Peter Hain being carried out of Twickenham during non-violent direct-action against the South African Rugby team, the Springboks, playing Oxford University in 1969. Image courtesy Peter Hain.
Lived-Experience Talks
Lord Peter Hain
Campaigner, politician and author, Lord Peter Hain will visit, in person, to speak about his experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa and as an activist against apartheid in the UK. He will share memories of working with comrades, including Nelson Mandela and others, and talk about the power of collective action and of individual responsibility to make a difference. He will speak for about 20 minutes and invite questions from, and discussion with, the class. Suitable for years 5, 6 and KS3. Peter can adapt content for KS4 and KS5, and reference specific curriculum links for GCSE and A-Level, on request.
The London Recruits
These were white, mainly British, people who risked imprisonment and their lives working undercover for the South African liberation movement. Their compelling personal accounts and engaging approach in sharing their stories provide unique pathways for audiences of all ages to learn about the fight against Apartheid.The book of their experiences ‘The London Recruits’ can be purchased from New Beacon Books.
Lived-Experience
In these talks, we offer an opportunity to hear first hand from those who lived in South Africa during the years of apartheid. This picture shows Thapelo Moloantoa, a Black South African, talking about his experiences growing up under the system of apartheid. In his talk he shares his personal story of the daily struggles and injustices faced by Black South Africans during this time, as well as their hopes and dreams for a more equal and just future. His is an account of one individual’s journey, and a window into the broader history of South Africa.
Anti-Apartheid Activists
Individuals who took action against apartheid can give talks at educational institutions and in the community about their experience of taking part (or organising) local and national campaigns as well as their motivations for taking part.
Former members of the Anti-Apartheid Movement or of the ANC (when it was a banned liberation organisation) will share their experiences of activism in South Africa and/or here in the U.K. Some of them will have worked in or visited the former headquarters of the ANC at Penton Street in Islington, the site which will become the Centre of Memory and Learning.
Image shows some of the hundreds of people at an overnight vigil for Solomon Mahlangu, outside South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London, on the eve of his execution in April 1979. Courtesy AAM Archives.
