Following the University of Aberdeen's outrageous cancellation of Zwelivelile Mandela (tribal chief and grandson of Nelson Mandela) we will hold a protest on Elphinstone Lawn (outside Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen), 6.30pm on Monday 14th October, where we will hear from Mandela, as well as speakers on the topic of the University cancellation.
Take action - use the template email below the statement to email University principal, George Boyne.
Statement
We, students, staff, alumni, and residents of the North East of Scotland are shocked and saddened by the University of Aberdeen’s decision to cancel an event with Zwelivelile Mandela, tribal chief and grandson of Nelson Mandela.
We have long been proud of our City’s history of standing in solidarity with the South African struggle against Apartheid, flying the flag of the ANC and awarding freedom of the City to Nelson Mandela, 40 years ago.
As we know, Mandela, along with many South African anti-Apartheid leaders have strongly identified with the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Those same leaders were once labelled terrorists, and are now called freedom fighters, rightly praised as heroes of the fight against institutional segregation and racism. Today, those like Zwelivelile Mandela who recognise the Palestinian right to resist Israeli colonialism and occupation, a right enshrined in international law, are tarnished as supporters of terrorism.
The irony of the cancellation of Mandela does not stop there. The decision comes in the midst of Black History Month, proudly endorsed by Aberdeen University as “a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions that Black people have made in the UK and beyond”.
The recent actions over the Mandela event suggest University management cowardice, and that institutional commitments to Black History Month, anti-racism and decolonising the curriculum are nothing more than a show to attract funding and international students.
From the University of Aberdeen, we demand:
- a full explanation for the cancellation of the event, ;
- an apology to Zwelivelile Mandela and those who had tickets to attend the event;
- an open invite for Zwelivelile Mandela to visit the University and deliver a talk on campus.
Take Action
Write to University principal, George Boyne, using the suggested text as follows:
Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dear Professor Boyne,
I am shocked and saddened by your decision to cancel an event with Zwelivelile Mandela, tribal chief and grandson of Nelson Mandela.
I have long been proud of our City’s history of standing in solidarity with the South African struggle against Apartheid, flying the flag of the ANC and awarding freedom of the City to Nelson Mandela, 40 years ago.
Mandela, along with many South African anti-Apartheid leaders have strongly identified with the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Those same leaders were once labelled terrorists, and are now called freedom fighters, rightly praised as heroes of the fight against institutional segregation and racism. Today, those like Zwelivelile Mandela who recognise the Palestinian right to resist Israeli colonialism and occupation, a right enshrined in international law, are tarnished as supporters of terrorism.
Your decision comes in the midst of Black History Month, proudly endorsed by Aberdeen University as “a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions that Black people have made in the UK and beyond”. The recent actions over the Mandela event suggest University management cowardice, and that institutional commitments to Black History Month, anti-racism and decolonising the curriculum are nothing more than a show to attract funding and international students.
From the University of Aberdeen, I write to demand:
- a full explanation for the cancellation of the event;
- an apology to Zwelivelile Mandela and those who had tickets to attend the event;
- an open invite for Zwelivelile Mandela to visit the University and deliver a talk on campus.
I look forward to your response to these demands.
Yours sincerely,
