35 years since Cape Town anti-apartheid march: 'One of SA's most earth-shaking moments' – Allan Boesak

Mike Wills interviews Reverend Allan Boesak, anti-apartheid activist.

Listen below.

On 13 September 1989, 30,000 Capetonians from all walks of life took to the streets in a powerful demonstration for peace and an end to apartheid.

In August 1989 the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) began a massive Defiance Campaign. The Cape Town march formed part of this series of events.

Spearheaded by Mayor Gordon Oliver, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Frank Chikane, Moulana Farid Esack, Allan Boesak, and other prominent religious leaders, the march was a bold act of defiance against the second State of Emergency that had been renewed by the National Party government of the day.

The historic event led to significant concessions from the apartheid government, then led by FW de Klerk. It marked a turning point after years of violent clashes between anti-apartheid activists and the police.

The sheer scale of the protest and the notably restrained response from law enforcement signalled the beginning of South Africa's transition to democracy.

"It became an amazing historic watershed moment in South African history."

- Reverend Allan Boesak, anti-apartheid activist

Protests and marches at the time were deemed 'illegal gatherings; by law.

And while the protest was deemed the "last illegal march," it proceeded smoothly without significant confrontation or police intervention.

Boesak suspects that Mayor Oliver had communicated with the city police beforehand, informing them of the peaceful intentions of the march.

During the planning stages of the march, Boesak recalls receiving a call from Johan Heyns, the then-moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church.

Heyns suggested that they seek permission from FW de Klerk to proceed with the protest, to help the then-president, maintain his dignity.

"The point of the Defiance Campaign was to not ask for permission...Desmond Tutu was not going to back down, I was not going to back down, the UDF was not going to back down."

- Reverend Allan Boesak, anti-apartheid activist

Boesak acknowledges that De Klerk recognised he was at a "very critical" juncture in his life and political decision-making.

He credits De Klerk with the foresight to step aside, allowing the march to proceed and respecting the will of the people.

Ultimately, however, Boesak believes the true victory belonged to the citizens across the country, particularly in Cape Town.

"It will forever remain one of the most earth-shaking moments in South Africa's history."

- Reverend Allan Boesak, anti-apartheid activist

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