This week, Global Citizen celebrated the lives of three heroes of the anti-apartheid struggle, Denis Goldberg, Ahmed Kathrada and Andrew Mlangeni.
When these men were taken to court at the infamous Rivonia trial (1963-4) for their action against the South African apartheid regime, everyone expected them to receive the death penalty. After a dramatic trial that featured a three-hour speech from Nelson Mandela, the world waited for the African National Congress activists to be sentenced to death. The final verdict shocked everyone: life imprisonment.
Even more surprising, perhaps, was the response by Denis Goldberg, one of the accused. When his mother called from the witness stand, shouting: “What is it? What’s the verdict?”, he replied: “Life, life is wonderful!”
This powerful note of humanity and optimism rang throughout the “Life is Wonderful” fundraising event this week in London. Hosted by comedian Rory Bremner, and with speeches from former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd and part-time Star Wars stormtrooper John Boyega, the event was an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of the men who dedicated their lives to the fight for racial equality.
During his speech, Rudd shared how the heroism of the anti-apartheid struggle had personally inspired him. On the eve of Australia Day, his words resonated powerfully amidst debates on Australia’s relationship to its past.
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
“In our part of the world, my first act as a newly elected Prime Minister in Parliament was to deliver an official apology, a public apology to our indigenous brothers and sisters who we had systematically abused for centuries,” he said. “There is no place for racism in the twenty-first century.” Rudd then challenged the audience, asking: "do we see ourselves first as people of a nation, or in the twenty-first century, do we see ourselves as global citizens. It is only when we begin to think as such, that we will act as such."
L to R: Lord Joel Joffe and George Bizos QC
Lord Joel Joffe and George Bizos QC, the legendary human rights lawyers who defended Mandela, Goldberg, Mlangeni and Kathrada and their ANC peers, paid tribute to their “fearless comrades” before Bizos performed a reading of the poem “Invictus.”
Later, Star Wars actor John Boyega took to the stage with a reading from the final passages of Mandela’s statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” At these words, he stopped to joke that he may not have been so hasty in accepting such a fate.
John Boyega
British journalist David Dimbleby then interviewed Dennis Goldberg and Ahmed Kathrada on the difficulties of their time in prison and the optimism that kept them going. Honoured with a standing ovation, they left the audience with inspiring words on the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle. Kathi addressed young people across the world, stating: "With freedom comes responsibility. [Young people] should take advantage of all opportunities to serve themselves & countries." The interview ended with Goldberg reminding the crowds that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things."
Global Citizen’s Europe Director Stephen Brown gave the final speech of the night, reflecting on how the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle inspires Global Citizen today: “You have proved that movements win the day.”
This week also marked another celebration, with Dennis Goldberg, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Joel Joffe and George Bizos receiving the prestigious Freedom of the City honour from London's Guildhall. As they accepted this award, they signed the Freedom Declaration and were officially named 'Freemen,' a fitting tribute to the men willing to give their lives for the freedom of all people. Their lifelong commitment to rebelling against injustice is an example to global citizens everywhere, reminding us that it is possible to build a better, fairer world.