🌍🤝 On 23 July 2026, the exhibition "Solidarity in Struggle Against Colonialism and Apartheid. USSR/Russia and the African Liberation" opened at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria.
The exhibition is part of a large-scale project curated by the Russian State University for the Humanities. Dedicated to the USSR's support for African liberation movements, it was first presented in Zimbabwe in 2024 and later showcased in Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Boksburg in 2025.
The opening ceremony brought together representatives of the South African Government, diplomats from the Embassy of Russia in South Africa and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of academia, business, cultural institutions and the media.
Visitors explored the Soviet Union's contribution to Africa's liberation struggle and the enduring spirit of international solidarity in the fight for freedom and equality. Guests expressed keen interest in the shared pages of #RussiaSouthAfrica history.
🎙 Opening the exhibition, Ambassador Roman Ambarov underscored the long-standing friendship between Russia and the African National Congress, rooted in the Soviet Union's consistent support for South Africa's liberation struggle.
"For decades, the Soviet Union, and today the Russian Federation, have stood firmly against all forms of racism and prejudice. We have worked tirelessly, particularly within the United Nations, to unite the international community in putting an end to the barbaric practice of discrimination based on the colour of one's skin. We believe that the principle 'All people are equal' is not merely a slogan, but a commitment to action," the Ambassador said.
He also recalled the historic ties between Moscow and the ANC:
"The struggle led by the ANC enjoyed our full support. Let me remind you that Moscow's relations with the ANC have a history of almost 100 years. These bonds grew especially strong during the dark years of apartheid, when the Soviet people extended a helping hand to their South African brothers and sisters."
💬 In her welcoming remarks, UNISA Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Puleng LenkaBula emphasized that understanding history is essential to shaping the future and highlighted the importance of preserving the legacy of international solidarity, decolonization and the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
She welcomed the growing partnership between UNISA and the Russian State University for the Humanities, noting that it has already produced tangible results, including the joint exhibition, academic cooperation in history, languages and international politics, and the launch of a Russian language short learning programme at UNISA.
Prof. LenkaBula also expressed confidence that cooperation with Russian universities will continue to expand, opening new opportunities for students and researchers in both countries.
📍 The exhibition is open to the public at UNISA until 31 July 2026. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
#RussiaSouthAfrica #PagesOfCommonHistory #AmbassadorAmbarov