Ronnie Kasrils

Ronald Kasrils (born 15 November 1938) is a South African politician, former guerrilla, anti-apartheid activist, and military commander. He served in a number of ministerial posts, including as the Minister for Intelligence Services from 2004 to 2008. He was a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1987 to 2007 as well as a member of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party (SACP) from December 1986 to 2007. Quotes You can't just go on having discussions and debates and reading. You've got to do something. Kasrils recalled how the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre transformed him from a politically interested young man into an active participant in the anti-apartheid struggle. Solidarity is a two-way street. Kasrils explained that international solidarity is based on mutual commitment rather than one-sided assistance, drawing on the anti-apartheid struggle and international support movements. I am one of many Jews internationally, and in Israel itself, who declare, "Not in my name." Kasrils made this statement during an interview discussing Israel-Palestine, explaining that his criticism of Israeli government policy should not be interpreted as opposition to Jewish people. The Western countries were working against us. They were supporting apartheid. They were calling us terrorists. Kasrils reflected on the international dimensions of the anti-apartheid struggle and the support the apartheid government received during the Cold War. The Sharpeville massacre hit me so fiercely that I suddenly realized, you can't just go on having discussions and debates and reading. You've got to do something. Kasrils recalled how the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre transformed him from a politically aware young man into an active participant in the anti-apartheid struggle. The Western countries were working against us. They were supporting apartheid. They were calling us terrorists. In the same interview, Kasrils reflected on Cold War politics and argued that many Western governments backed the apartheid regime while socialist countries supported the liberation movements. It was brushed under the rug because it was not just embarrassing... but in terms of what it would say about the organisation if it were to come out. Discussing how allegations of sexual abuse within the ANC during exile were handled. He argued that protecting the movement's public image often took precedence over accountability. We all need to be able to draw inspiration from history, past sacrifice, leadership and determination. Kasrils said this during a discussion in Belfast about the lessons of liberation struggles and the importance of historical memory in inspiring future generations. External links Category:African National Congress politicians Category:Activists from South Africa Category:Anti-apartheid activists Category:Military leaders from South Africa Category:1938 births Category:Living people