A KGB trained spy's desperate escape from Cold War South Africa (295)

South Africa in the 1980s is a brutal, racist Apartheid regime. Those who oppose it risk their lives. Apartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s Sue Dobson is moving easily through the echelons of the racist government in her work as a journalist, whilst concealing her espionage and military training in the Soviet Union, and her intelligence work for the banned African National Congress. She interviewed Apartheid ministers and had a honey trap affair with a police chief involved with the Namibian independence process. However, Sue's cover is blown leading to her desperate flight across Southern Africa with the Apartheid security police snapping at her heels. We hear in detail about her tense three day car journey to the Soviet Embassy in Botswana and how her KGB training saved her life…   0:00 Introduction and Sue Dobson's Espionage Journey 2:22 Sue's Role in the South African Bureau of Information and Namibia's Independence 8:21 Sue's Encounter with Key Information Source and Communication with ANC 13:55 Sue's Meeting with Apartheid Era Figures and Confrontation with Pik Botha 18:44 Sue's Moral Dilemma and Justification for Her Actions 20:37 Global Attention on South Africa and Tactics Used in Namibia 22:37 Sue's Job Offer and Realization of a Potential Exposure 24:15 Sue's Escape Plan and Journey through Namibia 32:58 Sue's Close Encounter with Surveillance and Journey to Botswana 40:12 Sue's Refuge in the Russian Compound and Escape to Europe 44:27 Sue's New Life in the UK and Fears of Parcel Bombs and Poisonings 47:22 Sue's Decision to Share Her Story Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Listeners can find details of our book giveaway here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/ Episode extras including videos and photos https://coldwarconversations.com/episode295/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices