{"id":4187,"date":"2024-10-23T18:27:38","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T17:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gaudie.co.uk\/press\/?p=4187"},"modified":"2024-12-04T21:50:20","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T21:50:20","slug":"crowds-fill-lawn-for-mandelas-grandson-despite-university-cancellation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/uncategorised\/2024\/10\/23\/crowds-fill-lawn-for-mandelas-grandson-despite-university-cancellation\/","title":{"rendered":"Crowds fill lawn for Mandela\u2019s grandson despite university cancellation \u200b"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mere days after the University of Aberdeen cancelled the Palestinian Solidarity Society\u2019s event, crowds braved the cold on Elphinstone Lawn as Nelson Mandela\u2019s grandson virtually addressed the assembly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

30 years on from his grandfather\u2019s South African Presidency, Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela\u2019s 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 \u2013 including the University of Aberdeen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a controversial act, the University of Aberdeen cancelled the booking made by the student group after Mandla\u2019s failed UK entry, with PSS officials telling <\/span>The Gaudie<\/span><\/i> the University\u2019s reasoning was that the group had collaborated with external group Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In an earlier statement, a University of Aberdeen spokesperson seemed to confirm the reasoning.<\/span><\/p>\n

The conditions of room bookings state: \u201cThe University Court reserves the right to refuse the use of University Accommodation to any person or organisation.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile the external speaker policy notes that if the University, after reviewing the available information, determines that \u201cthere is a clear and serious risk\u201d that the speaker or participants at an event may \u201cviolate the law, breach the University\u2019s legal obligations, or present a significant threat to the wellbeing of students, staff, or visitors\u201d, it may impose specific conditions or, in exceptional cases, decide to cancel the event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tommy Campbell, retired trade union delegate to Aberdeen and member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Ca<\/span>mpaign (SPSC), opened the event, leading chants of \u201cBoo to the UK Government! Boo to Principal Boyne!\u201d with loud boos echoing across the packed campus lawn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
PSS Vice President Kirsty Bruce
Photo Credits: Kirsten Koss<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe students united will never be defeated\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing the crowded, president of the UoA Palestinian Solidarity Society Ayah Mbarki spoke of the devastation in Gaza:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cInstitutions 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cIf we need to do it again we will. The students united will never be defeated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Talking of the University\u2019s decision, another member of the committee raised suspicions about the handling of the cancellation:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were told it was because we were working with an external organisation but we reviewed the paperwork and we didn\u2019t see any questions asking if we were working with anyone else. We booked this far in advance – so the timing is a bit suspicious\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so important to learn from history, and particularly in Black History Month to create cross-cultural events with diverse voices.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shock at the University\u2019s decision wasn\u2019t limited to members of the Palestinian Solidarity Society, with one student telling <\/span>The Gaudie<\/span><\/i> that she joined the event after hearing the crowd proudly chanting for freedom:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cThe 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\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply disheartened by the UK\u2019s decision to deny Mandla\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the Aberdeen branch of the SPSC added:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cWe 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Noting their success despite ths set back, the spokesperson was pleased with the turnout at the outdoor event, noting:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe event was made more memorable and anger at the University was clear. Those attending left inspired by Mandela’s clear message \u2013 we may face barriers from conservative institutions like the University of Aberdeen, but the march to Palestinian freedom cannot be cancelled.\u201dAberdonians React: \u201cNobody is angry, we are just disappointed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Responding to the University\u2019s decision to cancel the room for the event, Woodside local Doug\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Haywood and secretary for the Aberdeen TUC said: \u201cnobody is angry, we are just disappointed\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor 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\u2019t be able to speak\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is about the end of a war in the middle east – surely the University can get behind that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Noting the irony, Mr Haywood concluded:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe event is happening anyway so frankly the University management seem a little bit petty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a similar vein, engineer Mark Rennie, 39, from Aberdeen expressed upset at the handling of the situation by the University.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In response to the Home Office blocking Mr Mandela\u2019s entry to the UK, Mark had this to say:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe UK Government is scared that more and more people are becoming aware of the Palestinian cause and the atrocities being committed. I think it\u2019s disappointing to see this from a Labour Government. I expected this from the Conservatives, but I thought with Labour in power, things might change\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople are not going to go away and we will continue to protest until the UK Government changes their position on Israel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing, Mr Rennie suggested that the UK Government continues to push an imperialist agenda:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201c[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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Politicians React<\/span><\/p>\n

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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am deeply disappointed. As somebody who has a long association with the University as a former rector, I thought better of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ms Chapman noted that several countries around the world have welcomed Mr Mandela, waiving visa requirements, including neighbouring Ireland, saying she is \u201coutraged\u201d at the Home Office\u2019s handling of the visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvents 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Echoing Ms Chapman\u2019s 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:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe UK has a lot to answer for and should have stopped arms sales a long time ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking to Aberdonians at the event, Cllr Allard concluded:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n



<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n



<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mere days after the University of Aberdeen cancelled the Palestinian Solidarity Society\u2019s event, crowds braved the cold on Elphinstone Lawn as Nelson Mandela\u2019s grandson virtually addressed the assembly.\u00a0 30 years on from his grandfather\u2019s South African Presidency, Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela\u2019s UK access was denied in the wake of his nine-stop tour of the nation. He […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":4190,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","iawp_total_views":17,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,1],"tags":[254,206,655,654,349,656,396],"wf_post_folders":[181],"class_list":{"0":"post-4187","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"category-uncategorised","9":"tag-aberdeen","10":"tag-aberdeen-university","11":"tag-elphinstone-lawn","12":"tag-mandela","13":"tag-palestine","14":"tag-palestine-solidarity-society","15":"tag-protest"},"acf":[],"author_meta":{"display_name":"Kirsten Koss","author_link":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/author\/kirsten-koss\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/photo-300x225.jpg","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["News<\/a>","Uncategorised<\/a>"],"unlinked":["News<\/span>","Uncategorised<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["Aberdeen<\/a>","Aberdeen University<\/a>","Elphinstone lawn<\/a>","Mandela<\/a>","Palestine<\/a>","Palestine solidarity society<\/a>","protest<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Aberdeen<\/span>","Aberdeen University<\/span>","Elphinstone lawn<\/span>","Mandela<\/span>","Palestine<\/span>","Palestine solidarity society<\/span>","protest<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":"0","relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 2 years ago","modified":"Updated 2 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on 23 October 2024","modified":"Updated on 4 December 2024"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on 23 October 2024 18:27","modified":"Updated on 4 December 2024 21:50"},"featured_img_caption":"Photo Credits: Kirsten Koss","series_order":"","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4187","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4187"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4187\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4192,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4187\/revisions\/4192"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4187"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gaudie.co.uk\/wpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=4187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}