Anti Apartheid Movement , London Branch

The Anti Apartheid Movement grew out of the Boycott Movement, set up in 1959 as an appeal for people to withdraw support from apartheid by not buying South African goods. Following the Sharpeville massacre of 21 March 1960, the decision was taken to extend the activities of the movement, thereby creating the Anti Apartheid Movement, a permanent organisation to campaign for the eradication of apartheid.

In the course of its work the Anti Apartheid Movement campaigned widely for the release of political prisoners, for the arms embargo, and for an end to investment in South Africa, as well as appealing for widespread consumer, sports and cultural boycotts.

Although based in Britain, the movement was directly linked with the liberation struggle in South Africa and operated as an instrument of solidarity with the people of South Africa. To this end it worked closely with a number of other organisations such as the African National Congress, SATIS (Southern Africa - the Imprisoned Society), ELTSA (End Loans to South Africa) and MAGIC (Mozambique and Angola Information Centre).

In 1994, following the elections in South Africa, the Anti Apartheid Movement was disbanded and Action for South Africa was set up. This organisation now works to influence decision-makers in Britain and Europe on policies affecting Southern Africa.