At a poignant gathering on the 26th April in the South African High Commission to the UK, representatives of the UK Houses of Parliament, Southern African leaders and members of civil society, activists from the Anti-Apartheid Movement, the Hughes family and the rights-activist charity Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA), paid tribute to former Honorary President, Bob Hughes. A special bursary was launched in his memory.
Hughes was a Labour peer, former MP for Aberdeen North and a life-long anti-apartheid campaigner.
Chi Onwurah MP, Hon Vice President of ACTSA said ‘I’m truly delighted to be announcing this unique bursary which will ensure the values that Bob worked for – workers’ rights, equal rights and racial justice – continue to feature in the work of ACTSA as we partner with civil society in the region to address new challenges arising from old and systemic inequalities.
Bob recognised the particular importance of young people being active in driving change. In communities still throwing off the dead hand of apartheid and colonialism this is more important than ever, as we see the impact of Covid-19 across the region, devastating health services and other rights’.
Chi invited donations to the bursary fund, which will be annual – more information is available is available here : Bob Hughes Bursary
In a special message President Cyril Ramaphosa said ‘In South Africa, we never forget the essential role played by the millions of people around the globe who were mobilised by leaders with courage, passion and principle to create the largest international campaign for democracy and human rights the world has ever seen. Bob was one such leader and one of its most prominent. Only his abiding desire for justice and equality can properly account for the depth of his commitment to the fight against apartheid and his dedication to the cause of freedom’.
Read the President’s full message here : President’s Message – Lord Hughes
For more information on supporting ACTSA’s work and the Bob Hughes Memorial Bursary contact us on: 07487 511137 or e: [email protected]