Motion 104
Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial
“That this Congress notes the excellent progress made by the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation (NMSMF) in their work to create a permanent memorial of Nelson Mandela by erecting a statue of him, alongside associated educational work.
“Congress congratulates NMSMF on holding a successful public consultation for the design of the statue, with over 500 people responding online and contributing to the selection of the sculptor.
“It also notes that trades unions have supported both fundraising and the educational aims of the Foundation to promote Mandela’s life of struggle and legacy, his links with Scotland, and the lessons of the anti-apartheid movement for a world still struggling for racial and social justice.
“Congress reaffirms its commitment to the project, with a target date of 9th October 2026 for the unveiling, the anniversary of the day in Glasgow when Nelson Mandela received in person the Freedoms of nine UK cities.
“As well as a significant memorial to Nelson Mandela, it will be a focus for education about apartheid, that ‘crime against humanity’, which for too long was supported by UK governments and the West. It will be a permanent reminder of the need to fight racism wherever and whenever it appears.
“Congress acknowledges the learning resource, ‘When Mandela Danced in the Square’, commissioned by NMSMF and produced by the West of Scotland Development Education Centre, which is in use in many schools, and notes that NMSMF intends to produce further educational materials associated with the creation of the statue.
“Congress calls on the General Council to reaffirm its commitment to the further development and completion of this important project and urge all trades unions, trades union councils, and trade union members in Scotland to support the project by fund-raising to get the statue over the line and assisting with the production of further educational resources.”
Mover: Dundee Trades Union Council
RSS