CALLS have been made for the Government to make arrangements for representatives of the Dunnes Stores strikers to attend the funeral of Nelson Mandela.
In 1984, 10 young women and one man, members of MANDATE trade union, started a long strike at Dunnes Stores in Henry Street.
They picketed in support of their union’s policy of solidarity with the anti-apartheid struggle and boycotting of South African products.
Their picket only ended when the Government agreed to ban the import of South African fruit and vegetables until the apartheid regime was over.
Mary Manning, a 21-year-old cashier in Dunnes Stores that year, very courageously refused to handle fruit from apartheid-era South Africa and led the strike in support of the anti-apartheid struggle.
News of their support reached Mandela, who was in Robben Island prison at the time. The former ANC leader met the strike workers during an emotional visit to Dublin in the early 1990s after his release.
Artane Whitehall ward councillor Larry O’Toole (SF) has called on the Government to make provisions for the Dunnes Stores strikers to travel to Mr Mandela’s funeral.
Cllr O’Toole, who stood on the picket line with the workers, told Northside People:
“I think it would be a nice gesture by our Government and something that they should do. It should be done without question.
“It’s possible that all of the strikers may not be in a position to travel to South Africa, but those that would like to go should be facilitated.
“Nelson Mandela met all of the strikers in South Africa in the
’90s and acknowledged them for what they did.
“I think it’s only right that they should be given the opportunity to go to the funeral.
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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Brendan Smith, said the Government should now help the strikers to attend the funeral in Mandela’s rural hometown of Qunu on December 15.
“The 12 Dunnes Stores workers who stood up against apartheid clearly had a special place in Nelson Mandela’s heart,
? he said.
“Mr Mandela recognised their bravery, their commitment and the personal sacrifices they made to highlight violence and oppression in South Africa.
“It was clear that while he was an inspiration to these 12 brave Irish workers, they too were an inspiration to him and his people. As a small gesture to recognise the role that they played in the fight against apartheid, I believe it would be appropriate for Government to facilitate the Dunnes Stores strikers to be represented at Nelson Mandela’s funeral.
“It is only right that they should have the opportunity to pay their final respects to a man who had great respect for them.
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Following news of Mandela’s death, Dublin Lord Mayor, OisÃn Quinn, responded to a request from South African Ambassador to Ireland, Jeremiah Ndou, to open a book of condolence at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.
“I am opening this book of condolence to allow the people of Dublin an opportunity to express their own feelings for the loss of Nelson Mandela, Freeman of Dublin,
? he said.
“He was an inspirational man who delivered his nation from the dark days of apartheid to democracy through peaceful reconciliation.
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A book of condolence was also opened at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Dean Victor Stacey said all were welcome to come and mark their respects by signing the book.
“The Cathedral is a place of quiet reflection and we hope to offer comfort as together we mourn the loss of this courageous, dignified man who dedicated his life to equality and reconciliation,
? he said.
The book of condolence will be available for signing until December 14 when it will be delivered to the South African Embassy. The Cathedral is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 9pm to 10.30am and 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Sunday.