30th anniversary of South African democracy commemorated at Westminster Abbey

On Tuesday 16 July, more than 1500 people came together in Westminster Abbey to commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa and remember those who gave everything for this democracy to be established, sustained and strengthened.

The programme was a reflection first on the huge uphill battle that it took – across oceans and borders – to end apartheid; with voice and heart we celebrated the momentous victory that it was.  We then committed to continue working to address the lingering legacies of apartheid and colonialism – the deeper wounds and injustices still very much alive in Southern Africa. The speakers included South African Minister for International Affairs and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Lord Boateng, Unison General Secretary Christina McEnea, and Lord Collins of Highbury. Special thanks to them and to His Excellency High Commissioner Kingsley Mamabolo, opera singer Innocent Masuku, the choirs and the clergy.

If you’d like to be a part of this renewed effort working with civil society in the region who are working for peace and justice, click here to find out more. You can also become a Friend of ACTSA’s work.

You can see all the photos here and a copy of the brochure here.

This was part of a commemorative programme in the UK marking 30 years of South Africa’s liberation organised by ACTSA, the Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives and the South African High Commission. For all events visit: sa2024.org