The "International Tribute - For a Free South Africa" is an historic and unique event. Artists from across the world are gathering in Wembley Stadium to greet Nelson Mandela and to celebrate his release.

But it will also be an occasion for the African National Congress to pay its tribute to the millions of people who have made it possible for Nelson Mandela to visit Wembley Stadium in person. The campaign to release Nelson Mandela was above all a people`s campaign.

Our people within South Africa bore the brunt of that struggle, with their refusal to acquiesce in their own oppression. Their fearless defiance of apartheid and their determination to resist - whatever the price - made possible the conditions which compelled the regime to release Nelson Mandela and his compatriots. But the worldwide campaign for the release of Nelson Mandela and political prisoners made a decisive contribution.

One event in particular symbolised that campaign - the "Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute" in June 1988. For those at Wembley Stadium on that great day it was an event one could never forget. And it was also an opportunity for our message to reach over a billion people across five continents - such is the power of modern technology in today`s world. The ANC owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the artists and performers and all those who made that event possible - as well as to the millions of people who joined in the campaign to celebrate Nelson Mandela`s 70th birthday.

Today we are witnessing the fruits of years of persistent struggle by our movement within South Africa and by the international campaign against apartheid. Nelson Mandela and other imprisoned leaders of the ANC have been released. The ANC and other political organisations have been unbanned. Elements of the State of Emergency have been lifted.

The prospects for a political settlement resulting in the ending of apartheid and the creation of united, non-racial and democratic South Africa could soon become a reality. However, a climate conducive to negotiations does not yet exist - and cannot, so long as thousands of political prisoners, including those on Death Row, remain incarcerated. Whilst the State of Emergency is in force, restrictions continue to be imposed on organisations and individuals, the troops continue to occupy the townships, political trials continue, and a battery of repressive legislation remains on the Statute Book.

Even if a process of negotiations does start, this does not mean that our struggle is over - nor that international pressure should be relaxed.

That is why, as we unite together to celebrate the release of Nelson Mandela, we must re-dedicate ourselves to the campaign for the unconditional release of all South African political prisoners, and to the on-going struggle to end apartheid.

Freedom is coming! With your support and solidarity we can make a reality of the slogan:

"South Africa- Freedom Now!"

ES Reddy