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The ‘Children, Apartheid and Repression in South Africa’ conference held in London in April 1988 was a follow-up to an international conference held in Harare in 1987. It examined how professional groups could support children in South Africa and wider anti-apartheid campaigns. The conference gave a big boost to anti-apartheid campaigning among British healthworkers, social workers, lawyers, architects and teachers.

Briefing papers prepared for the conference on ‘Children Apartheid and Repression’ held in London in 1988. The papers showed how children suffered from the impact of apartheid on education, health, the law, social work and architecture.

This weekend conference was part of a drive to attract more young people into the Anti-Apartheid Movement. It was attended by 200 young people and students. It included workshops in practical campaigning skills and led to the recruitment of school students and others into local anti-apartheid groups.

Over 60 British companies withdrew from South Africa in 1986–88. This report examines the reasons behind disinvestment and its impact on the South African economy.

Poster publicising an anti-apartheid conference organised by a coalition of groups in south London in April 1988. 

Resolutions to Bath AA Group’s AGM in 1988 included a commendation of Bath Trades Council’s support for South African trade unionists and recognition of the growing importance of the churches in South Africa in the anti-apartheid struggle. A resolution highlighted the lack of awareness of apartheid among local young people and committed the group to ask schools and teachers organisations to organise educational sessions. 

Leaflet advertising a meeting exposing South Africa’s attacks on the independent states of Southern Africa. The meeting was organised by Ealing Anti-Apartheid Group and the West London branch of the charity War on Want.

Leaflet publicising an Anti-Apartheid Festival in Southall Park, West London on 18 June 1988. The Festival featured South African jazz musician Jonas Gwangwa and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, as well as children’s events and food stalls. It was organised by Ealing AA Group, with support from the London Borough of Ealing.