Terrorist to Icon

Published: Thursday, June 13, 2013

Afp, Johannesburg

So revered is Nelson Mandela today that it is easy to forget that for decades he was considered a terrorist by many foreign governments, and some of his now supporters.The anti-apartheid hero was on a US terror watch list until 2008 and while still on Robben Island, Britain’s late “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher described his African National Congress as a “typical terrorist organisation.”That Mandela’s image has been transformed so thoroughly is a testament to the man’s achievements, but also, in part, to a concert that took place in London 25 years ago this week.For organiser Tony Hollingsworth the June 11, 1988 gig at London’s Wembley Stadium had very little to do with Mandela’s 70th birthday, as billed.It had everything to do with ridding Mandela of his terrorist tag and ensuring his release.Hollingsworth convinced Simple Minds, Dire Straits, Sting, George Michael, The Eurythmics, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder into the 83-artist line up to perform.With that musical firepower came contracts for a more than 11 hour broadcast.The gig at Wembley attracted broadcasters in nearly 70 countries and was watched by more than half a billion people around the world, still one of the largest audiences ever for an entertainment event.Nelson Mandela was released from jail 19 months later, after 27 years in prison. A second concert was later held to celebrate.“Before the first event, the prospect of Nelson Mandela’s imminent release from prison seemed completely unrealistic,” Terry would later say.“Yet within 20 months he walked free and I have no doubt that the first event played a decisive role in making this happen,” Hollingsworth said.

Last Modified: 178 days ago