It’s been thirty years since the first fully democratic elections in South Africa, which saw the African National Congress take power in 1994.
But two years before that historic moment, white South Africans had to vote in a referendum that would decide whether or not to usher in a multi-racial government. We hear from President FW de Klerk’s then communications officer about how they helped “close the book on apartheid.”
Then we journey back to 1976 and hear about the Soweto Uprising, a student led protest against the enforced study of Afrikaans. Bongi Mkhabela who helped organise the peaceful march, tells us how it came to a bloody and tragic end.
Plus we take a look at the pivotal role played by women and girls in the lead up to the 1994 elections. Journalist and researcher Shanthini Naidoo tells us why women’s work and activism in the ANC is so often overlooked.
We hear from Oliver Tambo’s son about his father’s return to South Africa after 30 years in exile.
We also hear about the long overdue return of Sarah Baartman’s remains to South Africa, after over 190 years being kept in Europe, where she suffered horrific abuse while she was alive. This programme contains discriminatory language.
And finally, we learn about one of South Africa’s biggest popstars Brenda Fassie, from her friend, rival and admirer Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Contributors: David Stewards – President FW de Klerk’s former communications advisor Bongi Mkhabela- Student organiser of the Soweto uprising Shanthini Naidoo- Journalist and researcher on women during apartheid Dali Tambo- Son of Oliver Tambo Diana Ferrus – Poet who helped bring Sarah Baartman home Yvonne Chaka Chaka- South African popstar
(Photo: Nelson Mandela after winning the election in 1994. Credit: Getty Images)
My father survived the sinking of the Titanic
US withdrawal: The Fall of Saigon
The Berlin Wall
Chipko: India’s tree-hugging women
Darfur's ethnic war
When the Taliban ruled Kabul
North Korea's 1990s famine
Supernatural sightings
The Confederate flag and America’s battle over race
When Israel destroyed Iraq's nuclear reactor
The war on drugs
Amilcar Cabral: an African liberation legend
When Egypt said Enough
Why a British MP was filmed taking mescaline
The IRA hunger strikes
The killing of Osama Bin Laden
How the NRA became a US political lobbying giant
The first woman in the US Supreme Court
The women who reclaimed the night
Black Jesus
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Global News Podcast
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
You’re Dead to Me
Elis James and John Robins