1990s

At an extraordinary general meeting of the AAM on 25 June 1994 delegates decided to transform it into a new movement of solidarity with the people of Southern Africa. A draft founding statement pledged that the new organisation would promote new bonds of friendship between people in Britain and South Africa. It also resolved to monitor the policies of international organisations and multinational companies. A further meeting on 29 October dissolved the AAM and set up Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).

This celebration of the achievement of democracy in South Africa was held on South Africa Freedom Day, 26 June 1994. The day was also the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. The event featured South African music and world dance, the AAM’s annual Freedom Run, a balloon race and bouncy castle, and an exhibition on the ANC’s Reconstruction and Development Programme. 

This celebration of the achievement of democracy in South Africa was held on South Africa Freedom Day, 26 June 1994, in Brockwell Park, south London. The day was also the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Hundreds of balloons were released in the colours of the new South African flag. The event also featured South African music and world dance, the AAM’s annual Freedom Run and an exhibition on the ANC’s Reconstruction and Development Programme. 

Poster advertising a concert on 9 July 1994 celebrating South Africa’s first democratic election. The concert featured an all star line-up of South African artists, including Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lucky Dube, Black Ladysmith Mambazo and Brenda Fassie. It was organised by Islington Council in north London.

After the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as President in May 1994, the AAM looked forward to helping South Africa overcome the legacy of apartheid. This postcard was part of this initiative. In October 1994 the AAM set up a successor organisation, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).

After the date had been agreed for South Africa’s first one person one vote election on 27 April 1994 the AAM looked forward to the future. It asked its supporters to help build a new South Africa free from racial division and gross inequality. This T-shirt featured the new South African flag.