Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela
Friday 18 July 2008
Haringey Council this week said ‘Happy Birthday’ to Nelson Mandela. A motion sending greetings form Haringey to Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday was unanimously agreed by the Full Council on Monday 14 July.
“The release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 was one of those momentous occasions that shape the world,”
said Council Leader Cllr George Meehan.
“Nelson Mandela is an inspiration to us all: his personal sacrifice, courage in the face of adversity, determination to fight enduring wrongs, and work to bring people together across boundaries both in South Africa and around the world.
“Haringey has a special relationship and bond with South Africa, through the many exiled campaigners against apartheid, including Oliver Tambo, Mandela’s close friend and comrade, who found refuge in Haringey, through our own campaigning against apartheid, and our continuing work to build links and support the new South Africa.
“On the occasion of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, Haringey would like to extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to this extraordinary individual.”
The meeting was addressed by Mike Terry, assistant head at Alexandra Park School and previously general secretary of the Anti-Apartheid Movement for many years.
“I can think of few places if any outside of South Africa where it would be more appropriate to celebrate this occasion, because of the unique association of the borough of Haringey with Nelson Mandela,” he said.
In his speech he highlighted many aspects of the Haringey connection, including the first-ever Mandela birthday concert at Ally Pally in 1983, Tottenham MP Bernie Grant’s contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle, Mandela’s visit to the borough in 1990, and last year’s unveiling of the Oliver Tambo statue in Alexandra Park.
Cllr Harry Lister, seconding the motion, recalled that Haringey had sent elections officer Norman Macleod to South Africa to provide support and expertise and support for the country’s first democratic, non-racial elections after the fall of the apartheid regime.
Councillors stood for the South African national anthem, the South African flag was flown at the Civic Centre, and a card was signed with the message:
“We the London Borough of Haringey salute you and send our greetings and our congratulations on the occasion of your 90th birthday.
“We do so with the respect, honour and love we have toward you and for the inspiration you give all the people of our multicultural borough in your fight against racism and your stand for peace, equality and social justice.”
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