The ‘breaking of ground’ moment was an intimate occasion shared with some of our communities including staff and students at London Metropolitan University and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, representatives of the Southern African diaspora in the UK, members of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and contemporary social justice activists with whom we’ve worked to co-design the Centre’s spaces and programmes as well as delegates from our generous funders and stakeholders.
On October 16, 2024, the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning officially embarked on the construction of a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heritage and legacy of the anti-apartheid movement, one of the most influential black-led social justice movements of the 20th Century. The centre will be located at 28 Penton Street, Islington. This historically significant building served as the London headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) during the liberation struggle in South Africa between 1978 and 1994.
The space served as a base for notable South African liberationists such as Oliver Tambo and Thambo Mbeki who, in exile from the regime, successfully led the fight against Apartheid South Africa by mobilising international opposition, planning strategic action, and leveraging strategic partnerships across the globe in collaboration with other freedom fighters and supporters of the movement, notably the British Anti-Apartheid Movement and other solidarity groups.
His Excellency J.N. Kingsley Mamabolo and Deputy Mayor Dr Weekes-Bernard ‘breaking-ground’ at Penton Street on 16th October 2024.
The ground-breaking event was celebrated with representatives from the communities served by the Centre and valued stakeholders. Notable attendees included Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice; Professor Mullard and Lord Hain from Liliesleaf Trust UK; and His Excellency JN Mamabolo, the South African High Commissioner to the UK. Additionally, there were representatives from the Southern African diaspora, former members of the Anti-Apartheid movement, contemporary activists, and local residents.
The Deputy Mayor spoke of her pride in London becoming home to such a significant project, adding that learning from the past will help us tackle racism and injustice today. Hon. Lord Peter Hain, a trustee of The Liliesleaf Trust UK and a veteran anti-apartheid activist, reminded guests that apartheid extended well beyond South Africa onto British soil. On March 14, 1982, the ANC headquarters in London was firebombed by apartheid security forces. He emphasised that reopening the building would act as a beacon, inspired by the values of the anti-apartheid struggle— for human rights, social justice, and equal opportunities. These values remain paramount today and underpin the work of the Centre.
The museum and cultural centre will be the first of its kind in Europe, focused on preserving and making accessible the history of the global Anti-Apartheid Movement, and the efforts of the international community in solidarity against apartheid. Beyond serving as a historical monument and physical reminder of collaboration between peoples against apartheid, the Centre’s work will focus on empowering communities today by using the values and lessons learnt from the struggle, celebrating the work of leaders such as Nelson Mandela as well as that of lesser-known but significant activists, particularly raising the profile of women’s contributions traditionally under-told and to celebrate the socio-cultural diversity of those whose efforts combined effected the end of apartheid in South Africa.
Posters honouring anti-apartheid figures created by Animation and Illustration BA students at London Metropolitan University, displayed alongside the Sullivan Brothers Construction Company banner.
London’s Deputy Mayor, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard delivers an address to the guests, speaking about the importance of having a public space from which to continue to activate against racism, discrimination and injustice.
Director, Caroline Kamana, speaking about the plans for the Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre’s programme of activities.
Chair of The Liliesleaf Trust UK, Professor Chris Mullard, speaking about the Centre’s mission, vision and values.
Through education, arts, and cultural initiatives, it aims to promote social cohesion, inspire future generations, and continue the fight for equality and justice. Public engagements, from school workshops to community arts programmes, will inspire individuals to learn from the past, think critically about the present, and become active participants in shaping a more just and equitable future.
Lord Hain, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and funders on behalf of Liliesleaf Trust UK, a charity dedicated to educating and empowering communities through lessons from the Anti-Apartheid Movement. He extended heartfelt thanks to the numerous organisations and individuals who helped turn this vision into reality. Among those recognized were the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Clothworkers’ Foundation, the City Bridge Foundation, the Joffe Charitable Trust, Islington Council, Barnsbury Ward, London Metropolitan University, and the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund. He also appreciated the contributions of the Garfield Weston Foundation, This Day, the Inclusive Society Institute, the Khumalo Family, the Sol Plaatje Educational Project, the University of East Anglia, and the freeholders, the ANC Trust, all of whom are instrumental in enabling the project to become a reality.
Lord Peter Hain welcoming guests at the breaking-ground ceremony.
Guests from the SA diaspora in the UK, some of whom worked in the building when it was the ANC’s London HQ.
Other stakeholders include the design team led by architects Al-Jawad Pike, with structural engineering by Milk Design and services engineering by Ritchie+Daffin. The Trust is also supported by Cragg Management as capital project managers, and Appleyard + Trew as quantity surveyors. Local contractors Sullivan Brothers Construction have been appointed to deliver the capital works. Al-Jawad Pike have previously delivered several successful publicly-funded schemes in London, including Chowdry Walk in Hackney, recently nominated for the RIBA Stirling prize.
Members of the design team along with some Trustees and project collaborators.
The Trust is committed to securing the long-term sustainability of the Centre, its programs, and its operations through ongoing fundraising efforts. The Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre of Memory and Learning is designed to drive social transformation across the UK and beyond. Through an environment of learning and remembrance, the Centre will inspire action and awareness in future generations, endeavouring to make a lasting impact on society.
Front of 28 Penton Street, showing heritage plaque that denotes the building was the ANC’s London HQ between 1978-1994.
Written by Joyce Mukii, Intern via MA Digital Media, London Metropolitan University, November 2024.
