United States of America (USA)
The earliest anti-activities in the USA date back to 1946 with a rally and picket by Indian students (protesting against Smuts’ speech at the UN) at the South African Embassy organised by the Council on African Affairs (CCA). Actions followed in 1952 to support the Defiance Campaign of the ANC in South Africa. Hundreds of organisations became involved over the years; many independent and local but working with national organisations. African-American entities played an important role in the national movement and linked the Civil Rights Movement in the USA with anti-apartheid activities.
Anti-Apartheid Organisations/People
A. Philip Randolph
Mr A. Philip Randolph, an African American labour and civil rights activist (1889-1979) was a member of the Committee of Americans for South African Resistance (AFSAR), founded in 1952 to support the Defiance Campaign. He was also a member of ACOA and headed the Committee on Conscience against Apartheid, formed by ACOA. He was very active in the End Loans campaigns
The Library of Congress has a collection of his Africa related materials covering the period 1949-1969.
Action Committee on Southern Africa / Aktie Komitee Zuiderlijk Afrika (AKZA)
AKZA was a national organisation based in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium. It operated from 1972-1991 and developed out of progressive student organisations. It started as the Flemish Angola Committee and supported the liberation movements directly. They organised numerous boycott campaigns and was instrumental in the formation of the largest social action coalition in Flanders, the Flemish Anti-Apartheid Coalition (Vlaamse Anti-Apartheid Koalitie - VAAK). It also collaborated with other AAMs and was part of the Liaison Group of Anti-Apartheid Movements within the European Community (known as The Liaison Group).
The Catholic University of Leuven holds the entire archive of the organisation.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a substantial collection covering the period 1972-1991.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Africa Bureau
The Africa Bureau set up in 1952 by, amongst others, Mary Benson and Rev Michael Scott, and operated until 1978. It was active in the area of international sanctions and worked with the AAM in the 1960s. It later split into the Africa Bureau and Africa Educational Trust.
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford holds a substantial archive covering the period 1952-1978.
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London holds a small collection with papers covering the period 1952 -1968, as well as small collection of Mary Benson’s papers covering the period 1946 – 1974. It contains research notes, transcripts of interviews, press cuttings and papers relating to the AAM and the Commonwealth.
http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/
Africa Educational Trust (AET)
The Africa Educational Trust (AET) was founded in 1958. Originally, it was part of the Africa Bureau which later split into the Educational and Publication Trust. The main aim was to help exiles and refugees with their education.
The organisation holds its own archives.
http://www.africaeducationaltrust.org
Africa Fund
The Africa Fund was founded in 1966 by the American Committee on Africa. They shared offices and staff but had separate boards and budgets. It supported health and educational projects of the liberations movements. It also supported the South African Council of Churches to aid political prisoners and their families. It researched American corporations and their ties with South Africa. It merged in 2001 with APIC and ACO to form Africa Action.
The Amistad Research Centre at Tulane University holds the archive of the organisation covering the period 1949-2001.
http://www.amistadresearchcenter.org/
The Yale University Library holds the collection of Globalvision, South Africa Now. The TV programme South Africa Now was produced in cooperation with The Africa Fund and the archive contains video tapes, around 150 newscasts, some transcripts and footage and tapes of interviews. It also documents the activities of the international AAMs. It covers the period 1978-1991 but the bulk of the collections are from 1988 onwards.
The Law Faculty at Florida State University holds a collection covering the period 1980-1998 and contains publications, pamphlets and press releases.
Africa Groups of Sweden (AGS) / Afrikagrupperna
The AGS was formed in 1974 by several local Africa groups, some of them already active in the early 1960s. It gave unconditional support to the liberation struggle. It began its work by supporting the struggles in the Portuguese colonies and continued to work on Southern Africa lobbying the Swedish government to institute sanctions. It initiated the establishment of ISAK. It ended its activities in 1992 and was re-constituted as the Network Southern Africa / Nätverk Södra Afrika.
The Archive and Library of the Swedish Labour Movement holds the entire archive of the organisation covering the period 1974-1992
A substantial photo collection, covering the period 1970-2003 is held by the organisation itself.
http://www.afrikagrupperna.se/
Africa Groups Recruitment Organisation / Afrikagruppernas Rekryteringsorganisation (ARO)
The ARO was initiated by the AGS 1978, initially to recruit health care workers, teachers and administrators to work in the former Portuguese colonies. It expanded its work to ANC camps and schools and was active in these areas until1992.
The Archive and Library of the Swedish Labour Movement holds the entire archive covering the period 1978-1992.
Alexander Defence Committee (ADC)
The ADC started in 1964-1968 to support Dr Neville Alexander and other political prisoners and their families in South Africa. It was active in Canada, Europe and the USA. It organised speaker tours and raised funds, also for the families of political prisoners.
The Wisconsin Historical Society holds a collection of documents on microfilm.
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org
Alexander Defence Committee: Madison Chapter
This local branch of the international Alexander Defence Committee was established to protest against and assist political prisoners, particularly Dr. Neville Alexander. It was in existence from 1964 – 1968.
The Wisconsin State Historical Society holds a small collection of the organisation and it consists of press releases, correspondence, newspaper clippings and background materials.
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org
The Robben Island Museum - Mayibuye Archives holds a collection of papers.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
American Committee on Africa (ACOA)
The African Committee on Africa (ACOA) was formed in 1953 to support the liberation struggle in Africa. It grew out of the ad-hoc organisation Americans for South African Resistance (AFSAR), setup to support the Defiance Campaign of the ANC in 1952. It started with an office in New York City and opened an office in Washington DC in 1967. The NY office had a national focus and organised sanctions and disinvestment campaigns on universities, churches, states and cities. It merged in 2001 with AF and APIC to form Africa Action.
The Amistad Research Centre, Tulane University, holds the entire archive covering the period 1949-2001 and it includes the records of AFSAR. ACOA material can also be found in the collection of Mary-Louise Hooper (see below).
http://www.amistadresearchcenter.org/
The Penrose Library, University of Denver holds the magazines of the organisation, Africa Today, covering the period 1954-1998.
The African Activist Archive at Michigan State University Library holds the archive of Ms Mary-Louise Hooper who worked for Chief Albert Luthuli and, when forced to go back to the USA, worked with the ACOA and IDAF-USA.
Swarthmore College holds a small collection of the papers of AJ Muste, one of the founders of ACOA.
http://www.swarthmore.edu/library.xml
The Law Faculty at Florida State University holds a small collection covering the period 1980-1998 and contains publications, pamphlets and press releases.
The University of Cape Town Library holds the archive of the Amistad Research Centre on microfilm, covering the period 1952-1985.
American Coordinating Committee for Equality in Sport and Society (ACCESS)
ACCCESS was founded in 1976 by Richard Lapchick (see below) and focussed on the sports boycott. It led the boycott actions against the Davis Cup tennis match between the USA and South Africa and was also involved in the campaign against the Springbok Rugby Tour to the USA. The organisation dissolved around 1991.
Michigan State University Library holds a small collection covering the period ca 1969-ca1991.
The Law faculty has materials covering 1980-1981.
The Northeastern University Libraries holds the records of the Centre for Study of Sport in Society (CSSS). CSSS was established by Richard Lapchick and was the first organisation of its kind connecting sports with society. It contains materials from ACCESS and other AAMs, also internationally. The bulk of the collection covers the period 1985-1998.
ANC Support Group
The ANC Support Group was established in 1983 by members of CAASA (Community Aid Abroad Southern Africa); it changed its name to Anti-Apartheid Melbourne in 1984.
The Archives and Special Collections at the University of Melbourne holds a small collection of their materials.
Anti- Apartheid Movement (AAM)
The AAM started in 1959 under the name The Boycott Movement Committee. It changed its name to AAM in 1960 after the Sharpeville massacre to become a permanent organisation. It grew into one of the biggest anti-apartheid organisations in the world with committees covering specific subjects and branches all over the UK. It was a member of the European Liaison Group. It was often the fore-runner and initiator of international campaigns and worked closely with the ANC and UN agencies. It dissolved itself in 1995 to continue as Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford has the complete archive of the organisation. The archive also contains a lot of information on other AAMs in the world as well as international organisations.
The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research at York University holds a collection of papers of Judge Kellock. He was the Chairman of the AAM from 1963-1965, acted as an observer for IDAF and was sent by Christian Action to attend the Rivonia Trial in 1964. The archive covers the period 1959-1966.
The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London has a small collection of materials.
Anti-Apartheid Melbourne
This group was formed in 1977 to support political prisoners in South Africa financially and became a member of CAASA in 1979. Core members of CAASA formed the African National Congress Support Group in 1983, which changed its name to Anti-Apartheid Melbourne in 1984. It became an organisation that supported the liberation movements directly. The group dissolved in 1985.
The Archives and Special Collections at the University of Melbourne holds a small archive covering the period 1977-1985. It contains minutes of meetings, campaign reports and pamphlets.
Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) Austria / Anti-Apartheid Bewegung Osterreich
The AAM Austria started in 1977 in response to the Soweto uprisings with a small group of people who lobbied the general public and government to take a stand against apartheid. It organised numerous boycott and solidarity campaigns, pushing the Austrian government to take a more anti-apartheid position. It gave direct support to the liberation movements and published the book ‘Die Apartheid Connection’ in 1984, revealing the collaboration of the Austrian and South African governments in the military, political, cultural and science fields. Besides solidarity with South Africa, the AAM also worked for Namibia. It was a member of the European anti-apartheid movements group. It dissolved in 1993 to continue as the Southern Africa Documentation and Cooperation Centre (SADOCC).
SADOCC holds the complete archive of the organisation.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a small collection of their papers covering the period 1979-1986 and a complete set of all their publications.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
The Historical Papers at the University of the Witwatersrand (William Cullen Library), Johannesburg, holds a small collection of their documents covering the period 1977-1993.
http://www.historicalpapers.wits.ac.za
The South African History Archives (SAHA) also has a complete set of all their publications.
Anti-Apartheid Movement - Scottish Committee
Activities in Scotland started in the 1960s by AAM branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to the establishment of the Scottish Committee and opening an office in 1989. It was active in boycott campaigns, support to South African anti-apartheid organisations, the End Loans to South Africa campaigns and the call for comprehensive sanctions. It had a women’s subcommittee, youth desk and a trade union subcommittee as well as a Scottish Committee for Local Authority Action against Apartheid. It dissolved in 1994 and continued as the Scottish Committee of Action for Southern Africa (SCTSA).
The Glasgow Caledonian University holds the complete archive of the organisation covering the period 1965-1995, the bulk being from 1975.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection of their publications.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Anti-Apartheid Movement - Wales
The Anti-Apartheid Movement Wales was a branch of the national AAM and participated in many national campaigns.
The University of Wales, Swansea holds a collection covering the period 1975-1998. It contains correspondence, newsletters and conference papers.
Anti-Apartheid Movement Germany / Anti-Apartheid Bewegung (AAB)
The Anti-Apartheid Movement Germany (AAB) operated from 1974 till 1994. It was formed on the initiative of the Mainz Working Group on Southern Africa (MAKSA). It was very active in the campaigns against the arms trade with South Africa, the release of Nelson Mandela, as well as the fruit, sport, Royal Dutch Shell and cultural boycott. It consisted of a network of local groups and worked with a variety of peace and religious organisations. In the late 1970s/early 1980s it used shareholders meetings (by buying shares) to pressurise banks not to deal with South Africa and pressured the Federal government to take an active anti-apartheid position. The AAB also participated in the Liaison Group. It changed its name in 1994 and continues to operate as Das Afrika Sud Aktionsbundnis.
The Archive for Alternative Literature holds the complete archive of the AAB.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a small collection of papers and publications covering the period 1975-1993.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Anti-Apartheid Movement Netherlands / Anti-Apartheids Beweging Nederland (AABN)
The AABN operated from 1961 till 1994 and was one of the major organisations in the Netherlands. It continued the work of the Comité Zuid-Afrika (CZA) and its solidarity with the liberation movements was unconditional. Besides campaigns, focussed on boycott activities and political prisoners, it also organised grass roots based activities with practical solidarity through its committees dealing with education, women, culture, etc. It was instrumental in the formation of several specialist organisations (see below). It was part of the Liaison Group. The AABN stopped operating in 1994 and continued as the Institute on Southern Africa (IZA) and merged with the KZA and the EMS in 1997 to form the Netherlands Institute on Southern Africa (NIZA). Since September 2007 NIZA has been associated with ActionAid International.
The IISH (IISG) holds the complete archive of the organisation, including audio-visual materials, photographs, videos, etc.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a substantial collection covering the period 1972-1993. It contains publications, newsletters and campaign materials.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Anti-Apartheid Movement of Canada (AAMC)
The Anti-Apartheid Movement Canada operated from around 1970 and was a Toronto based organisation.
The Library and Archives Canada holds a small collection, covering the period 1970-1973 containing correspondence, publications and clippings.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
The McMaster University also holds a small collection of documents.
Anti-Apartheid Support Group (AASG)
AASG was based at the University of North Carolina and consisted mainly of students. It operated from about 1980-1987. Its main focus was to pressurise the University to disinvest from South Africa. The group dissolved when the university voted to divest in 1987.
University of North Carolina holds the entire archive of the organisation.
Association of West- European Parliamentarians for Action against Apartheid (AWEPAA)
The Association of West-European Parliamentarians for Action against Apartheid (AWEPAA) started in 1984 to mobilise politicians in European parliaments in the struggle against apartheid. The organisation grew fast; from a small group of members in 16 national parliaments and in the European Parliament in September 1985, to some 1000 members in the early 1990s. Parliamentarians worked for effective sanction policies, they monitored the implementation and they sought to hold governments accountable for their policies. It continues to operate as the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA).
The bulk of the archives are held by the organisation.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a small collection with papers and publications covering the period 1985-1994.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
The archives of the European Union also contain materials related to AWEPAA. http://www.iue.it
Many European AAMs have materials concerning AWEPAA within their own archives.
Birmingham Anti-Apartheid Movement
Birmingham Anti-Apartheid Movement was formed around 1966 and was very active in the consumer boycott. It started twinning projects with the ANC in the Western Transvaal and organised an annual ‘Soweto Walk’ to raise funds.
Birmingham Central Library holds a collection starting in 1966 but mainly covering the period 1980-1990s.
Bishop Ambrose Reeves Trust (BART)
The Bishop Ambrose Reeves Trust (BART) started in 1965 as the South Africa Racial Amity Trust (SARAT) to promote the knowledge about apartheid through research and publications. It paid special attention to the plight of children under apartheid. It was renamed BART in 1980 in honour of its treasurer. It was dissolved in 1996.
The Rhodes House Library which encompasses the Bodleian Library of Commonwealth & African Studies at Rhodes House, University of Oxford, has the complete archive of the organisation.
Boston Coalition for the Liberation of Southern Africa (BCLSA)
BCLSA was established after the 1976 Soweto uprising and started with a campaign against the ties between the FNB (First National Bank) of Boston and South Africa. It remained a specialist organisation but broadened its activities to disinvestment and boycott. It helped to form MassDivest in 1980, an organisation which led the campaign to disinvest the state pension from companies doing business with South Africa. It ceased to be a separate organisation in the mid 1980s and joined other organisations such as Free South Africa and TransAfrica.
Michigan State University Library has the records of the organisation covering the period 1970s-1990s. The collection holds materials from other organisations as well, for example the Polaroid Campaign and the Gulf Oil Boycott.
Boycott Outspan Campaign / Boycot Outspan Aktie (BOA)
The BOA was established in 1970 by Essau du Plessis, an exiled South African. It mainly campaigned for the consumer boycott of Outspan fruit in the Netherlands.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds the entire archive of the organisation.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Brazilian Committee of Solidarity with the Peoples of South Africa and Namibia / Comitê Brasileiro de Solidariedade aos Povos da África do Sul e Namíbia (COMAFRICA)
The Brazilian Committee of Solidarity with the Peoples of South Africa and Namibia (ComAfrica) started in 1985 as a bridge from academic research to action by civil society. It had strong links with the labour movement and the Black Movement (Movimento Negro) in Brazil. It organised information campaigns and support for the recognition of the liberation movements ANC and SWAPO. It organised political tours of Brazil for members of the liberation movements and co-founded the Nelson Mandela Reception Committee in 1990. It continues activities as Instituto ComAfrica since 2000.
ComAfrica holds the archive of the organisation as well as the personal archive of Jennifer Dunjwa Blajberg, one of the presidents of ComAfrica.
British Defence and Aid Fund Southern Africa (BDAF)
BDAF was the forerunner of IDAF. It started life as an initiative of Canon Collins to merge all the Christian Aid funds for South Africa sometime between 1958 and 1961. Its role was to raise funds for the legal defence of political prisoners, and for their families, and later to raise public consciousness in the UK for the international organisation.
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford holds the entire archive of the organisation.
Broadcasters for Radio Freedom / Omroep voor Radio Freedom (OvRF)
The OvRF started in 1982 on the initiative of the AABN and mobilised people in the broadcasting sector to support Radio Freedom, the radio station of the ANC. Their aim being to raise financial support to train and equip several broadcasting stations for Radio Freedom. The organisation operated till 1995.
The IISH holds the complete archive of the organisation which forms an integral part of the Dutch AAM archive.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a small collection covering the period 1985-1991 and contains publications, campaign materials and other papers.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Campaign against Racial Exploitation
The Campaign against Racial Exploitation (CARE) was a national anti-racist umbrella organisation whose activities focused on anti-apartheid and Australian Aboriginal issues. CARE operated from 1967 till 1990.
The National Library of Australia holds a substantial collection covering the period 1975-1993 containing newsletters, press releases, conference reports, campaign materials as well as some sound recordings.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a small collection of papers and publications covering the period 1975-1993.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Canon Collins Educational Trust for Southern Africa (CCETSA)
The Cannon Collins Trust was founded by BDAF in 1981 to assist South African and Namibian refugee students to receive higher education and training. Students received their training in the UK and independent African states.
The archives are held by the organisations.
http://www.canoncollins.org.uk/
Capital District Coalition against Apartheid and Racism (CD-CAAR)
CD-CAAR was started by Washington residents to prevent the Springbok Rugby Tour in 1981. It was a member of the Social Justice Center, an umbrella organisation dealing with peace and justice. It organised pickets and boycott campaigns, especially supporting the cultural boycott and was also active against racism in the USA. It campaigned for the divestment of New York state pension funds from companies dealing with South Africa. It re-organised itself in 1995 and changed its name to Capital District Coalition for Southern Africa and Against Racism.
The University Libraries at Albany State University, New York holds the archive of the organisation on microfilm.
Carla Weitzel
Carla Weitzel was a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia and one of the leaders in the disinvestment campaign at the university which began in 1978. The group organised rallies, wrote articles, etc.
The University of Missouri, Columbia holds her papers covering the period 1953-2000. It contains newspaper clippings, correspondence, campaign materials and printed materials.
Centre against Apartheid – United Nations
The Centre against Apartheid started in 1976 in the UN Secretariat under the name Unit on Apartheid. Its role was to promote publicity against Apartheid and it worked under the guidance of the Special Committee and in cooperation with the Department of Public Information. During its existence, it published hundreds of posters, audio materials and documentary films. It organised art competitions and exhibitions. It had radio broadcasts to South Africa in several languages. It worked closely together with the liberation movements and the AAMs. Many document published by the Centre were written by members of liberation movements and the AAMs.
The United Nations holds the archives of the organisation.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection of documents.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Champaign-Urbana Coalition against Apartheid
This was a campus based group at the University of Illinois. It operated from 1964-1991 and worked especially for disinvestment by the university, boycott and human rights campaigns
The University of Illinois holds the collection of the group covering the period 1964-1991 and contains correspondence, newspaper articles, newsletters, posters and publications of other AAMs in the USA.
The library also holds the collection of Dean E. McHenry containing documents regarding the Champaign-Urbana Coalition against Apartheid and the investment policies of the university regarding South Africa. It covers the period 1977-1979.
http://gateway.library.uiuc.edu
Charlotteans for a Free Southern Africa
This local anti-apartheid organisation organised protests against loans by local business to the South African government. It organised speakers, pickets, etc.
The J. Murrey Atkins Library at the University of North Carolina holds the collection of the organisation covering the period 1988-1993
Christian Concern for Southern Africa (CCSA)
CCSA was established in 1966 to coordinate the response of churches in the UK to the political situation in South Africa. It carried out research into British companies operating in South Africa and established an Oil Working Group in 1979 as well as working towards sanctions against South Africa and provided an Ethical Investment Research Service. It maintained links with churches in South Africa. It was dissolved in 1993.
The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London holds the archives covering the period 1966-1993.
Citizens Association for Racial Equality (CARE)
CARE was founded in 1964 and operated till 1986. Besides working towards a boycott of all sports contacts with South Africa it also focused on racism in New Zealand. It took the lead in the opposition against the 1965 Springbok Rugby Tour.
The University of Canterbury, Macmillan Brown Library holds the archive of the organisation covering the period 1966-1986.
http://library.canterbury.ac.nz
City of London Anti-Apartheid Group (CLAAG)
The City of London Anti-Apartheid Group was a breakaway group (allied to the Revolutionary Communist Group) of the national AAM and organised campaigns in the London Metropolitan area. Its membership was expelled from the national AAM in 1987.
The London Metropolitan Archives holds a collection covering the period 1976-1996. It also has the personal collection of David Kenvyn who was chairperson of the London AAM. It contains printed materials, correspondence, campaign materials, minutes, conference papers and photographs.
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
The school of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London has some printed materials.
The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research at York University holds some campaign materials covering the period 1972-1975.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds some materials covering the period 1982-1995 within the Norma and David Kitson collection.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Cleveland Robinson
Cleveland Robinson was an African American trade union leader and civil rights activist and active in anti-apartheid campaigns.
The Tamiment Library holds his papers covering the period 1960-1992 and the collection contains correspondence, campaign materials, documents and news clippings. Included in the collection are records of several anti-apartheid campaigns and organisations in the USA and South Africa.
Coalition against the Tour-Christchurch
The Coalition against the Tour – Christchurch was an ad-hoc, local organisation set up to organise the opposition against the Springbok Rugby Tour in 1985. The tour was eventually stopped by a High Court injunction.
The Macmillan Brown Library at the University of Canterbury holds the small collection. It contains correspondence, media releases, campaign materials and newspaper cuttings
http://library.canterbury.ac.nz
Committee for Health in Southern Africa (CHISA)
CHISA was a specialist organisation, founded in 1984 and operating till 1995. This specialist organisation worked on health and related human rights issues in South Africa as well as the role of health professionals and organisations. It maintained contacts with NAMDA (National Medical and Dental Association), a progressive health organisation in South Africa). CHISA was also active in other countries in North America.
The African Studies Library at Colombia University holds the archive of the organisation covering the period 1981-1998, with the bulk being from 1985 to 1991.
Committee for the Release of Nelson Mandela / Kommittén för Nelson Mandelas frigivning
This committee existed in 1990 and was an association of several Swedish organisations with the objective to organise the reception, in Sweden, of Nelson Mandela after his release.
The Archive and Library of the Swedish Labour Movement holds the entire archive of the organisation.
Committee on South African War Resistance (COSAWR)
COSAWR was founded in 1978 by South African draft (military service) resisters active in the UK. It was a self-help organisation for those escaping conscription in the SADF and to support those who were resisting conscription within the country. It raised the issue of militarism in South Africa and conducted research into the South African military structure and resistance to it. COSAWR established a presence in several other European countries.
The Manuscripts and Archives section of the University of Cape Town holds the entire archive of the organisations.
The Law Faculty at Florida State University holds materials covering the period 1980-1992 containing leaflets and publications.
Committee to End Apartheid, Springfield, Massachusetts
This was a local anti-apartheid organisation.
Smith College holds the substantial collection of Francis Crowe papers (part of the Sophia Smith collection) covering the period of 1960-2003. It contains of the committee documents, correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs and campaign materials
Committee to Oppose Bank Loans to South Africa – New York Chapter
This was the New York chapter of the national organisation.
The Wisconsin State Historical Society holds the collection of Beate Klein Becker, who was active in the local committee, covering the period 1977-1980. It contains papers and research files.
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org
Commonwealth Pressure Groups, Trade Unions and Political Parties Materials
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London has three big collections covering pressure groups, trade unions and political parties within the Commonwealth. The collections started in 1960 and have a special emphasis on primary materials. Besides printed materials, the collections also contain posters, badges, stickers. Anti-apartheid activities are covered in the collections.
http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/
Consultation Committee for Southern Africa / Samrådskommittén för Södra Afrika (SSA)
The SSA was formed in 1973 based on the so-called Oslo and ILO declarations. It was a broad umbrella organisation and organised one campaign week in 1993 and probably dissolved in 1994.
The Archive and Library of the Swedish Labour Movement holds a small collection covering the period 1973-1974.
Cornell University Disinvestment Movement
A group at Cornell University, consisting of academics, staff and students organised disinvestment campaigns at the university from 1976-1987. The group organised sit-ins and civil disobedience activities.
Cornell University has the collection of the organisation covering the period 1976-1987 under the name David Lyons & Matthew Lyons Cornell Disinvestment Movement.
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Council on African Affairs (CAA)
The CAA started around 1943 and continued to operate till 1955. It worked on educating people on the history and struggle against colonialism and imperialism in Africa. It organised famine relief campaigns, legal defence funds and sit-ins and demonstrations. It organised public campaigns and fundraising for, amongst others, the ANC’s 1952 Defiance Campaign. The organisation was crippled by the emergence of the Cold War and the investigations of the House Un-American Activities Committee. It was repeatedly investigated.
The Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library, holds the archive of William Alphaeus Hunton, Educational Director and later Executive Secretary of the organisation.
The Centre also holds the collection of (singer and actor) Paul Robeson, one of the founders and chairman of the CAA. It covers the period 1944-1955 and contains correspondence, reports, press releases and news clippings.
Country Committee for South Africa Action / Landskomiteen Sydafrika-Aktion (LSA)
The Country Committee for South Africa Action (LSA) was formed in 1978 by several organisations and political parties. It was one of the first organisations to co-ordinate campaigns at the local level. It organised several information campaigns involving speaking tours of ANC members as well as cultural events.
The Labour Movement Library and Archive holds the complete archive of the organisation.
Culture for Another South Africa (CASA)
CASA was initiated by the AABN in 1986 to organise a big conference and festival in which hundreds of cultural workers from the ANC and from inside South Africa participated to discuss the future cultural policy of the country and to exchange with Dutch cultural workers. It closed down in 1988.
The IISH holds the complete archive of the organisation which forms an integral part of the Dutch AAM archive.
Defence and Aid Fund Netherlands / DAF Nederland
DAF Netherlands was affiliated to the IDAF and existed from 1965 till 1991. It concentrated on fundraising for the defence of political prisoners and support to their families in South Africa. It also published informational materials.
The IISH holds the complete archive of the organisation covering the period 1957-1991.
The collection Joop Voogd at the IISG also holds material relating to DAF Netherlands.
http://www.iisg.nl
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives (Robben Island Museum) holds a substantial collection on microfilm.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Dennis Brutus
Mr Dennis Brutus was a South Africa activist against apartheid in the 1960s. He worked to get South Africa suspended from the Olympics; this eventually led to the country’s expulsion from the games in 1970. He had to leave South Africa in 1983 and went to work and live in the USA. He was president of the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee (SAN-ROC).
Borthwick Institute of Historical Research at the University of York holds a substantial archive covering the period 1958-1972. It contains poems, correspondence, minutes, IDAF documents, AAM papers and SAN-ROC documents.
Edinburgh Anti-Apartheid Group
This local organisations was active from 1980-1992. It was involved in the Walter Sisulu Campaign Fund and the Nelson Mandela Free at 70 Campaign.
The Edinburgh University Library holds a small collection of the organisation’s documents.
Educators against Racism and Apartheid
Educators against Racism and Apartheid began in 1985 as Educators against Apartheid but it extended its activities to include racism in the USA and changed its name. Besides developing educational materials for schools and publishing a newsletter distributed to educators all over the country; it also organised a boycott of Kellogg’s cereals, appealing to young people. It was active in a campaign to withdraw US teachers’ retirement funds from companies dealing with South Africa.
The African Activist Archive, Michigan State University holds the archive of the organisation covering the period 1985-1994.
End Loans to Southern Africa (ELTSA)
The End Loans to Southern Africa (ELTSA) started in 1974 with campaigns against British banks with South Africa ties. Its aim was to end apartheid through the imposition of effective financial sanctions. It broadened its work to include consumer and shareholder action and parliamentary lobbying. It did a lot of research to support its campaigns. It transformed itself into the Southern Africa Economic Research Unit (SAERU) in 1994.
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford holds the entire archive.
Enuga Sreenivasulu Reddy
Mr ES Reddy was born in India and moved to the USA to study at New York University. He held several positions at the United Nations and a driving force behind the Special Committee against Apartheid (of which he was Secretary from 1963 -1965) and its Centre against Apartheid (of which he was Director from 1976-1983). He also served as Director of the UN Trust Fund for South Africa and the Educational and Training Programme for Southern Africa.
The Historical Papers at the William Cullen Library, University of the Witwatersrand has a substantial collection covering the period 1961-1990. It contains press clippings, memoranda, activities in various countries, boycott campaigns, correspondence.
Yale University Library-Manuscripts and Archives have a substantial collection covering the period 1939-2001. The collection contains correspondence, printed materials relating to his work with anti-apartheid organisations around the world.
The National Archives of India has a collection of his papers covering the period 1905 – 1947.
http://www.nationalarchives.nic.in
Evangelical Women’s Group Germany / Evangelische Frauenarbeit Deutschland (EFD)-Frauen gegen Apartheid
This women’s group of the Protestant churches started its activities in 1977 with a boycott of South African fruit and established Frauen gegen Apartheid. It operated till 1993. It also campaigned against the Kruger Rand and bank loans. For 15 years, they organised a vigil every Thursday in front of the South African Consulate.
The Archive for Alternative Literature holds some of their archival materials within the AAM collection.
Exeter and District Anti-Apartheid Group
This group started around 1966 and was affiliated to the national AAM. Besides anti-apartheid campaigns it also campaigned against racism elsewhere in the world.
University of Exeter holds the entire archive of the organisation, covering the period 1970s-1990s.
The University of Exeter also holds the papers of Mervyn Bennun, who was chairman and secretary of the organisation.
Finnish Africa Committee (FAC) / Finnish Peace Committee (FPC)
The FAC started in 1970 and organised information campaigns for trade unions, and political parties. It established, together with the Finnish Peace Committee the fundraising organisation Peace Fund in 1973 to support liberation movements in Southern Africa. It focussed more and more on apartheid as from the late 1970s and organised boycott campaigns.
The People’s Archive at the Social Archives Foundation in Helsinki holds most of the archives of the organisation.
Foundation Malibongwe / Stichting Malibongwe
The Foundation Malibongwe was initiated by the AABN in 1988 to organise a women’s conference with ANC women and women from inside South Africa to exchange information and to discuss gender policies for a new South Africa. It closed down in 1991.
The IISH holds the complete archive of the organisation which forms an integral part of the Dutch AAM archive.
Frances E. Williams papers
Frances E. Williams was active in several anti-apartheid organisations such as the National Anti-Imperialist Movement in Solidarity with African Liberations (NAIMSAL) -Los Angeles Chapter and Art against Apartheid.
The Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research holds her archive and covers the period 1965-1995. It contains personal and organisational correspondence, conference reports, photographs and campaign materials.
Free South Africa Committee (FSAC)
The Free South Africa Committee operated in Edmonton. It was a community based organisation that supported the boycott of South Africa and was also involved in direct material support of the liberation movements in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It was especially active in schools in Edmonton.
The Anglican Church of Canada has a small collection of their materials.
Friends of Africa (FOA)
Friends of Africa (FOA) formed in 1967 by two members of the New South Wales branch of the Building Workers’ Industrial Union. The group carried on the work of the Action Committee against Apartheid. The FOA was very active among trade unions and participated in campaigns of other Australian anti-apartheid groups as well. It gave direct support to the liberation movements.
The State Library of New South Wales holds a collection of their materials, comprising minutes, correspondence, mailing and membership lists, campaign materials, publications and financial records. It covers the period 1963-1972.
German Municipalities against Apartheid / Deutsche Städte gegen Apartheid
This movement of local municipalities against apartheid organised solidarity campaigns, did information work and worked towards a boycott of South Africa in their own cities.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds some materials relating to the activities of several cities. It covers the period 1990 and contains papers and publications.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Halt All Racist Tours (HART)
HART was a national organisation that began in 1969 and operated till 1993. It started with the campaign against the Springbok/All Black Rugby Tours of 1970 and preventing other sporting contacts with South Africa. This remained their main focus till 1980 when they merged with NZAAM.
The Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library in Wellington holds a substantial collection of the organisation. It contains correspondence, financial papers, minutes, newspaper clippings and publications.
The Macmillan Brown Library at the University of Canterbury holds a substantial collection of the Christchurch branch covering the period 1969-1992. It contains correspondence, financial papers, minutes, newspaper clippings and publications.
http://library.canterbury.ac.nz
The following two sites have useful references to the Springbok Tours.
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/1981-springbok-tour
http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/patu-1983
Hampshire College Committee for the Liberation of Southern Africa (HCCLSA)
Established in 1975, the HCCLSA led the student campaign for disinvestments at the college. It raised community support and occupied the administrative offices to support their demands. The College started to disinvest in 1976 and established a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Policy in 1982.
The Hampshire College holds documents of the organisation and contains correspondence, statements, etc.
http://www.hampshire.edu/library/
Hannah Stanton
Hannah Stanton was a missionary and anti-apartheid activist. She worked in South Africa until her arrest in 1960 for anti-apartheid activities. After her deportation to the UK she became involved in various campaigns including those of the AAM.
The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London holds her archive covering the period 1938-1993. It contains correspondence, journals, speeches and photographs. It includes material concerning Helen Joseph with whom she once shared a prison cell.
Hazel Rose Jones
Hazel Rose Jones was one of the leading activists of the anti-apartheid movement in Australia. She was active since 1960 and one of the founding members of the Friends of Africa group in 1967 and continued to work with the SADAF and CAASA.
The State Library of New South Wales holds a substantial collection of her personal papers, containing correspondence, publications and subject files. It covers the period 1940-1989.
Health and Refugee Trust of South Africa (HEART)
The Health and Refugee Trust of South Africa (HEART) started in 1988 and continued till 1995. The prime objective of this organisation was to provide health and welfare to South African refugees. They sought to actively promote health education, immunisation, nutrition, and provision of essential drugs, water and sanitation and treatment of common diseases.
The Glasgow Caledonian University holds the entire archive of the organisation and forms part of the George H. Johannes collection.
Holland Committee on Southern Africa / Komitee Zuiderlijk Afrika (KZA)
The KZA existed from 1976 till 1996. It continued the work of the Angola Committee which started in 1961 in support of the liberation movements in the Portuguese colonies. It fundraised for material support to the liberation movements. One of its big campaigns was the oil boycott, mainly directed against (Royal Dutch) Shell. It bought shares in order to be able to attend shareholders meetings where it could pressure Shell to withdraw from South Africa. It initiated the formation of the Shipping Research Bureau, together with Kairos, and was part of the Liaison Group. The KZA merged with the AABN and the EMF in 1997 to form NIZA.
The IISH holds complete archive of the KZA as well as the Angola Committee.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection covering the period 1969-1990 and contains campaign materials, publications and information sheets.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Institute of African Studies / Instituto de Estudos Africanos de Rio de Janeiro (INEAFRIC)
The Institute of African Studies (INEAFRIC) started in 1981 and participated in United Nations activities to support the independence of Namibia and the elimination of Apartheid in South Africa. Its work led to the creation of COMAFRICA. It provided academic research and debate in the field of international relations and organised seminars.
ComAfrica holds the archives of the organisation.
Institute of Commonwealth Studies
The ICS has a substantial collection of papers concerning the ant-apartheid struggle including the papers of Ruth First, Mary Benson, Baruch Hirson and many ANC documents.
http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/
International Council for Equality of Opportunity Principles (ICEOP)
The ICEOP was founded in 1977 to promote social justice in South Africa. Reverend LH Sullivan propounded a set of principles for companies conducting business in South Africa. This voluntary business code became known as the ‘Sullivan Principles’. The code required an annual independent evaluation of individual business activities in South Africa. The results were published in the public domain. ACOA and other anti-apartheid organisations disapproved of the ‘Sullivan Principles’ since it provided companies with a way out of the boycott.
The Urban Archives at Temple University Libraries holds the collection covering the period 1974-1987 and includes detailed files on signatory and non-signatory companies, minutes and reports from task forces and committees, accounting materials and financial monitoring documents as well as correspondence with universities and churches.
International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa (IDAF)
IDAF started in 1956 as Christian Action, later becoming the British Defence and Aid Fund which started its work with the 1956 Treason Trial in South Africa. IDAF became an international organisation in 1965. The South African Defence and Aid Fund was banned in 1966. Over the years, many national affiliates and branches were set-up. It smuggled millions of pounds into South Africa to defend thousands of political activists and provided aid to their families. It paid lawyers to defend political detainees and provided financial support families of political prisoners. It published numerous books and films on repression in South Africa.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds the entire archive of the organisation, including photographs and audio-visual materials. Most national archives are held locally.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa (IDAFSA Canada)
The International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa Canada (IDAFSA Canada) operated from 1980 – 1990. Its main work concentrated on raising funds to support political prisoners and their families in South Africa and Namibia.
The Law Faculty at Florida State University holds a collection covering the period 1980 – 1990. It contains publications, briefing papers, newsletters and press leases.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds some IDAFSA documents under ‘Joan Fairweather’.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
International Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa – US Committee
The IDAF-US Committee was formed in 1972 and worked for the legal defence and humanitarian aid to victims of injustice, including political prisoners, banned persons and their families. It was an affiliate of IDAF.
Yale University Library holds the archives covering the period 1956-1989 and includes some materials of IDAF and the ad-hoc committee preceding it.
International Oil Working Group (IOWG)
The IOWG worked towards the implementation of the oil embargo as initiated by the UN General Assembly. It grew out of the Sanctions Working Group, established in 1979. It researched topics relating to the oil embargo, monitored tanker movements, gave testimonies at UN meetings and distributed information. The organisation closed down in 1987.
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, holds a substantial collection of the organisation and it contains administrative papers, correspondence, printed materials, UN documents and newsletters.
International Solidarity Committee of the Norwegian Labour Movement / Arbeiderbevegelsens Internasjon
The Solidarity Committee of the Norwegian Confederations of Unions started around 1969 with a consumer boycott campaign. It became one of the key organisations in support of the liberation struggle in Southern Africa. It participated in campaigns with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and supported emerging trade unions in South Africa as well as larger campaigns against South Africa. It also supported the liberation movements financially.
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds the entire archive, covering the period 1969-1994.
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
The ITF was founded in London in 1886 by European Seafarers and Dockers’s union leaders who realised the need to organise internationally against strike breakers. The ITF represents transport workers at world level and promotes their interests through global campaigning and solidarity. It works for the advancement of fundamental human rights and trade union rights and opposes discrimination. The Reports on Africa contains reports on its activities, amongst others, in South Africa.
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London holds the archives covering the period 1952-1975.
http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/
Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement (IAAM)
The Irish AAM was established in 1964 and functioned till 1994. It was co-founded by Kader Asmal (who later became a South African MP and cabinet member) and started with sport, cultural, economic and academic boycott and grew into an organisation that was active in all areas of anti-apartheid and solidarity. It gave direct support to the liberation movements and worked closely with the ANC. It continues activities under the name of Ireland South Africa Association.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds the entire archive of the organisation, covering the period 1961-1989.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
The Law Faculty at Florida State University holds a small collection covering the period 1989 – 1990 and contains publications, annual reports and pamphlets.
Isolate South Africa Committee / Isolera Sydafkrika-Kommittén (ISAK)
ISAK started in 1979 to organise an annual campaign to isolate South Africa and to support the liberation movements and political prisoners. It was a collaboration of several Christian and political youth organisations with the AGS. It became an influential lobby group and worked together with other Nordic countries. Its campaign work expanded from the annual campaign to year-long activities. It ceased to function in 1995.
The Archive and Library of the Swedish Labour Movement holds the entire archive of the organisation covering the period 1979-1995.
John de Courcy
John de Courcy was, amongst others, Secretary of the Central Branch of the Labour Party and involved in numerous progressive organisations.
The University College of Dublin holds his papers concerning the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement and covers the period 1964-1974.
Karel Roskam
Karel Roskam was a radio journalist with the progressive broadcaster Vara. He was also a member of Omroep voor Radio Freedom. He made numerous radio programmes and interviewed many people during the period 1961-1992.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a substantial collection of the audio tapes, campaign materials, newspaper articles and photographs.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Lawyers against Apartheid
Lawyers against Apartheid was formed in 1986 to organise the legal community in the UK. It was affiliated to the AAM. As a specialist organisation, it concentrated on the exposure of the illegitimacy of the apartheid regime and promoting the Prisoner of War (POW) status for captured freedom fighters. It dissolved in 1996.
The Glasgow Caledonian University has a substantial collection covering the period 1977-1996 but predominantly 1986-1991. It contains minutes, papers, news cuttings and campaign materials.
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under Law - Southern Africa Project
The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under Law – Southern Africa Project was established in 1967. It provided legal representation in political and quasi-political trials in South Africa. It sent out alerts to organisations in the US and to State Department officials concerning human rights violations. It operated until about 1993.
The Law Faculty at the State University of Florida holds materials covering the period 1980-1993 and it contains annual reports, committee reports, press releases, letters and memoranda.
Liaison Group of Anti-Apartheid Movements within the European Community
The Liaison Group was formed in 1972 and continued to work till 1988 to lobby the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. It was an affiliation of the main European AAMs.
There is no central archive for this organisation. The affiliated AAMs have papers from the Liaison Group within their archives. See the individual archives.
The archives of the European Union also contain materials related to the Liaison Group.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection of papers of the organisation covering the period 1985-1995.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Luthuli Group of Canberra
This local anti-apartheid group organised solidarity campaigns with South Africa and Namibia. It gave direct support to the liberation movements.
The National Library of Australia holds a small collection, of minutes, newsletters, correspondence, membership lists, and campaign materials covering the period 1986-1989.
Ma Thoko
Ma Thoko was initiated by several gay members of the AABN, together with gay organisations in the Netherlands. It existed from 1990-1993 as a support group of non-racist gay organisations and policy in South Africa, especially GLOW.
IISH holds the complete archive of the group and forms an integral part of the AABN archive.
Madison Anti-Apartheid Coalition (MAAC)
The Madison Anti-Apartheid Coalition started at the Madison Area Committee on Southern Africa and was active from 1968-1992. It was a student organisation at the University of Wisconsin to lobby, to educate the community about South Africa and to support the liberation movements
The Wisconsin Historical Society holds the small archive of the organisation.
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org
Municipalities against Apartheid / Lagere overheden tegen Apartheid (LOTA)
In the Netherlands, as in several other countries, municipalities became active against apartheid in the second half of the 1980s. Their activities were especially directed towards consumer boycott campaigns and they worked with the national AAMs.
The IISH holds several, small archives of these local campaigns.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds several small collections.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
National Anti-Apartheid Movement New Zealand (NZAAM)
NZAAM merged with HART in 1980 and then changed its name to HART: NZAAM. It became one of the major AAMs in New Zealand and was very active in boycott campaigns and actively lobbied the government to take a strong anti-apartheid stand. In the last decade of its existence it focused increasingly on race issues in New Zealand.
The Alexander Turnbull Library at the National Library holds the official records of HALT: NZAAM, including its predecessor and its Christchurch office.
National Gathering against Apartheid / Rencontre National contre l’Apartheid (RNCA)
RNCA was a national organisation which started in the 1970s as L’Association Française d’Amitié avec les Peuples d’Afrique (AFASPA). AFASPA was created by trade unionists and anti-colonialists and most of it activities were focussed on the French colonies. In 1986 RNCA was formed by AFASPA to focus solely on anti-apartheid activities. In the beginning it mainly worked towards the implementation of sanctions but it later became a strong supporter of the ANC office in Paris. RNCA continues to operate as Rencontre National avec le People d’Afrique du Sud (RENAPAS).
The Archives Départementales du Val de Marne has recently received many archival materials from Jacqueline Dérens, the former president and they will be catalogued soon.
The National Library in Paris has the entire collection of the newsletters.
New Zealand Defence and Aid Fund (NZDAF)
The NZDAF started in 1967 and operated till 1991. Like the international organisation, it mainly raised funds to assist political prisoners and their families. It published numerous publications and had its own newsletter.
The Alexander Turnbull Library at the National Library holds the entire archive of the organisation.
Norwegian Action against Apartheid / Norsk Aksjon Mot Apartheid (NAMA)
NAMA started in 1963 as an association of youth, Christian and humanitarian organisations, doing a lot of education-related work. It merged with the Crisis Fund for South Africa, the national affiliate of IDAF, in 1967.
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds the entire archive of the organisation, covering the period 1963-1967.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection containing publications, pamphlets and press cuttings.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Norwegian Council for Southern Africa (NOCOZA) / Fellesrådet for det sørlige Afrika
The NOCOZA was formed in 1967 by a merger of NAMA and CFSA. It was an umbrella organisation for youth organisations and undertook solidarity work for southern Africa and anti-apartheid activities. It opened for individual membership and other organisations in 1976 and started local committees. It also worked with the Shipping Research Bureau on the oil boycott of South Africa. It continued to operate after 1994 as Norwegian Council for Africa
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds the entire archive covering the period 1967-1993. More recent materials are with the Norwegian Council for Africa.
http://www.arbark.no
Oberlin College
Several committees were at Oberlin College addressing apartheid and the divestment question.
Oberlin College holds a collection of materials, covering the period 1977-early 1990s. It contains articles and petitions in support of shareholder resolutions seeking the withdrawal of General Motors and Gulf Oil from South Africa. The Oberlin Committee for the liberation of Southern Africa (OLCSA) and the Oberlin Committee on Southern Africa (OCSA) are covered in the collection.
Office on World Community, Lutheran World Ministries
The Office on World Community was established in 1973 and its main focus was on Namibia but it also campaigned for South Africa. It worked on human rights violations, disinvestments and campaigns of the United Nations. It dissolved when the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America was established.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Archives holds the collection of the organisation and mainly covers the period 1971-1988.
Howard University holds a substantial collection covering the period 1977-1987.
Oil Working Group (OWG)
The Oil Working Group was created in 1980 by War on Want, the Methodist Church Oversees Division and the United Reform Church to raise the issue of illegal oil exports to Southern Africa. They lobbied oil companies, raised questions at annual general meetings, undertook research and publicised their findings. The group was renamed Embargo in 1985 and ELTSA took over its administration. Embargo functioned until 1993.
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford holds the archives of the organisation as part of the ELTSA collection.
http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/rhodes
Other Organisations/People
Africa Centre
The Africa Centre was established in 1964 in London to create awareness about developments in Africa. Leading African artists, writers, politicians and musicians met at the centre and it served as a platform by organising evenings with theatre and discussions.
http://www.africacentre.org.uk
Amnesty International (AI) – International Secretariat
Amnesty International was founded in 1961 in London as an independent organisation to mobilise public opinion in defence of people who are imprisoned because their ideas are unacceptable to the government in their country. One of their areas of work is campaigning for the release of political prisoners and actions against torture.
The IISH holds the entire archive of the organisation covering the period 1961-1997. It contains country reports and political prisoners’ campaign reports as well as the ‘oral history project’ and personal papers. The archives of national AI’s are held separately.
The Alden Library Microforms Department at the University of Ohio has a collection of published and unpublished materials from AI’s Research Archives dating from 1962 to present. They are updated annually. It contains the research materials, reports, country dossiers, press releases and briefing papers.
http://infotree.library.ohiou.edu/
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection of published materials and reports.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
The Modern Records Centre at the University of Warwick Library holds papers of AI covering the period 1974-ongoing. It contains bulletins, campaign materials and magazines.
Amnesty International Netherlands
Amnesty International (AI) Netherlands started in 1968 and was mainly active around issues concerning political prisoners, the death sentence and other human rights violations in South Africa.
The IISH holds the entire archive of the organisation and covers the period 1968-1996.
Amnesty International USA (AI-USA)
The AI-USA started in the early 1960s and has several offices in the country. It is an affiliate of AI- International Secretariat and bases its activities on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The campaigns concentrate on the rights of political prisoners and unfair trials, working towards the release of prisoners of conscience.
The Centre for Human Rights Documentation at Columbia University holds the entire archive of the organisation covering the period from early 1960s to the present. The collection contains printed materials, DVD’s, posters and other campaign materials. It also contains materials concerning local activities.
Anglican Church of Canada
The Anglican Church of Canada took a very active stand against apartheid. In the late 1980s, Archbishop Ted Scott served on the Commonwealth of Nations ‘Eminent Persons Group’ which advocated the implementation of sanctions against South Africa.
The organisation holds its own archives.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds some documents under ‘Joan Fairweather’.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Anti-imperialist Solidarity Committee -Frankfurt am Main / Antiimperialistiesche Solidaritätskomitee
The ASK operated from 1973 till 1990. It was a platform against racism and neo-colonialism and its members were individuals as well as organisations. Some of the organisations were the German Student Union, the Socialist Germen Work Youth, the German Communist Party and Spartakus. It was active in information campaigns and gave practical financial support to the liberation movements. It was a member of the Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity Organisation (AAPSO).
The International Institute for Social History holds a substantial collection covering the period 1973-1990. It contains papers from AAPSO in Cairo, press releases, reports, correspondence, publications and campaign materials.
Association of Concerned Africa Scholars (ACAS)
ACAS was founded in 1977 at Michigan State University to provide an alternative analysis of Africa and US policy towards Africa. It developed communication and action networks between scholars in Africa and the USA. It mobilised support in the USA for anti-apartheid solidarity. It continues to work on current African issues.
The Michigan State University holds the archives of the organisation covering the period 1977-2001.
Australian Council for Overseas Aid (ACFOA)
The Australian Council for Overseas Aid (ACFOA) was formed in 1965 as a co-ordinating body for 90 NGOs working in the field of overseas aid and development. The aim of the organisation was to work for social and economic justice and to respond to human needs. It lobbied the Australian government as well as international organisations and overseas governments. It also supported the liberation movements directly.
The National Library of Australia holds the entire archive of the organisation, covering the period 1964-1996. The collection also contains documents of the Australian South Africa Training Trust and other Australian anti- apartheid organisations.
http://www.nla.gov.au
Bread and Fishes / Brödet och Fiskarna (BF)
Bread and Fishes was established in 1972 as a Christian organisation, mainly engaged in social work. The main issue was international solidarity and it worked at a very practical level, selling second-hand goods to raise funds. It started to support the ANC in 1974 and, besides shipping goods and medical supplies to ANC camps and also gave direct financial support. It worked with the AGS.
The Archive and Library of the Swedish Labour Movement holds the entire archive of the organisation from 1972 onwards.
Campaign against Arms Trade (CAAT)
The Campaign against Arms Trade (CAAT) was established in 1974 by several peace and other organisations concerned about the growing arms trade. It is a broad coalition of organisations working towards ending the arms trade. It works through local groups and networks and organises demonstrations and campaigns.
The organisation holds its own archive and contains a substantial amount of information about South Africa and the arms trade.
Central Organisation of the Finnish Trade Unions / Suomen Ammattiliittojen Keskusjärjestö (SAK)
SAK started with solidarity activities in the 1970s and concentrated on education within the unions. Its international solidarity activities were organised by its Peace Committee. Although mainly concentrating on Namibia, it also developed activities around South Africa.
The organisation holds its own archives.
http://www.sak.fi
Church of Sweden Aid-Swedish National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation / Lutherhjälpen
This Committee was formed in 1947 to organise relief work in Europe after World War II. It started to include Southern Africa in its operations from around 1960. It is one of the biggest fund raising agencies for relief work and development aid. It supported the liberation movements and the SACC directly and lobbied for disinvestments.
The Church of Sweden Central Office holds the archives of the organisation.
Churches Commission on International Affairs (CCIA) – World Council of Churches
The CCIA started to operate in 1946 and is comprised of thirty people nominated by churches and regional ecumenical organisations to advise the WCC in international affairs. It focuses on peace-making and peaceful resolution of conflicts, militarism, disarmament and arms control. After 1975, a Human Rights Advisory Group was formed within the CCIA to advise on policy in this area.
The WCC holds the archives of the Commission.
http://library.oikoumene.org/archives.html
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
The CBC played an important role in anti-apartheid activities. The first bill concerning apartheid was introduced by the CBC in 1972 and urged the US government to withdraw financial support to the South African government. It encouraged universities and corporations to disinvest from South Africa. In 1985 Representative William Gray introduced the HR1460 bill prohibiting loans to and new investments in South Africa. Congress approved the bill one year later and it became known as the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Members of the CBC were active in rallies, not only in Washington DC but in their home districts as well.
The online library relating to the history of black political participation in the USA has been setup by the Black Caucus Foundation and includes their involvement in the anti-apartheid movement.
Council on Ecumenical and International Relations, Church of Norway / Mellomkirkelig råd
The Council of the Church of Norway, the official Norwegian church, became involved in anti-apartheid issues through their contacts with churches in South Africa around 1948. It worked especially with the South African Council of Churches and the Christian Institute. South Africa became the central focus for the Church of Norway’s international work. It gave a lot of direct, financial support as well.
The National Archives of Norway holds the archives covering the period 1919-1984.
Materials from 1984 are held by the organisation itself.
Danish Church Aid / DanChurchAid (DCA)
The Danish Church Aid (DCA) was established in 1966 as a church-based relief and development organisation. In the 1970s it became more involved in activities against colonialism and racism in South Africa, inspired by the Programme to Combat Racism of the World Council of Churches.
The National Archives of Denmark holds a substantial collection, covering the period 1966 – 1979 and contains publications, board records and minutes.
Dutch Communist Party / Communistische Partij Nederland (CPN)
The CPN was founded in 1935 and existed till 1991 when it merged with other political parties. The Working Group South Africa of the Party organised its solidarity work with South Africa and maintained contacts with the national AAMs and international solidarity organisations.
The IISH has the complete archives of the organisation covering the period 1933-1992.
European Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ECFTU)
The ECFTU was founded in 1973 and continued the work of the European Regional Organisation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and several other forerunners. It was active in the area of code of conduct for companies investing in South Africa, the conduct of national and international trade unions towards South Africa and the application of the European Community Code of Conduct for multinational companies. The organisation continues as European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
The IISH holds the complete archive covering the period 1939-1997.
European Economic Community (EEC)
The European Economic Community was established in 1957 as a customs union towards the unification of Europe. Since 1993 it operates as the European Union - a political and economic union of European countries. The EEC was important with respect to sanctions against South Africa. The organisation was a ‘rallying point’ for European anti-apartheid organisations to act against South Africa. Amongst other, it imposed a ban on trade and investments by member states in 1986.
The archives of the EEC are held by the EC.
Foundation X-Y Movement/Stichting X-Y Beweging
The X-Y Movement started in 1973 and it received its funds from its members. Its main aim was to support liberation movements and work towards international structural change. It was active in boycott campaigns, gave direct support to liberation movements as well as information activities. It also supported the work of the national AAMs.
The IISH holds the archives of the organisation and they cover the period 1967-2000.
General Dutch Youth Alliance / Algemeen Nederlands Jeugd Verbond (ANJV)
The ANJV started in 1945 as a socialist youth organisation. It was very active in international solidarity campaigns and besides organising its own activities, it also participated in campaigns organised by the national AAMs. They were especially active in organising students at secondary schools.
The IISH has their entire archive. The documents relating to South Africa cover the period 1962-1989 and contain campaign materials, correspondence and other printed materials.
General Students Association Amsterdam / Algemene Studenten Vereniging Amsterdam (ASVA)
The ASVA was founded in 1945 as a student organisation at the University of Amsterdam. It became involved in general political activities and was very active in campaigns of the national AAMs as well as own campaigns for the scientific isolation of South Africa.
The IISH holds the complete archive covering the period 1945-1999.
Inter-Church Coalition on Africa (ICCAF)
The main focus of the Inter-Church Coalition on Africa (ICCAF) was on human rights and social justice. It coordinated the activities of the Canadian churches against apartheid. The ICCAF has been involved in anti-apartheid activities since the 1980s. It has been replaced by KAIROS-Africa.
The complete archives are in storage and are not easily accessed.
International Confederation of Trade Unions (ICFTU)
The ICFTU was founded in London in 1949 by unions opposing growing communist control of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). Its activities on South Africa were organised through the Coordination Committee on Southern Africa and the International Solidarity Fund Committee.
The IISH holds the archives of the organisation.
International Labour Organisation (ILO) - UN
The ILO was founded in 1919 to work for the betterment of people in their place of work under conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. It is the only ‘tripartite’ UN agency in that it brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes. It organised numerous conferences on South Africa and apartheid and was active on boycott issues workers’ rights. The organisation holds its own archives.
International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)
The IMADR was formed in 1988 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is based in Japan and it worked towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination, including apartheid. It works closely with the UN.
The Law Faculty at Florida State University holds materials covering the period 1988-1998 and includes mainly reports, yearbooks, brochures and publications.
International Solidarity Foundation-Finland (ISF) / Kansainvälinen Solidaarisuussäätiö
The International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) was founded in 1971 to promote long-term social and economic development. The Foundations works with local NGOs and has supported several project of the ANC.
The ISF holds its own archives.
The Finnish Labour Archives holds the complete archive of the organisation as well.
Justice
Justice, the British section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) started in the late 1950s as a response to the arrest of people in South Africa in 1956 which led to the Treason Trial. It sent observers to the trial. It sees itself as an expert, independent body rather than a pressure group and its main aim is to observe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by securing fair trials, especially political trials of opponents of apartheid.
The Brynmor Jones Library at Hull University holds the archives of the organisation covering the period 1950-1991.
League for Socialist Action (LSA)
The League for Socialist Action/Ligue Socialiste Ouvrière (LSA) was the biggest Trotskyist organisation active in Canada and existed from 1946 – 1979. One of its many activities was solidarity campaigns with South Africa.
The Library and Archives Canada holds the archive of the organisation.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
Liberation
Liberation started in 1954 as the Movement for Colonial Freedom (MCF) and changed its name in 1970 to Liberation. Its mission was to work towards the political freeing of colonial peoples and political independence. It worked with trade unions and the labour party, supported the AAM, War on Want and other organisations. It did a lot of educational work, organised public meetings, conference and lobbied government. It dissolved in 1997.
The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London holds the entire archive of the organisation, incorporating those of the MCF.
The Working Class Movement Library holds the archives of the organisation starting from 1972.
Movement against Racism and for Friendship among Peoples / Mouvement contre le Racisme et pour l’Amitié entre les Peuples (MRAP)
MRAP was established in the 1941 under the name Mouvement National contre le Racisme as a general anti-racism organisation. It changed its name to MRAP in 1972. It worked with other national and international organisations in anti-apartheid campaigns.
The organisation holds its own archives.
Non–Aligned Movement (NAM)
The Non-Aligned Movement started in 1955 as an organisation of over 100 countries which considered themselves not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. The purpose was to ensure ‘the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, apartheid, racism, etc. It focused on national struggles for independence, eradication of poverty and economic development. It supported the liberation movements and took an active anti-apartheid stand.
The archives are held by the individual member-states.
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) / Kirkens Nødhjelp
The NCA is a Christian emergency relief and development aid organisation. It was formed after World War II and started its work in Europe. In the 1970s it expanded its work to the rest of the world. It has supported many projects in Southern Africa, mainly through church organisations. The South African Council of Churches was one of its main counterparts and channelled funds to the liberation movement inside South Africa.
The NCA holds its own archives
Norwegian Operation Day’s Work / Operasjon Dagsverk (OD)
OD is an organisation that organises annual solidarity campaign by students in Norway. The money they earn by working for one day is donated to projects and NOCASA and SAIH have been the recipients on numerous occasions
OD holds its own archives and they cover the period 1985-2000. It contains campaign materials, publications and materials from NOCASA and SAIH.
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) / Norsk Folkehjelp
The NPA was formed in 1939 as a humanitarian organisation with emergency relief and development aid programmes. It was the voluntary organisation of the trade union movement. It started to support the liberation movements in Southern Africa financially during the 1970s and became the main channel for Norwegian assistance to the ANC.
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds a substantial collection covering the period 1939-1990.
Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund / Studentenes og Akademikernes Intenasjonale Hjelpefond (SAIH)
The SAIH started in 1961 and worked with other NGOs and institutions to support projects in Africa and Latin America. It organised local universities and colleges around educational projects and supported many projects from the liberation movements. A substantial amount of their funding came directly from students’ contributions.
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds the substantial collection covering the period from 1960 onwards.
Oxfam International Secretariat
Oxfam International is an organisation of 12 independent NGO’s committed to fighting poverty and injustice around the world. It participated in anti-apartheid campaigns organised by AAMs as well as own campaigns.
The International Secretariat holds mainly the administrative archives and international policy documents. The individual, independent NGO’s in America, Belgium, Canada, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Quebec and Germany hold their own archives.
Oxfam Solidarity Belgium / Oxfam Solidariteit België
Oxfam Solidarity Belgium started in 1964 as an organisation geared towards solidarity with struggles for self determination. It existed of three separate sections and it was the Oxfam-Solidarity section that joined anti-apartheid activities from around 1973 till 1994. Oxfam mainly joined campaigns organised by the Committee against Colonialism and Apartheid and the Flemish Anti-Apartheid Coalition (VAAK) but also organised its own demonstrations against apartheid. It was very active in the fruit boycott campaign and the campaigns against banks with ties with South Africa. It supported the Kagiso Trust Fund and the ANC office in Brussels.
Oxfam Solidarity Belgium holds the archives of the organisation.
Peace / Vrede
Peace was a national organisation that operated from approximately 1971 to 1985. It participated in the boycott campaigns and the activities of VAAK and Boycot Apartheid.
The Institute for Social History in Ghent holds the archive of Peace. It covers the period 1976-1985 and contains documents regarding Boycott Apartheid and the Flemish Anti-Apartheid Front for the period 1976-1977
Trade Union Congress (TUC)
The TUC is a federation of trade unions in the UK which started in 1868. It gave direct support to unions in South Africa and was active in boycott campaigns nationally and internationally.
The TUC Library Collections at London Metropolitan University holds the archives of the organisation and contains pressure group and campaign movements’ materials, commonwealth, international affairs as well. It covers the period 1868 until 1993 and materials are deposited on an annual basis.
The Modern Record Centre at the University of Warwick holds the archives relating to South Africa and apartheid. It covers the period 1960-1970 and contains correspondence, boycott information, individual trade unions records and papers concerning the relationship with South Africa trade unions.
United Nations (UN)
The UN is an international organisation that aims to facilitate cooperation in international law, security, economic development, social progress, human rights and achieving world peace. It was founded in 1945 and replaced the League of Nations. It has been concerned with the issue of racial discrimination since its beginning and racism became an important item on the United Nations agenda after African nations attained independence and after the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960. The Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1963), which led to the International Convention in 1965. It proclaimed the International Year for Action to Combat Racial Discrimination in 1971 and the three Decades for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination in 1973. Besides the specialised agencies on Apartheid, several other agencies of the UN were also involved in anti-apartheid and solidarity activities.
The UN holds its own archives which are accessible on line.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
UNESCO was founded in 1945 as a specialised agency of the UN. Besides working at a practical level it also played an important role in the international political arena. It gave material and political support to the liberation movements. It organised numerous conferences to highlight the situation in South Africa.
The organisation holds its own archives, including an audiovisual collection.
The UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives holds a collection of the Artists against Apartheid exhibition which was organised by UNESCO.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The UNHCR is the UN agency for the protection and care of refugees. It started to operate in 1951, based on the Geneva Refugee Convention. Besides playing a role in improving the status of refugees through international agreements and measures at national level, it also works at a practical level. It supported the liberation movements.
The organisation holds its own archives.
War Resisters’ International (WRI)
The WRI was established in 1921 as an organisation against war. Its members refuse to support war or preparations for war in various forms: refuse to engage in military service, pay taxes to support the military, etc. It is fundamentally committed to nonviolent action as a form of social struggle. WRI has provided training in nonviolence, held international conferences on themes such as “Nonviolent Struggle and Social Defence” and “Feminism and Nonviolence,” and organized nonviolent action campaigns. WRI was involved with solidarity work with the End Conscription Campaign and the Conscientious Objectors Support Group, which was formally affiliated with WRI.
The IISH holds the archive of the organisation.
Women’s Union of the Dutch Labour Party / Vrouwenbond Partij van de Arbeid (PvdA)
The Women’s Union started its activities in 1946 as the women’s union of the political party PvdA. It changed its name to Red Women (Rooie Vrouwen) in 1975. They participated in campaigns of the national AAM’s as well as Amnesty International.
The IISH holds the complete archive till 1989.
Working Group Woman, Church, Twothirds World/ Werkgroep Vrouw, Kerk, Tweederde Wereld (VKW)
VKW was founded in 1976 by representatives from Christian women’s organisations and continued to operate till 1991. It was a solidarity organisation with women in developing countries and encouraged women in the Netherlands to be active for change. It had a special working group on South Africa and worked especially on practical support to women’s organisations in South Africa and boycott campaigns.
The IISH holds the entire archive.
World University Service - Denmark / Solidaritet og Bistand (SOB)
The World University Service Denmark (WUS-D) started in 1966 as part of WUS International. It became independent in 1970. It started its solidarity activities in 1966 and became a member of the Anti-Apartheid Committee. It supported the liberation movements in Southern Africa. It distributed funds to the South African Committee for Higher Education (SACHED) and other bursary programmes. WUS continues its activities now as IBIS.
IBIS hold the archives from 1970 onwards and they contain materials on projects, news clippings, minutes, applications for funds from the ‘Anti-Apartheid Appropriation’ as well as WUS participation in and materials of the Anti-Apartheid Committee.
“We and Them “Foundation / Stichting “Wij en Zij”
The We and Them Foundation started in 1982 by the International Development Cooperation of the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV). Besides direct support to trade unions in South Africa, the foundation also participated in campaigns of the national AAMs. It changed its name to FNV Mondial Foundation in 1997.
The IISH holds a substantial collection covering the period 1979-1999. It contains correspondence, financial reports, reports of visits, campaign materials, publications, project reports and country reports.
Resources
Africa News Service (ANS)
ANS started in 1973 as a not-for-profit US news agency. For two decades it gathered news about Africa related issues and the US foreign policy towards Africa. It continues to operate as AllAfrica Global Media.
The Duke University Libraries has the entire archive with scarce, difficult to locate materials, e.g. from grass root organisations. The bulk of the collection covers the period 1978-1994.
African Activists Archive Project
The African Activists Archive Project at Michigan State University works to preserve the history of US organisations and people in struggle against apartheid.
The African Activists Archive Project at Michigan State University works to preserve the history of US organisations and people in struggle against apartheid. The very substantial website contains a directory of archives with descriptions. The Project also has a substantial section on organisations outside the USA.
http://africanactivist.msu.edu/
African Skies
African Skies is a foundation for audio-visual archives and productions on Southern Africa founded in 1995. Its roots can be found in the Dutch Anti-Apartheid Movement.
The entire archive is held by the organisation itself and a digital copy has been donated to the National Film, Video and Sound Archive in Pretoria, South Africa.
http://www.national.archives.gov.za
Aluka
Aluka, founded in 2003, is a digital library with materials about Africa. The Struggles for Freedom in Southern Africa content area is dedicated, amongst others, to the international anti-apartheid struggle. It has a huge collection of materials from organisations all over the world.
Archives Hub
The Archives Hub is a gateway to archives at universities and colleges in the UK.
Bodleian Library at Oxford University
The Bodleian Library of Commonwealth and African Studies at Rhodes House (commonly known as Rhodes House Library), was opened in 1929. It specialises in the history and current affairs - political, economic and social - of the Commonwealth and sub-Saharan Africa including the offshore islands.
Besides holding the archives of several British AAMs, it holds a wealth of materials of other organisations of interest.
http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/rhodes
Canadian Broadcast Corporation
The Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) has produced numerous programmes about apartheid and showing the activities of Canadians against apartheid. The first programme dates back to 1961 and covers the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.
CBC holds its own archives.
Clarity Films
Clarity Films is a not for profit organisation formed in 1979 to produce and distribute films of historical and social value. It produced several documentaries on South Africa and the solidarity movement. It holds over 250 hours of oral histories with137 interviewees, 800 hours of archival footage from many sources and a substantial photo and graphics collection.
The organisation holds its own archive.
EU Archives and Library
The archives and library of the EU holds many materials, not only dealing with the EEC’s position on apartheid but also many national and international AAMs.
Historical Papers
The Historical Papers, located at the William Cullen Library, University of the Witwatersrand, holds many collections of historical, political and cultural importance. Within these collections are materials relating to the international AAMs.
http://www.historicalpapers.wits.ac.za
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Human Rights Watch began in 1978 as Helsinki Watch (HW) - a monitoring group of compliance by the former Soviet Union and communist bloc countries with the human rights provision of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. It later extended its activities to other regions of the world, including Africa. It produces research reports on violations of human rights and pressurises governments and international organisations.
The Centre for Human Rights Documentation, Columbia University holds the archive of the organisation covering the period 1978-present.
Impact Visuals
Impact Visuals was a cooperative photo agency dedicated to social documentary photography. It started in 1964 and operated till 2001. Most of the archive comes from Afrapix, a now-dissolved South African collective of freelance photographers. Although most of the collection containing photographs, slides and negatives come from South Africa, it also covers other countries.
The Thomas J. Rodd Research Centre, University of Connecticut holds the archive of the organisation.
Institute for Policy Studies (IPS)
IPS was a Washington based progressive think-tank concerned with the promotion of democracy, justice, human rights and diversity. It became active on anti-apartheid in the 1980s.
Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has worked with the OAU and, amongst others, released a CD –ROM containing all OAU Council of Ministers and Summit decisions, declarations and commitments from 1963 to 2001. The CD also contains the key documents for the following regional organisations: SADC, ECOWAS, IGAD and COMESA. It is a work in progress, and will be updated with documents from other sub-regional organisations and more recent documentation, as it becomes available.
International Institute for Social History
The IISH holds many collections of the international trade union secretariats and international human rights organisations. It also holds the archives of most Dutch trade unions and AAMs.
Labour Movement Archive and Library (ARAB)
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds substantial collections of the Swedish labour movement from around the 1950s. It holds records from political parties and other organisations as well. It concentrates on archives of the central and Stockholm based local organisations. It holds a big Africa collection.
The Labour Movement Archive and Library holds substantial collections of the Swedish labour movement from around the 1950s. It holds records from political parties and other organisations as well. It concentrates on archives of the central and Stockholm based local organisations. It holds a big Africa collection.
Liberation Archive
The Liberation Archive at the University of Fort Hare holds the archives of the ANC – Foreign Missions, Azania People’s Organisation, Black Consciousness Movement, PAC- Foreign Missions, SACP and SOMAFCO as well as personal papers of a number of individuals. These archives contain a wealth of information on the international AAMs and organisations as well.
Modern Records Centre
The Modern Records Centre at the University of Warwick has several collections containing anti-apartheid materials.
Political archives
Political Archives is a website, located at the University of London, sponsored by the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICS) and the Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA) to improve access to and use of their extensive collections of political ephemera. The political archives held by the ICS are very substantial and includes current Commonwealth members, ex-members and ex-colonies of other imperial powers. They mainly date from the 1960s and 1970s. Southern African is particularly well represented, with materials from wide variety of different political parties, trade unions and pressure groups.
Rutgers Grass Roots – Progressive Activists Files
Rutgers University, New Jersey, holds a collection with materials related to anti-apartheid and divestment activities covering the period 1969-1989. It includes the Coalition in Solidarity with South African Liberations and the Rutgers Coalition for Total Divestment. It covers the period 1921-1993, the bulk being from 1979 onwards. It contains press releases, reports and correspondence.
http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu
School of Oriental and African Studies
The SOAS at the University of London holds several collections containing anti-apartheid materials.
South Africa: the Making of US Policy 1962-1989 – Digital National Security Archive
This is a document collection of US government responses to historical events in South Africa. The primary source documents deal with most aspects of US policy towards South Africa, including sanctions, embargoes and nuclear collaboration.
South African History Archive (SAHA)
SAHA is a human rights archive located at the University of the Witwatersrand. The Struggles for Justice Programme, although mainly concentrating on South African organisations and people, also contains materials of international AAMs.
The Finnish Country Committee on Archives on Anti-Colonial Resistance and Liberation Struggle in Namibia
AACRLS documents Finnish support to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa with focus on Namibia through oral history, scanning documents and photos the identification of key activists. Its mission is to repatriate documents and photos to the National Archives of Namibia.
AACRLS documents Finnish support to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa with focus on Namibia through oral history, scanning documents and photos the identification of key activists. Its mission is to repatriate documents and photos to the National Archives of Namibia.
http://www.missionmuseum.fi
The Herskovits Library of African Studies, Northwestern University
Has a substantial African Poster Collection with over 4000 posters. Part of the collection is digitised. One of the themes is anti-apartheid organisations in the 70s and 80s.
http://www.library.northwestern.edu
The Human Rights Internet (HRI)
The HRI in Ottawa has been serving as an unofficial depository for the documentation of NGO’s throughout the world. It makes a vast amount of material available and brings together a wide variety of reports on human rights issues, which would otherwise be very difficult to locate, obtain and consult. The collection which HRI has amassed over the last twenty-five years includes publications by more than 350 nongovernmental organizations and includes a number of AAMs.
The Nordic Documentation on the Liberation Struggle in Southern Africa Project
This site provides archival lists of primary source materials that can be found at Nordic archival institutions, NGOs and archives of individuals who have been involved in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa. The website includes interviews, photographs, publications, posters and newspaper cuttings from 1960-1996. It also provides some archival materials in PDF format.
This site provides archival lists of primary source materials that can be found at Nordic archival institutions, NGOs and archives of individuals who have been involved in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa. The website includes interviews, photographs, publications, posters and newspaper cuttings from 1960-1996. It also provides some archival materials in PDF format.
http://www.liberationafrica.se
The Road to Democracy in South Africa Project
Published by the South African Democratic Education Trust (SADET), volume 3, part 1 and part 2 are dedicated to International Solidarity and gives an inside story to many organisations. Some chapters are available on line in PDF format. Volume 5 will be on African Solidarity
The Russian State Archives of Socio-Political History (RGASPI)
The Russian State Archives of Socio-Political History (RGASPI) contains the archives of the Communist International and its relations with the Communist Party of South Africa.
http://www.comintern-online.com
The electronic archives are with ELAR: Russian Document Imaging and Content management solutions.
The Archives of the President of the Russian Federation contains the archives of the Central Committee of the CPSU and of the International Department but they are not electronically accessible.
The archives of the Committee for State Security house materials on direct soviet financial assistance went through the KGB, as well as materials on special intelligence training of MK cadres in the USSR and covert operations. Unfortunately, the archives are almost completely closed.
http://www.comintern-online.com
The electronic archives are with ELAR: Russian Document Imaging and Content Management Solutions
The South African Apartheid Collection
The South African Apartheid Collection at Yale University contains many documents of American and international pressure groups as well as documents of the American government. It covers the period 1961-1991 but the bulk of the materials are from 1985-1988.
The South African subject collection, 1941-1997
The Hoover Institution Archives at Stanford University holds a substantial collection of materials. It contains documents, campaign materials, press clippings, photographs and other audio-visual materials covering several countries and international organisation. The Collection can also be accessed via the Online Archive of California (OAC).
United Nations
The United Nations holds a wealth of information and cover, besides the UN agencies, many national and international AAMs and other organisations that were involved in the anti-apartheid struggle
University of the Western Cape (UWC) / RIM Mayibuye Archives
The archives of the Robben Island Museum are housed at and managed by the UWC/RIM Mayibuye Archives. Some are located on the island but the bulk is at the UWC Campus in Belville, Cape Town. They consist of a huge collection of artefacts, documents, photographs, art works, personal papers and audio-visual materials. Although the emphasis is on South African organisations and people, many AAMs (national and international) and other international organisations are represented in the collection. The IDAF deposited its entire archive to the Archive.
http://www.robben-island.org.za
Western Australian Film Stories on Sport
The National Archives of Australia holds a collection, containing several film reels of Western Australian Film Stories on Sport which document the demonstrations against the visit of the South African rugby team in June 1971.
