SA President mourns Harry Belafonte – “a hero and true friend of South Africa”

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of international singer, actor, cultural and civil rights activist, Harold George ‘Harry’ Belafonte, who died yesterday (Wednesday 26 April). Belafonte was also an esteemed member of the National Order of the Companion of OR Tambo.

President Ramaphosa said Belafonte’s passing, on the eve of the National Orders ceremony and the country’s Freedom Day celebrations, served as a poignant reminder of the contribution Belafonte made to the international cultural boycott of South Africa during the apartheid years. The SA President said:

“Harry Belafonte holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans and many around the world for his outstanding talent and warmth of his personality, but also for his stand against apartheid whilst in the prime of his international career.

“He was instrumental in sustaining the United Nations-led cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa. He worked closely with South African artists, including Miriam Makeba, to ensure South Africa’s struggle against apartheid remained in the international spotlight and agenda.”

President Ramaphosa said that Belafonte was an influencer of his time, who spared no energy in supporting the liberation struggle and in campaigning for human rights in many other parts of the world.

“We will remember him as a hero and true friend of South Africa that we must celebrate during our National Orders ceremony and for many years to come,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

WATCH Harry Belafonte, “a voice with a conscience” – 1988

Belafonte spoke to CBS in September 1988 about his album “Paradise in Gazankulu,” featuring music rooted in the culture and politics of South Africa, and about his globe-trotting work for social justice:

https://youtu.be/pnO_0AIcaJs