Two former anti-apartheid activists will travel to Belfast next month to attend a special screening of Comrade Tambo’s London Recruits. The film tells the story of British and Irish volunteers who carried out undercover missions against apartheid.
The event will take place at the Conor Lecture Theatre at Ulster University on Thursday 5 March at 7pm. Afterwards, organisers will host a live discussion with the audience.
Professor Brandon Hamber will chair the session. He holds the John Hume and Thomas P O’Neill Chair in Peace at the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) at Ulster University. Originally from South Africa, Prof Hamber has spent decades working on peacebuilding and transitional justice.
Sean Hosey, from Dublin, took part in covert operations in apartheid South Africa. Authorities later arrested him and sentenced him to five years in prison. His experience forms a central part of the documentary.
Ahead of the screening, Hosey said he feels deeply moved to bring the story home. “It’s great that this film is now being shown in my home country of Ireland,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to sharing my experiences on home ground.”
Moreover, he spoke about the solidarity he received while imprisoned. “I warmly remember the incredible support I had from the people of Ireland during my time as a political prisoner in apartheid South Africa.”
Smuggling Missions from London
Norman Lucas, from Lambeth in south London, carried out three missions to smuggle banned political literature into South Africa. At the time, the apartheid government outlawed many publications linked to the freedom struggle.
Lucas said he welcomes the chance to speak in Belfast. “It’s fantastic to be playing our film in the heart of Belfast,” he said. “I am really looking forward to sharing our story and taking part in what promises to be a lively post-screening discussion.”
He added that today’s activists continue to inspire him. “It is always so inspiring to hear from those on the ground carrying forward the torch of the international struggle for freedom and justice.”
Welsh director Gordon Main will also attend the screening. He described the Belfast event as an important moment for the film.
“This is a real milestone for us, sharing the film in Ireland,” he said. “Comrade Tambo’s London Recruits is an inspiring, against-all-odds story of international solidarity.”
Furthermore, he believes the story resonates strongly today. “It speaks to today every bit as much as it resonates as a piece of history. Having former recruits at the screenings makes these events unique and uplifting. We could all use that in difficult times.”
The film explores the global network that supported South Africa’s liberation struggle. It highlights how ordinary people chose to take extraordinary risks.
Importantly, the organisers have included a live discussion to connect past struggles with present challenges. As a result, the evening promises not only reflection, but conversation.
Doors open at 6.30pm, and the screening begins at 7pm. Buy tickets here
