The exhibition is part of a large-scale project curated by the Russian State University for the Humanities (#RSUH). For the first time, the exhibition dedicated to the USSR’s contribution to the liberation struggle of African nations was opened in Zimbabwe in 2024, and more recently – in September 2025 – was presented at the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town.
In the version of the exhibition presented at the Chief Albert Luthuli House, an extra information was included recognising comrades who studied in the former USSR but, due to historical circumstances, never received their certificates.
🎙 Ambassador Roman Ambarov delivered opening remarks, stressing traditionally friendly ties between Moscow and the African National Congress.
“Moscow’s relations with the ANC have a history of almost 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ years. Its president Josiah Gumede came to USSR in November 1927 when the 10th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution was celebrated.
Since then, it was a story of unwavering friendship. These bonds got especially strong during the dark years of apartheid, when the Soviet people extended a helping hand to the South African brothers and sisters,” Roman Ambarov said.
He reminded President Vladimir #Putin’s words that preserving historical memory was more than just a tribute to the sacrifices of our peoples – it was a guarantee of the country’s sovereignty and independence.
“Because if we stop reminding our children and ourselves of what our fathers and mothers achieved, someone else with insidious motives will rewrite history according to their interests,” the Ambassador pointed out.