Speeches

The ANC Veterans League is proud to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations with the people of Ireland through the re-opening of the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria.  I thank you for extending this invitation to the ANCVL.

The Irish people took a principled position not to have diplomatic relations with the racist regime of South Africa during the most oppressive system of apartheid. Instead they supported the African National Congress in exile. 

The biggest and most well-organised anti-apartheid movement was in Ireland, demonstrating the rejection of the Irish people of apartheid and their solidarity with the oppressed people of South Africa.   

The Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement was founded in 1963 and played a critical role in mobilising the Irish people to support the struggle of the people of Southern Africa in their fight against white minority rule. We also remember the critical role played by the late Cde Professor Kader Asmal and his wife Louise, who passed on recently,-may her soul rest in internal peace- in the Irish Anti-Apartheid movement.

I would like, in particular, to remember and recognise the well-organized anti-Springbok Rugby tour in 1970 and the  1984 -87 Dunne’s Stores strike, which eventually forced the Irish Government to ban the importation of fresh produce from South Africa.

“The worst that could happen was that we’d lose our jobs,but in South people were losing their lives. That made us more determined,” said Mary Manning about the Dunne’s Store strike.

In addition, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 1988 while he was incarcerated on Robben Island. He collected his award when he was released in 1990.

Today, South Africans have a lot in common with the Irish people. We believe in Constitutionalism,  the rule of law, women empowerment, and social justice. Both our governments have taken the same stand on recognising Palestine and fighting against genocide in Gaza.

We are also significant trading partners. South Africa is the leading trading partner with Ireland on the continent. In 2021, Ireland ranked as the  11th supplier to the South African market and the 11th  export destination for South African products to the European Union.

For the five-year period 2018 to 2022, total trade between the two countries increased from R9 .2 billion to R10.5 billion. Products imported from South Africa include coal, fruit, motor vehicles, and tools, while we import machinery, aircraft, orthopaedic appliances, and pharmaceuticals from your country.

Many foreign companies were reluctant to invest in South Africa, but Irish companies came forward. Recent investments are estimated to have employed 12,500 people.

I would also like to thank the Irish embassy for managing the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, which has awarded over 100 fellowships since its establishment in 2013.

As the ANCVL, we are mindful that our country cannot flourish unless we are guided by a solid and united political party that is free from corruption and patronage. As the Veterans League, we are at the forefront of renewing that ANC internally. 

Over the last two years, we have re-established ourselves on a firm footing, with branches in many parts of the country raising critical issues while providing support to ANC branches in reconnecting with our people.

Dear Ambassador and your guests, I assure you that on behalf of the ANC, which remains the most prominent governing party in South Africa, we are committed to working with you and your countrymen to strengthen our relationship. 

I thank you.