Switzerland and the apartheid regime

For anchoring the legal racial segregation in South Africa in 1950
opened the Swiss company Ciba (now Novartis), Roche, BBC (now ABB) and
Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS, now UBS) branches in the Cape

In 1956 the Association founded in Zurich in Switzerland and South
Africa, which served as the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1960 the police killed 69 black demonstrators at Sharpeville. After
a general strike, the African National Congress liberation
organization ANC was banned.

1963 the UN imposed an arms delivery to South Africa ban. Switzerland
has stepped this.

In 1964 ANC leader Nelson Mandela and other activists sentenced to
life imprisonment.

Swiss banks founded in 1968 to purchase a pool of South African gold.

Until the late 1980s, Swiss banks bought South African gold for at
least 300 billion francs.

1974 limited the annual Federal investment in South Africa to 250
million francs (300 million francs in 1980). The upper limit was
regularly circumvented.

Came after the 1976 uprising in Soweto in the whole country around 600
people died.

1986, Switzerland supported South African NGO, campaigning for an end
to apartheid and democracy.

Pretoria in 1990 lifted the ban of the ANC. On 11 February was
released Nelson Mandela. On 8 June he met during his visit to
Switzerland, the former Swiss Foreign Minister Rene Felber.

In April 1994 the ANC won the elections superior, Mandela became South
Africa's first black president.

Reluctance of the church to apartheid

Demonstration in April 1960 in Johannesburg after the massacre at
Sharpeville, which has killed at the South African apartheid police on
21.3.1960 69 people.

The Catholic Church of Switzerland has long dealt with the topic
reluctant apartheid in South Africa. She should have more basic and
less committed to listening to the business community, it is said in a
report by Justitia et Pax.

In the 70s and early 80s have prevailed in the Catholic Church a
"cautious and more reluctant attitude towards the issue of South
Africa and apartheid." The church authorities have often responded
with defense and delay claims, become increasingly active against
apartheid, it is stated in the study "The Catholic Church in
Switzerland and their attitude to apartheid in South Africa
(1970-1990)". It was created on behalf of the National Justice and
Peace Commission of the Swiss Bishops' Conference (SBK).

"The attitude of the church leadership, the situation in the former
Swiss society reflects," says historian Bruno Soliva, co-author of the
study, told "The Catholic Church was strongly anchored in the
middle-class milieu, especially the church leadership was associated
with the middle class and whose interests, supported in part
unconsciously."

From 1980, there have also been a recent trend in the Catholic church
toward more conservatism, "also by the Polish Pope John Paul II," says
the historian. "This has strengthened the position of those groups who
feared a communist takeover in South Africa."

"The attitude of the church leadership, the situation in the former
Swiss society has reflected."
Bruno Soliva, historian
Brakeman role of CVP

Braking was also the subject of apartheid, the Christian Democratic
People's Party (CVP) acted, rejected the boycott measures against
South Africa. Whether the party took control of the church leadership
was to prove difficult, says Soliva. For this there is less written
sources as oral statements from witnesses.

"There were meetings between the Church and the Christian Democrats,
but rarely the subject of South Africa was also discussed. The
political center in Switzerland dealt only marginally with apartheid.
This was partly an issue for the Social Democrats, pleading for
sanctions, on the other hand, for the right wing of the Liberal
Democratic Party (FDP) and the Swiss People's Party (SVP), the
opponents of sanctions were. "

CVP MPs were indeed often represented on the boards of large-or
medium-sized banks. CVP politicians have also existed in bank
management, "where there were mainly FDP people."

Influence of industry representatives

Bishops were not interested in economic issues, but influenced by
industry representatives or officials of the Federal service the
business has been, says Soliva. "Particularly effective business
representatives could influence the Catholic Church, when they warned
of a communist revolution in South Africa."

But the banks and business representatives have probably had more
influence on the Protestant as the Catholic Church. "This has to do
with the fact that at that time, the entrepreneurs and bankers, albeit
from the Reformed Church came. The Catholic Church had on the basis of
her social doctrine neoliberalism refuse actually. There was, however,
both churches more of a distrust of the business community. But they
wanted to not spoil it with them. "

"Particularly effective business representatives could influence the
Catholic Church, when they warned of a communist revolution in South
Africa."
Bruno Soliva, historian

The churches as a whole had been under less pressure from business
leaders and civic circles rather than the Church's Lenten charities
(Catholic) and Bread for All (then bread for brothers, Protestant),
the historian.

Anti-Communist environment

The theme of apartheid in South Africa had been discussed in an
international anti-communist environment. "Yet there was also an
elder, 'philosophical' anticommunism, which was maintained in the
Catholic Church continues. And the resulting liberation theology in
Latin America did not trust the church leaders who suspected she was
undermining socialist," said Soliva.

At the same time the church has also bowed to the criticism of
conservative legal groups. "They responded ambivalent. They always
represented the attitude that human rights must be defended But when
it came to step boldly to the public and support as well as economic
sanctions against the apartheid regime, had been afraid of conflict."

"They wanted to avoid these conflicts and often has nothing or just underused."
Bruno Soliva, historian
Dedicated base

The Catholic Church leadership was overwhelmed, says the historian.
"They wanted to avoid these conflicts and often has simply nothing or
underused. Decisive role in ensuring that the apartheid in
ecclesiastical circles was a major issue yet, had grassroots church
groups chrétienne such as the Jeunesse étudiante (JEC) and the Working
Group Kairos of Movement for Solidarity and Liberation Theology. "

A little more commitment and determination of the Swiss Catholic
Church leadership would have on their commitment to human dignity and
the rights of all people in South Africa in retrospect the credibility
of the Catholic Church leadership served on these issues, stresses the
co-author of the Justice and Peace Report.

And the study concludes with the following finding: "The church
leadership would have done well if she had formerly taken the votes of
the committed base and experienced members of missionary societies and
serious note of human rights issues beyond stereotyped political
left-right scheme, and consideration for acquisitions are in danger.
to be overtaken by history.

The last student of Robben Island

The residents of Nelson Mandela's prison island to fight for the
preservation of their school - and against the marketing of their
history

18 years was South Africa's most famous freedom fighters set off Cape Town
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Now be built on the barren island restaurants and hotels for tourists

Cape Town

Siya Moyie does not continue on in the army of tourists. It is less
than 8 clock, alarm clock in his Cape Town slum Langa rang two hours
ago. Slept through the 14-year-old sits on a window seat Sikhululekile
the ferry, the hand supports the head. His sleeves are too short, he
has long since grown out of the blue and white school uniform. On flat
panel displays black and white images flickering on the history of
Robben Iceland - those most famous prison island at all, at the Nelson
Mandela had spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Moyie does not go.
For him, the 30-minute boat ride no tourist excursion into history.
It's his way to school. Even for a few weeks.

On South Africa's Museum Island is currently a fierce struggle between
culture and commerce will be held, in whose center the closure of the
school. About 150 people live on Robben Iceland, twelve miles off the
coast of Cape Town. Their existence is more and more marginal to the
hustle and bustle of up to 1,800 tourists a day to translate the huge
ferry. They are driven at top speed through the darkest chapter in
South African history, then buy seal Iceland fridge magnet and end up
paying the photos that have been on the island of snapshot
photographers from them. Just several houses are being renovated, so
that can stay in the next year dozens of visitors to Robben Iceland.
The island is a brand that can earn shiny money. A public school does
not fit into the concept.

The ferry to places, Siya Moyie goes over the short bridge to the
pier, away from the two tourist buses is a smaller vehicle that brings
him and a dozen other children in the seal-Iceland-primary school. "In
a few weeks, I will lose my friends on the island, which makes me very
sad," says Moyie. His parents sent him here three years ago, even if
the school takes just under three hours. Iceland on Robben give it
less and less crime than students in her hometown Langa, they say.
Siya has been missing since then hardly a day of school.

Sitting on a bench in front of the bus Theta Sithole, head of Iceland
Seal Primary School. Long he was the only teacher who now cares even a
colleague with him to the 19 children, only four of which belong to
the inhabitants of the island. Thoughtfully, he looks exhausted. He
has tried everything to save the school. There was support from
environmental organizations and companies. In vain, the decision
stands. His school closes on 31 December. "The main problem is the
commercial," he says, "the management wants to close the school, post
office and the hospital of the island and forgets that seal Iceland
with all its aspects has received the status of a world cultural
heritage."

During the apartheid here to teach the children of prison guards,
since 1994, primarily daughters and sons of employees of the museum
and the administration, the study in which over 100 years old the
alphabet. Even former political prisoners already sent their children
here. The closure has become the symbol of a deeper simmering
conflict: How much commercialism can cope with the dignity of this
place? "The school is inherent to Robben Iceland, one can not simply
erase history," says John left, which is responsible for the
maintenance of the buildings on the island this morning and repaired a
few windows. His two children went here earlier in the lesson, as she
had only finished primary school, he moved to the mainland. "For the
museum's management, it is just a business. There is no feeling, no
love. Nothing."

Sithole's headmaster to ensure that the museum director at the
Education Ministry has urged to close the school. "I know that it was
so." It would save the money for the daily crossing of the children,
there are also plans for the future use on a small hilltop house as a
restaurant.

Museum Director Sibongiseni Mkhize contradicts decided. "We do not
have any plans for future use," he says of the WORLD, "Under my
leadership there will be no commercial use that are incompatible with
the statutes of the World Cultural Heritage. Probably a use as an
educational institution of a general nature" The small hospital would
"definitely" continue to exist, the future of the post was currently
being discussed. And anyway: The closure of the school, "the
ministry's decision alone" was.

This is confirmed by the spokesman of the Western Cape Department of
Education, Paddy Attwell: "The main reason is that there are too few
students, if 15 students are spread over seven years of school, two
teachers would theoretically both 14 hours a day pass to meet the
curriculum and.. There were often canceled classes, when it was too
rough to drive on the island. " Robben Iceland was not a single case.
The province tries gradually to close all schools with fewer than 30
students. This year there were nine, "but we also open eleven new".
South Africa has undoubtedly urgent need for an effective education
system. The country is nearly seven percent of its gross domestic
product on education, more than any other country in Africa - the
academic achievement of economically powerful nation on the continent
but are not even average.

Action arises primarily from the rural exodus. Already, one in three
Africans live in a city, according to the UN-Habitat agency, this
share within the next 20 years will increase to 50 percent. And so
also in South Africa are the most affected schools in the country,
which degrades the infrastructure for the remaining residents
continued.

The closure of the seal-Iceland-primary school, however, excited the
minds of most. There were town meetings with angry discussions,
environmental organizations protested, finally, the school has the
status of an "Eco-School ', which is particularly emphasis on the
teaching of biology and environmental protection. Even companies like
the German software company SAP recently donated to the preservation
of the school - in vain.

It is understandable that the seal-Iceland-primary school wake
particular emotions, admits ministry spokesman Attwell. "But our main
focus is the quality of education." This indirect accusation can not
sit on the school Sithole. "We have many graduates who have been
studying the basis for this was set in place." And John also praised
the quality of the school links: ". My kids get to high school
excellence, the school would be without this just not possible."

They were proud to have learned on the island. The Moyie Siya says: "I
find it unfair that the school closes, we feel very comfortable
here.." There are no school bell, this function takes the bus, which
drives up every day at 14.30 clock and takes the children to the
ferry. Siya down the 1,000-meter runs and drives back to the dock.
Only when all the tourists on board, he may enter. He sits at his
window seat up front, because he always sits.

Flickering images on the screen again by Nelson Mandela. The first
democratically elected president of the country, had said during a
visit a few years ago, this school should never be closed. His word is
usually stronger than any law in South Africa. Not this time.

Nelson Mandela gives name to Trier school

Types of housing: even long after the breaking of the traffic light
coalition in the City Council, there are certain similarities between
the SPD, Greens and FDP. The three factions wanted to know in one
application, such as the city promotes community living.
Social Dezernentin Angelika Birk (Green) pointed to the financing of
a project developer that encourage such forms of housing will, and
gave examples of voluntary associations and initiatives.
Baudezernentin Simone Kaes-Torchiani (CDU) reported on the mixed model
project generation and barrier-free living in the area of ​​BU 13 (In
Freschfeld).
Students: The FDP wanted to know how the city adjusting to ever
increasing student numbers and the consequences as "overcrowded buses,
parking problems and lack of affordable housing." The management
assesses the situation is less dramatic: "So far, the market is always
quick to set the actual demand constraints primarily occur only at the
beginning of the semester." Birk said Deputy Mayor.
Neon sign: Several applications for the erection of large,
electrically illuminated advertising structures - so-called video
walls or City Light Boards - lie outside the city for the street and
the Bitburger Zurmaiener road. According to the City Council make such
advertising investments because of their size, movement of the images
and reflections of light, however, a distinct change in the city is
and can distract from the road. Especially to the city gates in
Trier-Nord and Süd-free to think about such billboards, the city
council wants to set up development plans with appropriate
prohibitions. The city council agreed unanimously.
Child care: The City Council has released nearly 66 000 euros for
reconstruction to expand the day care center in St. Augustine
Weidengraben in New Kürenz. 143 000 € more shoots to the country and
well 81 000 € the diocese as a carrier. Construction will be completed
in mid 2012th In addition to the already approved additional nativity
group and the opening of a kindergarten class for two years the
Council has also set up yet another group approved crib with ten seats
and approved for additional annual operating costs of 11 500 €.
In the nursery Trimmelter 18 places to farm for two year olds to be
created. The two-year-olds should be included in the existing three
control groups. To ensure the care and the expansion of full-day
supply, 1.75 additional jobs are needed, the City Council has approved
unanimously.
Relief: the City Council unanimously voted the year ending 31 December
2009 and found relieves the town board. For this agenda item, the
oldest member of the Council headed Ricarda Kuhner (CDU; is on
December 5, 71 years) the session. According to Juergen Plunien (CDU),
speaking as chairman of the audit committee for all factions, is the
extraordinary late-final rubber stamp back to the introduction of the
new double-entry accounting system, which is far more complex than the
previous usual cameral. The balance sheet total at 31 December 2009
was almost 1.4 billion euros shortfall: approximately € 63.5 million.
Renaming: The real school plus (Trier-South) is from 27 April 2012
Nelson Mandela Secondary School plus Trier - so overwhelmingly adopted
by the City Council. There were no votes against, but seven
abstentions (FWG and complete each one council member of the CDU and
FDP). For the Free Voters founded Margret Pfeiffer Erdel the
abstention as follows: Normally schools would be named after
historical figures no longer alive. Nelson Mandela (93) fought against
racial segregation in South Africa and was awarded the 1993 Nobel
Peace Prize. From 1994 to 1999 he was the first black president of the
country.
Look up: With the majority of CDU and SPD, the City Council blessed
663 000 € additional costs for new construction of sports hall and
gymnasium in the cafeteria of the G8 FSG Training Centre
(Mäusheckerweg). The total cost of this first phase are estimated at
4.55 million euros. Gerd Dahm (Green) was very angry: "We are tired of
having to confront us again with such superfluous templates." It is
already "very long known that the costs get out of hand. This can not
go on." Like the Greens abstained and FWG, FDP and the Left.
Conversion: There was agreement, the City Council again when it comes
to the transformation of the elector-Baldwin-plus high school went to
a day school, in the form of offer from the school year 2012/2013. The
decision was unanimous.

biography of Nelson Mandela

Biographical Materials on Mr. Nelson Mandela will be presented here soon.