south africa - Socialist Action

Mandela tributes show links between the national liberation struggles in South Africa and Ireland

18th December 2013 Socialist Action 0

By Frances Davis

One of the most inspiring moments in the days of tribute following the death of Nelson Mandela has been the way in which it has highlighted the connections between the leaderships of national liberation struggles spanning continents – from South African to Cuba and to Ireland. The critical role of the Cuban leadership and people in helping defeat apartheid was given significant prominence in South Africa at the memorial service with the speech and presence of President Raul Castro.

In addition, and of particular note for the left here, was the prominence given to the connection between the Sinn Fein leadership and the ANC, where decades-long links with the struggle against apartheid and Irish republicans came to the fore.

Massacre at Marikana

16th September 2012 Socialist Action 0

By Tom Castle

The massacre of at least 34 striking miners at the Marikana platinum mine in South Africa was profoundly shocking, the single most lethal use of force by the South African state since the 1960 Sharpeville massacre. And it stands in stark contrast to the promise held out by the release of Nelson Mandela and democratic South Africa under the leadership of the ANC.