Adv Shameemah Salie, MP of Al Jama-ah was invited by the General Consular of Russia to attend remembrance of and celebration of their Victory Day.
May 9, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.
A celebration of the contribution of the Soviet Union to the victory over Hitler’s Germany and the liberation of Europe from Nazism. Nearly 90% of all Nazi combat losses occurred on the Eastern Front, and it was the Red Army that single-handedly captured Berlin in April–May 1945.
During the war, South Africa was an ally and an important member of the Anti-Hitler Coalition. Around 3,000 South African seamen served in the Royal navy, many of them – on board Allied vessels carrying valuable supplies to our northern ports of Russia.
South African public organizations, such as the Friends of the Soviet Union and the Medical Aid for Russia, raised around GBP 1 million in donations.
The ultimate defeat of Nazism in 1945 laid the foundations of the world as we know it. Africa’s decolonisation and the collapse of apartheid would not be possible without that victory.
As a reminder of the sacrifices of the men, women and children of Russia with special focus on the heroines of the female pilots during this period of the war the movie “Air” was screened at the Labia. It was indeed a reminder of all the sacrifices of war, the pain, heartache and ultimate victory.
This movie was a stark reminder of the oppression and genocide currently being faced in our lifetime and reignites the importance of fighting against oppressive leaders to ensure victory of the people who are most affected.
