking visitors to the Square to sign its anniversary card to South Africa. The card, which will be sent to South Africa at the end of 2004, wishes the people of South Africa a ‘Happy 10th Anniversary’, congratulates them on -
“…achieving and sustaining a democratic system that we can learn from and on the significant improvements in a range of areas including education, economy, workers rights, housing, women’s equality, water and sanitation.”
And pledges to -
“…unite to fight for a better South Africa and a better world.”
The card will be available to sign in Trafalgar Square on 27th April and throughout the country, in schools, workplaces and churches and at festivals and events for the rest of the year. We hope thousands of people in the UK will sign the card and help ensure South Africa’s successes of the last ten years are duly recognized.”
