Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will today honour three prominent Australians who played an influential role in advocating for the end of apartheid in South Africa.
The names of former Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke, and former diplomat Bruce Haigh, have been inscribed on the Wall of Names in Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria in recognition of their support for racial equality in South Africa.
Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum was created after apartheid to honour those who fought for South Africa's freedom and democracy, and to promote reconciliation and understanding.
Malcom Fraser worked with the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations to investigate apartheid in South Africa. He was one of the first world leaders to visit Nelson Mandela in prison and strongly pushed for sanctions against the apartheid regime.
Bob Hawke also advocated for sanctions against the apartheid regime through the Commonwealth of Nations and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, as well as sporting boycotts.
Bruce Haigh established contact with anti-apartheid activists and shone a light on the injustices of apartheid during his posting to South Africa from 1976 to 1979. His legacy was captured in Richard Attenborough's 1987 film Cry Freedom.
The three names join two other Australians already listed on the Wall. Freda Brown was a journalist, actress and President of both the Union of Australian Women and the Women's International Democratic Federation. Peter McGregor was a university lecturer and activist.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"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.
"Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Bruce Haigh displayed the best of who we are as Australians. They stood up for what was right and fought for equality and dignity.
"Their belief that racial discrimination has no place in society, and courage to speak out on the world stage, helped contribute to the end of apartheid in South Africa.
"The legacy of these great Australians is a powerful reminder that standing up for what is right is what matters most."
