Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honours Australian anti-apartheid heroes at G20 summit in South Africa

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to three Australians who played pivotal roles in the fight against apartheid, adding them 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. “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.” Mr Fraser worked with the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations 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 also 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 this year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. The summit will focus on advancing inclusive and sustainable growth, and provide him with opportunities for bilateral meetings with other world leaders. The South African government has deployed 3,500 extra police officers in Johannesburg ahead of the summit amid planned protests, with the army on standby.