Axel-Ivar Berglund - Nordic Documentation on the Liberation ...

<strong>Axel</strong>-<strong>Ivar</strong> <strong>Berglund</strong>: Terrible problems.
Bertil Högberg: When we look at Swedish policy, I’m not talking about CSM
now, but about Sweden’s policies as a nation towards South Africa, how did
you view the actions taken from Sweden, when you worked at SACC?
<strong>Axel</strong>-<strong>Ivar</strong> <strong>Berglund</strong>: When the Swedes decided to not import South African
goods, fruit, jams, what have you, we all said “Hello!” and “Hallelujah, you are
supporting us!” It was generally known that from the Council of Churches and
in the various dioceses throughout the land there was much rejoicing when
Sweden, amongst other countries, took the stand to boycott South Africa.
Bertil Högberg: There was quite a lengthy debate within the church, if you go
back in time to the beginning of the 1970s, around the investment issue and
the call from the World Council of Churches to disinvest. It was not adhered to
directly, companies were given a period of grace. Did you follow that debate?
<strong>Axel</strong>-<strong>Ivar</strong> <strong>Berglund</strong>: Very closely, yes. You see, every stand that was taken
against South Africa was to our benefit, although of course there was a cost.
Somehow or other it was in the blood of South Africans that freedom is
coming. This wording, “Freedom is coming” it was just there. And Madiba’s
role from Robben Island was incredible. Madiba is Nelson Mandela, his role
was always present. People knew that he was the man whom we want. When
eventually he was moved from Robben Island to the mainland, it was
interpreted as a positive sign. Perhaps the people in Pretoria and Cape Town
were using their brains just a little.
Bertil Högberg: Before we leave your time in South Africa and move to what
happened when you came to Sweden, are there any more memorable events
that you recall during the time?
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