The opening ceremony for the Irish Solidarity Exhibition took place on the 5 October at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
Irish Ambassador to South Africa H.E. Ambassador Ms. Fionnuala Gilsenan addressed honoured guests and special guest Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor who is the National Assembly Minister of International Relations and Cooperation delivered a keynote address.
H.E Ambassador Gilsenan told guests how during the struggle against apartheid, Ireland played a pivotal role in building international support for sanctions against the South Africa regime. Many South Africans took refuge in Ireland during the period; the most prominent among them was Professor Kader Asmal, who played an important role in building the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement in Ireland.
Minister Pandor shared some of her memories, she officially opened the exhibition which will be open to the public for 3 months.
by Marion Kate
