Yesterday saw the launch of Ad & Wal – Values, Duty, Sacrifice in Apartheid South Africa by Peter Hain at South Africa House. This book gives an extraordinary account of an ordinary couple, Peter’s parents, Adelaide and Walter, and their struggle against the apartheid regime.
Peter Hain made time to sign books for all attendees before giving a brilliant introduction to the main event: Jon Snow’s interview with Ad and Wal. To a rapt audience, Ad and Wal talked about their fondness for one another which has lasted for almost 70 years. Jon asked them about the inevitable difficulties that arose from being banned, and the impact it had on both their personal and political lives. In a lively addition to the interview, Jon reflected on his own political activism involving a trip to Old Trafford with Peter Hain and other fellow university students as part of the anti-apartheid sport protests of the 1970s. A police scuffle, an arrest, and some impressive mathematical deductions ensued.
When asked to reflect on what they missed most about South Africa after their exile, Wal quickly responded with ‘the weather’ then ‘the people, our friends and family’ before adding ‘the weather really was the main thing though’ with an amused chuckle. After the interview Ad and Wal were delighted to sign copies of the book and posed for photographs with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
If you’d like to read the fantastic story of Peter’s parents, purchase your copy of Ad and Wal today.