Poland in South Africa

In cooperation with the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Cape Town, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland organized on 4 September 2024 a lecture by Director Paweł Ukielski and the premiere of the exhibition "Warsaw Uprising 1944". Director Paweł Ukielski presented the genesis of the outbreak of World War II and the circumstances that led to the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising. He also spoke about the heroic flights of South African pilots who provided aid to the fighting Warsaw and raised the morale of the insurgents.

The commemorative speech was delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Adam Burakowski. The entire event was moderated by Jakub Nowakowski, Director of the Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Cape Town.

The event program included two short documentaries: "Warsaw - City of Ruins", and interviews with pilots who carried out supply drops for the insurgents in August and September 1944.

A preview of the exhibition "Warsaw Uprising 1944" was also presented, documenting the military, political, historical and human aspects of the fight for independence during the 63 days of the 1944 uprising.

After the lecture, participants could also ask questions to Director Ukielski. Over 60 people took part in the event.

Photos: Grażyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria