The release of Comrade Govan Mbeki, speaker of the ANC, today the 5th of November 1987 is an important event in the long and bitter struggle of our people, a victory for the democratic forces throughout SA and the international community who have fought relentlessly for the unconditional release of our leaders and all political detainees in SA. Comrade Mbeki emerged today after 23 years in the racist prisons unbowed and unbroken, a living legend in the minds of our people. We salute Mbeki and all political prisoners who have struggled even from within prison walls for this victory.
Even as we receive him with joy and renewed determination we remain acutely aware that his release in a real sense also means a change in prison address front the confines of Robben island into the prison house of SA. His release will significantly enrich and augment the leadership of the democratic forces as a whole and, as the fight continues till all are released, we say: Let him speak to the people.
Department of Information and Publicity,
Lusaka,
5th November 1987