Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to three Australians who played pivotal roles in the fight against apartheid, adding their names to the Wall of Names at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria.
The new additions—former Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke, and former diplomat Bruce Haigh—join two other Australians already recognised for their advocacy for racial equality in South Africa.
“It is a great honour to see the names of these great Australians on the Wall of Names at Freedom Park, alongside others who fought for freedom and democracy in South Africa,” Mr Albanese said.
Mr Fraser worked with the United Nations and the Commonwealth to investigate apartheid and was among the first world leaders to visit Nelson Mandela in prison. Mr Hawke advocated for sanctions through the Commonwealth and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, while supporting sporting boycotts. Mr Haigh, posted to South Africa between 1976 and 1979, built contacts with anti-apartheid activists and highlighted injustices, a legacy captured in the 1987 film Cry Freedom.
The prime minister is in South Africa to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, which will focus on advancing inclusive and sustainable growth.
