Issued by: Presidency
3 May 2002
The death of Barbara Castle is a great loss to Africa and especially Southern Africa.
She was an outstanding leader of the Labour Party and campaigned vigorously for colonial freedom.
She served as first President of the anti-apartheid movement from 1960 until 1964 when she joined the Labour government.
She was engaged in all the major campaigns of the liberation of Southern Africa.
In 1961 she arranged the round-the-clock protest vigil outside the Commonwealth Conference which resulted in the exclusion of the apartheid regime from the Commonwealth.
She also helped to prepare and participated actively in the first international conference for sanctions against South Africa held in 1964.
We are pleased that this great fighter for African freedom was able to join the celebration in London eight years ago to mark South African freedom day and it was a great privilage for us to meet with her during our last state visit to the United Kingdom.
Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133