The role of the Dunnes Stores Strikers in inspiring worker-led boycott action against apartheid South Africa and the leading role workers in Ireland can now take to protest the actions of the Israeli regime will be the focus of an evening of discussion, music and song in Liberty Hall tonight (Wednesday, 16th October) entitled ‘Dismantling Apartheid: South Africa to Palestine’.
 
Among those who will address the event is  ‘Mandla’ Mandela, a former ANC MP and grandson of Nelson Mandela. He was to address the rally in person but the intransigence of the British Authorities in granting him a visa has resulted in his inability to travel to Britain and Ireland, with him now fulfilling his speaking obligations by video-link.
 
‘Mandla’ Mandela said: “We wish we had the privilege of physically standing in the midst of the brave Dunnes Stores Strikers and all those others in the proud city of Dublin who thirst for justice. Unfortunately, events mean I cannot be there in person and also fulfil my obligation to address meetings in Britain, whose authorities have not facilitated my travel, but have not prevented the people from hearing my voice and its demand for justice in Palestine.”
 
Mandla added: “There is no South African who can forget the Dunnes Stores strike, and the name of Mary Manning. The 21-year-old who refused to handle any South African products in Dunnes Stores and began a global campaign.”
 
Dismantling Apartheid Organising Committee member, David Gibney, said: “Mandla has been unable to travel to Ireland due to the British Government preventing him from obtaining a visa and holding his passport within that process. He will still participate in the event as the keynote speaker by video link from South Africa as he has done at events around the Britain this week.
 
“The evening will focus on practical actions that can be taken by trade unionists in Ireland to protest and hinder the genocidal actions and war crimes of the Israeli government in Palestine and Lebanon. The event includes among others, Civil Rights campaigner Bernadette McAliskey, the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid strikers, INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha, folk musicians Andy Irvine, Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Palestinian singer Leen.
 
He added: “A very small amount of tickets remain for the event which we believe will mark an important new phase in the people of Ireland’s solidarity in support of justice in Palestine.”
 
Dismantling Apartheid: South Africa to Palestine begins at 7.00 pm in Liberty Hall Dublin 1 with doors opening at 6.00 pm. Tickets, costing €11.70 can be purchased at:
https://www.tinyurl.com/Mandela24Dub