CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
IN an attempt to demonstrate solidarity with Qatar in the current GCC crisis, the Embassy of South Africa organised screening of documentary, 'One Humanity', which gives a glimpse of the Apartheid regime of South Africa, at the Cultural Foundation (Katara) in Doha on Tuesday evening.
The screening was organised in coordination with the embassies of South Africa, Algeria, Ethiopia, Cuba, Palestine and India, countries who are experienced in matters related to blockade.
The event was attended by the Minister of Municipality and Environment HE Muhammad bin Abdullah al Rumaihi. Besides, high profile members of the society, envoys and representatives from various embassies attended the screening.
The co-producer of the feature documentary AB Moosa introduced the documentary to the audience.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar HE Shirish M Soni said,"Through this documentary, South Africa would like to send a clear message of solidarity with the government and the people of Qatar and to show the power of culture in conveying the message of peace."
The ambassador said that the documentary allows them to reflect on events that contributed to bringing an end to the 'Apartheid system'."During such reflections we cannot forget to express our gratitude to the international community that stood by the people of South Africa. The documentary tells the story of how the world came together to end the Apartheid regime," he said.
The ambassador thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event, including Katara.
For his part, Moosa, who is also the director of Listen, a global initiative for the rights of disadvantaged children all over the world, said:"This feature documentary was produced as an example to show how artistes can change the world if they come together for a cause."
He said that the film gives a context to the coming together of artistes from all over the world against the Apartheid regime.
Talking about the documentary, Moosa said:"It creates a better understanding of South African history. It also sends a message of oneness of human beings."
'One Humanity' tells the story of how the world came together to fight the unjust practices of the Apartheid regime in South Africa, and the role played in this process by two star-studded concerts that were broadcast around the world in 1988 and 1990. The film explores how these added to the pressure on the South African government, which was weakened by a series of uprisings within the country, the erosion of Western support and the end of the Cold War and how this led to the country's first-ever democratic elections in April, 1994.