Mere days after the University of Aberdeen cancelled the Palestinian Solidarity Society’s event, crowds braved the cold on Elphinstone Lawn as Nelson Mandela’s grandson virtually addressed the assembly.
30 years on from his grandfather’s South African Presidency, Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela’s UK access was denied in the wake of his nine-stop tour of the nation. He was due to visit multiple cities across England, Scotland and Ireland to speak at pro-Palestinian events – including the University of Aberdeen.
In a controversial act, the University of Aberdeen cancelled the booking made by the student group after Mandla’s failed UK entry, with PSS officials telling The Gaudie the University’s reasoning was that the group had collaborated with external group Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Despite this, society officials claim to have reviewed all paperwork submitted for the event, and say they were never asked if they were working with an outside group.
In an earlier statement, a University of Aberdeen spokesperson seemed to confirm the reasoning.
The conditions of room bookings state: “The University Court reserves the right to refuse the use of University Accommodation to any person or organisation.”
Thus allowing the reservation to be pulled if the University sees fit. The policy does not state that a valid reason has to be provided by the University in the event of a cancellation.
Meanwhile the external speaker policy notes that if the University, after reviewing the available information, determines that “there is a clear and serious risk” that the speaker or participants at an event may “violate the law, breach the University’s legal obligations, or present a significant threat to the wellbeing of students, staff, or visitors”, it may impose specific conditions or, in exceptional cases, decide to cancel the event.
As a contingency plan, a large screen on the side of a van was stationed outside the iconic arches of Elphinstone Hall, with event organisers and a large crowd able to ask Mr Mandela questions in real time.
Tommy Campbell, retired trade union delegate to Aberdeen and member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), opened the event, leading chants of “Boo to the UK Government! Boo to Principal Boyne!” with loud boos echoing across the packed campus lawn.
Photo Credits: Kirsten Koss
“The students united will never be defeated”
Addressing the crowded, president of the UoA Palestinian Solidarity Society Ayah Mbarki spoke of the devastation in Gaza:
“Institutions and buildings we take for granted have been wiped out as we sit back and watch. The mass destruction of Palestine is becoming the norm.”
Ms Mbarki was one of several students who camped on the lawn for more than 37 days warned the University on further souring their relationship:
“If we need to do it again we will. The students united will never be defeated.”
Talking of the University’s decision, another member of the committee raised suspicions about the handling of the cancellation:
“We were told it was because we were working with an external organisation but we reviewed the paperwork and we didn’t see any questions asking if we were working with anyone else. We booked this far in advance – so the timing is a bit suspicious”
“It’s so important to learn from history, and particularly in Black History Month to create cross-cultural events with diverse voices.”
Shock at the University’s decision wasn’t limited to members of the Palestinian Solidarity Society, with one student telling The Gaudie that she joined the event after hearing the crowd proudly chanting for freedom:
“The students at the University of Aberdeen truly care about the fight of the Palestinians, and it is an issue that is very important to us, no matter what the university does”
“We are deeply disheartened by the UK’s decision to deny Mandla’s visa, especially as a country that prides itself on free speech and liberty. The fight of the Palestinian people is our fight, and we are horrified by the actions of our country and university in the previous weeks.”
A spokesperson for the Aberdeen branch of the SPSC added:
“We were shocked and disappointed that the University of Aberdeen cancelled the event, particularly during Black History Month and their proclaimec commitment to free speech, Plaestinian rights and anti-racism.
“The UK Government obstruction is less surprising, though equally shameful. They do not want people to hear what Mandela has to say about Palestinian liberation and comparisons between apartheid in South Africa and Israel.”
Noting their success despite ths set back, the spokesperson was pleased with the turnout at the outdoor event, noting:
“The event was made more memorable and anger at the University was clear. Those attending left inspired by Mandela’s clear message – we may face barriers from conservative institutions like the University of Aberdeen, but the march to Palestinian freedom cannot be cancelled.”Aberdonians React: “Nobody is angry, we are just disappointed.”
Responding to the University’s decision to cancel the room for the event, Woodside local Doug
Haywood and secretary for the Aberdeen TUC said: “nobody is angry, we are just disappointed”
“For an academic institution which is supposed to promote debate of all types, it seems a bit heavy handed to simply unilaterally declare that any individual shouldn’t be able to speak”
“This is about the end of a war in the middle east – surely the University can get behind that?”
Noting the irony, Mr Haywood concluded:
“The event is happening anyway so frankly the University management seem a little bit petty.”
In a similar vein, engineer Mark Rennie, 39, from Aberdeen expressed upset at the handling of the situation by the University.
“It’s incredible that over a year into genocide there are still organisations that we are meant to be proud of that are scared to upset the Israeli lobby or Zionists.”
In response to the Home Office blocking Mr Mandela’s entry to the UK, Mark had this to say:
“The UK Government is scared that more and more people are becoming aware of the Palestinian cause and the atrocities being committed. I think it’s disappointing to see this from a Labour Government. I expected this from the Conservatives, but I thought with Labour in power, things might change”
“People are not going to go away and we will continue to protest until the UK Government changes their position on Israel.”
Continuing, Mr Rennie suggested that the UK Government continues to push an imperialist agenda:
“[Israel] is a settler colonial project made in 1948 and they want to maintain a colony in the middle east to exert control on the region. This is the UK Government’s way to maintain neo-imperialism.”
Politicians React
Former rector of the University of Aberdeen Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman, herself a South African citizen, echoed the disappointment of students and Aberdonians alike:
“I am deeply disappointed. As somebody who has a long association with the University as a former rector, I thought better of them.”
Ms Chapman noted that several countries around the world have welcomed Mr Mandela, waiving visa requirements, including neighbouring Ireland, saying she is “outraged” at the Home Office’s handling of the visit.
“Events like this are important for a whole range of reasons. Solidarity transcends national borders and at a time when we have had over a year of genocide and decages of oppression that international solidarity is important.”
Echoing Ms Chapman’s frustration towards the UK Government, Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Christian Allard of the SNP condemned the Westminster Government, further noting the continued sale of weapons to Israel:
“The UK has a lot to answer for and should have stopped arms sales a long time ago.”
Speaking to Aberdonians at the event, Cllr Allard concluded:
“The SNP and the chamber here in Aberdeen City Council are acting for a fast resolution and asking for an immediate ceasefire. Peace is the word.”