Minister Dlamini Zuma conveys Condolences on Death of Mike Terry, Former Executive Secretary of British Anti-Apartheid Movement

Pretoria – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today Thursday 4 December 2008 conveyed the deepest condolences of the government and people of South Africa to the family and loved ones of Mike Terry, former Executive Secretary of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement who passed away on Wednesday 3 December 2008.

Mike Terry was appointed executive secretary of the Anti Apartheid Movement in 1975 and served in this capacity until 1994 when South Africa held its first democratic elections.  He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his anti-apartheid work in 2001.

In remembering Mike Terry, Minister Dlamini Zuma recalled that “The Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) was formed in 1960 after the Sharpeville Massacre and succeeded the Boycott Movement of 1959, established as a response to the appeal by Chief Albert Luthuli, President of the ANC and other leaders for a boycott of all South African goods in support of a call for total sanctions against the apartheid regime. After Sharpeville it was recognised that the AAM was needed as a permanent organisation to work for the eradication of the apartheid system which was a major threat to international peace and security.  The AAM embarked on a comprehensive campaign for the total isolation of the apartheid system.  It led major campaigns for sports, cultural, academic and economic boycott of apartheid South Africa, the release of all political prisoners and an international arms embargo. It also campaigned for mandatory sanctions through the UN Security Council and the exclusion of the apartheid regime from all international bodies.”

“The AAM drew its support from a country-wide network of local anti-apartheid groups, some of which had previously been local boycott committees, individual members and affiliated organisations such as trades union councils and constituency political parties.  The AAM inspired and co-operated with similar anti-apartheid groups which were formed in many countries around the world.”

“It was due to the determined and consistent work of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and its counterparts in other countries that mobilised mass international action in support of the African liberation struggle that helped to end colonialism, racism and apartheid in Southern Africa. It was able to mobilise governments and the public into a powerful global anti-apartheid force that contributed to the demise of the system of apartheid.”

“For two decades in the AAM and before that as a student leader Mike Terry devoted every ounce of his energy and every moment of his life to the cause of African liberation. He never wavered and remained steadfast, organising some of the largest ever campaigns for the release of Nelson Mandela and all political prisoners. He worked closely with eminent leaders of the AAM such as Archbishop Trevor Huddleston who was President of the AAM from the mid ‘80’s to 1994.   In a very real sense the birth of freedom, peace and democracy in South Africa can be attributed in part to the courageous and committed efforts of Mike Terry and his colleagues.”

“Mike Terry will be remembered as a pillar of the struggle against Apartheid, a British citizen who was a kindred spirit to the brothers and sisters of South Africa and to humanity as a whole.”

“The South African government and people will forever be grateful to the efforts of Mike Terry and the sacrifices he made as well as to those of his family who selflessly shared him with the people of South Africa.  Their efforts will be immortalised in the newly woven fabric of the non-racial, non-sexist South Africa.”

“The thoughts and prayers of President Kgalema Motlanthe, the government and people of South Africa are with the family, friends and loved ones of Mike Terry at this time of mourning,” concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

4 December 2008