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With only months to go until the UNI World Congress in Cape Town in December, we are asking all affiliates to remember their part in the struggle against apartheid and share their memories with the UNI family.

Many of the current UNI affiliates played important roles in helping bring to an end the apartheid regime and we want to share these stories in the run-up to Cape Town via a special blog on www.uniworldcongress.org.

Nelson Mandela sent a message to FIET (one of the founding members of UNI) in 1994, just weeks before he was elected president, thanking the union movement for its support through the dark days of apartheid.

Mandela said, “We are aware that we would never have made the progress we have in our struggle without international support generally and the active support of organised workers around the world specifically. On behalf of all South Africa, from the depth of my heart, I salute you for your selfless solidarity campaigns."

Former FIET and UNI staff member Hans Schwass was sent on many missions to South Africa before and after apartheid. Hans says he was proud to be an election observer in April 1994 in the South African elections which heralded President Mandela. 

Below find some of the images that Hans has kindly shared with UNI.

Thanks to everyone who has already sent in photos and stories. We will add them to the “Anti-apartheid” blog on www.uniworldcongress.org in the days to come.

Link to Mandela inspired tourist attractions in South Africa: http://mandela.southafrica.net/map/overview