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Anti-Apartheid activist, former Robben Island prisoner and “living legend” Ahmed Kathrada received the Freedom from Fear award during an emotional opening day of the UNI World Congress in Cape Town.  

The stand out moment of the opening day was  Kathrada’s opening address, which brought over 2000 people to their feet in an emotional moment.

In an inspiring, emotive and impassioned speech, Kathrada paid tribute to “Madiba”, saying “no matter who he spoke to – kings, queens, peasants, aristocrats, he spoke with them as equals”.

“I miss him every day of my life, I literally grew up under him.”

“We miss him for his humanity. For his companionship, for a person who regarded all of us as equals - regardless of colour, regardless of age, we were all his equals. In his presence we all felt comfortable.”

UNI Africa’s Aminata Keita,  began proceedings with the message,  “ Welcome to Africa, the Motherland, Mama Africa!” before introducing the South African Minister of Economic Development Ebrahim Patel who opened the meeting.

After welcoming the UNI family to Africa, South African Minister of Economic Development Ebrahim Patel paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela saying “he shaped the consciousness of a generation of activists across the world” and reminded the Congress of the power of tools of solidarity used in the Anti-Apartheid struggle – boycott, divestment and sanctions.

President of UNI Joe de Bruyn stepped down after handing over the reins to Ann Selin of PAM (Finland) and told over 2000 delegates from all over the world “UNI today is vibrant and alive around the globe!”

Director-General of the ILO Guy Ryder, told UNI that “the ILO are proud to work with UNI on the Bangladesh Accord and will include UNI in all our future work, as we always have.”

President of UNI Africa Bones Skulu told the Congress “We need a much stronger solidarity than ever before!”

Ndeye Foune added “United with UNI we can change the world!”

There were also some incredible performances from South African dancers, singers and actors representing the history and struggle of the Rainbow Nation.