Nicholas Haysom on Fighting Apartheid, Working with Mandela, and Peacebuilding in South Sudan

Early Life and Activism in Apartheid South Africa

• 💡 Nicholas Haysom, known as Fink, grew up in a liberal household in Durban, South Africa, where racial equality was emphasized, making him aware of apartheid's cruelties from an early age.
• ✊ Despite the inherent dangers of the authoritarian state, Haysom and his family were active critics of apartheid, viewing opposition as a sign of humanity.
• ⛓️ Haysom was arrested multiple times for his activism, including leading a student march and refusing to testify in a trial, leading to a five-year house arrest order.
• 🧠 He spent six months in solitary confinement, which he describes as a condition to be weathered, emphasizing the need to maintain focus and grip.

Transition to Law and the End of Apartheid

• 🎓 Haysom studied law, seeing it as a means to engage with and change the conditions of people's lives, eventually becoming president of the National Union of South African Students.
• 😮 He recounts the disbelief when academics predicted dramatic changes, and how the political landscape shifted remarkably quickly with Mandela's release.
• 📺 Witnessing Mandela's release from prison on television in Johannesburg was a profound, history-making moment.

Working with Nelson Mandela and International Peacebuilding

• 🤝 Haysom joined the ANC's legal and constitutional negotiations team, tasked with conceptualizing and negotiating the framework for a new, progressive South African constitution.
• 🌟 He served as Mandela's legal advisor, remembering him as a gracious but steely leader dedicated to his convictions and the rule of law.
• 🌍 Inspired by his experiences in South Africa, Haysom recognized the universal need for dignity and human rights, leading him to join the United Nations.
• 🕊️ He played a key role in peace negotiations for Burundi and Sudan, which eventually led to South Sudan's independence as the world's youngest country.
• 🇮🇶 Haysom also led a constitutional advisory team in Iraq, aiming to foster coexistence among its diverse communities.

Challenges of Peace and Hope for the Future

• ⚠️ Haysom reflects that peace agreements and democracy are not to be taken for granted and require constant engagement and nurturing.
• 🇸🇸 He is currently focused on the challenging situation in South Sudan, working to prevent a relapse into conflict and assisting in preparations for elections.
• 🌍 He expresses concern for the younger generation, facing complex global challenges like climate change and current conflicts, and hopes they will find ways to overcome them.
• 🇺🇳 Haysom believes that while institutions and constitutions are important, the ultimate goal is to avoid a relapse into conflict and provide political space for citizens to find their own solutions.