Legacy of Hope: Dr Iqbal Survè says importance of Global South solidarity needs to start at home
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newpsapers
At the screening of the "Legacy of Hope" documentary premiere, Executive Chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, and guest of honour, Dr Iqbal Survè highlighted the importance of solidarity among the Global South, and building solidarity amongst South Africans at home.
The issues of inclusivity, unity and global solidarity was among the top points highlighted by panelists at the premiere of the "Legacy of Hope" documentary, which took place on Thursday, at The Wave Theatre Café in Cape Town.
Organised by Zoetic Management, in collaboration with Moja Multimedia, 'Legacy of Hope, Freedom Through Solidarity: The Russia, Cuba, South African Chapter' is a new documentary exploring the crucial role of international support in ending apartheid.
Many people gathered to hear panel members, which included members of parliament, Bheki Radebe and Fadiel Adams, anti-Apartheid activist Hilda Ndude, Former Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Marius Fransman and Head of Journalism at CPUT Dr. Hermon Ogbamichael.
This 43-minute pilot episode is the first instalment of a six-part series examining the interwoven histories of South Africa's liberation movements and the global solidarity that proved vital to their success.
The film highlights the support provided by nations like Cuba, Russia and China and emphasises the continued importance of such alliances in today's world.
"Legacy of Hope" features interviews with prominent figures such as SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, Former State Security Minister and MK Commander Ronnie Kasrils, Human Rights Chairperson Chris Nissen, former MP Ndude, Fransman, trade union leaders and former exiles.
Survè started by congratulating the organisers and filmmakers, who said that there is a serious attempt to rewrite our history, and that in terms of Global South solidarity, it is incredibly difficult to tell the truth and an authentic history, 'not a revisionist history', of our own country.
'Tonight is also about us taking back what is ours, which nobody must take away from us - our history, and our experiences, notwithstanding the fact that many have lost their way. That does not mean that that which we have fought for, and that which was created in solidarity, must simply be ignored because it's fashionable to do so.'
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'We have come out of the period of a unipolar world. I say come out - we are not completely out of the unipolar world, and we are transitioning into a multi-polar world, where those of us in the Global South are beginning to find each other again. And beginning to understand, you know, the issue of a shared humanity.
'If there is one thing that's important, and I say this with enormous respect, as much as we want to emphasise the importance of the Global South's solidarity, that solidarity needs to start here, in our own country.
'You cannot be in this country right now and ignore the plight of the majority of people in this country. You cannot be blinded to issues of unemployment, non-access to healthcare and education, and just absolutely (be) a hopeless state for most of our young people."
Survè said that values of solidarity must be part of a chain of values that start in society today, and that start in our homes.
'Someone a long time ago once said to me that if you understand history and you are clear about history, you will be able to design the future.
'And, you know, there's a lot of good about our struggles, and we forget that.'
Survè said that it is very lonely to be in a place where you are against a dominant narrative, and that people can find themselves targeted when they are true to their authentic narrative.
Sekunjalo Group Executive Chairman, Dr Iqbal Survè, was the guest of honour at the launch of the documentary. Panelists included: Head of Journalism, CPUT, Dr. Hermon Ogbamichael, anti-Apartheid activist Hilda Ndude, Co-Producer Marius Fransman, and members of parliament, Bheki Radebe and Fadiel Adams.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newpsapers
Co-Producer Marius Fransman said that "Legacy of Hope' is more than a documentary, and it is a reminder that freedom was never won in isolation.
'This film honours the powerful alliances that stood with South Africa in its darkest hour and invites a new generation to understand the meaning of global solidarity. We believe these stories must not only be remembered, but reactivated in the world we live in today."
Co-Producer Bo Mbindwane emphasised the film's message for future generations.
"We want young people to see themselves in this story - not just as beneficiaries of freedom, but as its next custodians. This film is a reminder that South Africa's freedom was never achieved in isolation. It was the result of global sacrifice and solidarity. That legacy still matters.'
theolin.tembo@inl.co.za
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