Learn about SA, Ireland’s struggles for freedom

THE Irish South African Association (Isaa) has extended its exhibition highlighting the ties between Ireland and South Africa until February 28.

This is a result of a positive public response and increased tourism numbers over the summer period.

The exhibition called Call for Freedom: Ireland and South Africa was launched by Isaa in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centenary and to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It aims to emphasise the unique relationship between the two countries in their respective struggles for freedom. The exhibition showcases portraits by acclaimed Irish artist David Rooney, which commemorate the leaders of the Easter Uprising in 1916, an act of rebellion which was instrumental in establishing democracy and an independent Ireland.

Emphasis is also placed on Mandela’s unique relationship with Ireland, which was the first country to grant the former president ‘Freedom of the City’ status in 1988. “It is wonderful that South Africans will be able to visit this exhibition and learn about a solidarity that was born out of our shared idealism,” said anti-apartheid icon and retired Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs.

Isaa has appealed to South Africans of Irish ancestry to email diaspora@ ireland.co.za. The exhibition can be viewed daily at the Clock Tower Precinct of the V&A Waterfront at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to the Robben Island museum between 7am until 6pm.