,~~ American Committee On Africa ~ 198 Bw•dw•y. New Ymk, N.Y. 100381(212) 962-1210 I C•ble AMCOMMAF Organizing Update November 1985 Dear friends, It has been a very busy but productive Fall during which the momentum of campus and community protest has been maintained at a time of profound crisis in southern Africa. While the apartheid regime is facing its strongest challenge ever, 11 the Reagan Administration remains wedded to its policy of .. constructive engagement , even whiTe verbally distancing itself from Pretoria. In an effort to shift the debate on southern Africa, the Reagan Administration and its right-wing allies are attempting to directly fund UNITA, South Africa•s surrogate in Angola. This dangerous possibility was opened up by Congress•s 11 Unexpected 11 repeal this summer of the Clark Amendment--which forbade any U.S. assistance to factions in Angola. This congressional action--coming at the same time as the first ever votes for sanctions--clearly indicates that anti-apartheid sentiment does not run very deep on Capitol Hill where anti-communist ideology and corporate interests govern on southern Africa as in Central America. At this time the anti-apartheid movement cannot afford to have a shallow analysis of U.S. foreign policy, but must build long-term opposition to a policy basically guided by protection of corporate profits and justified by anti-communism. BOYCOTT SOUTH AFRICA NOT NICARAGUA TOUR The Boycott South Africa Not Nicaragua tour organized by the American Committee on Africa with MADRE and the Nicaragua Network was an important first step in deepen ing the understanding in our movement of U.S. foreign policy and in building ties to the Central American solidarity movement. From the October 11 National Anti-Apartheid Protest Day through the November 1-3 National Student Conference, Claire Mohapi of the ANC Youth Section, Monica Nashandi of the SWAPO Youth League, Roger Uriarte of the National Union of Nicaraguan Students, and Virginia Montoya of the Sandinista Youth brought their message of concern and solidarity to over 20 campuses and to community-based audiences as well. The tour took them to New York City (Oct 11 CITIBANK rally, Medgar Evers College, Columbia University), Amherst-area (Amherst Coll/UMASS/Hampshire/Smith/Mt Holyoke), Boston (Northeastern, BU, UMASS, Harvard), Hartford, New Haven (Yale), Philadelphia-area (Bryn Mawr, Haverford), Washington DC (George Washington), Atlanta (Morehouse College, Georgia Tech, SCLC banquet, receipt of honorary citizenship), Iowa, and Colorado. The speakers were very well received and it was especially important that the Nicaraguans were present to deal with the issue of the Nicaraguan 11 State of Emergency .. which has been distorted by the Reagan Administration and major media outlets. The opportunity to hear directly from young leaders was an important step in strength ening material and political support for the struggles in South Africa, Namibia and Nicaragua. The development of positive programs is needed to deepen anti-intervention work. 138 Arrested at UC/Berkeley Undeterred by trustee refusals to divest the University of California•s $2.4 billion in South Africa linked stock and police repression, the struggle has escalated at Berkeley. Following an evening torchlight march, on the morning of November 6 several hundred members of the United People of Color led an occupation of Sproul Hall--site of last spring•s blockade. 138 people were arrested and on November 13 further actions occured. Good luck in the struggle. In Solidarity, Joshua Nessen for ACOA SEE BACK .... November 13, 1985
DIVESTMENT ACTIONS ON SOUTH AFRICA BY U.S. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIRES
SCHOOL AMOUNT YEAR SCHOOL AMOUNT YEAR AFFECTED AFFECTED 0 Amherst College ..••.•••.•••.....• $6,836,850 •.• 1978-85 0 New Hampshire Univ. of ....•...•.... A00,000 •..... 1985* I Antioch College .•...... •...•.•..•...••• NA .••.•• 1978 0 New York, State Univ. of •...•....• 4,000,000 .•..•• 1985* I Arizona State University .•...... •. 3,100,000 •••..• 1985* I New York, State Univ. of •..••..•• 11,000,000 •...•• 1985* I Barnard College .•••...... ••..••..•.• 945,000 .••••. 1985* 0 New York, State Univ. of {Oneonta) •.. 80,000 .••••• 1978 0 Boston University (1st) ...... • 6,600,000 .••..• 1979 I New York, State Univ. of .•..••••..... 80,000 ....•. 1985 0 Boston University (2nd) ..•...•...... 195,480 •..... 1985 {Stonybrook Foundation) 0 Bowdoin College ...•.•.••...... •.•• 1,800,000 ••...• 1985 0 Oberlin College •...••.•...•....•..••.••.. NA ...••• 1980 0 Brandeis University •...... ••.•••••• 350,000 •••••• 1979 0 Ohio State Univ. {1st) .•••.••....•.• 250,000 .•. 1978-79 0 Brown University .....•...... ••.•.. 4,600,000 ..•..• 1984 I Ohio State Univ. (2nd) ..•.••..••. 10,800,000 .....• 1985* I California State University ....••• 2,300,000 ••.... 1985* I Ohio University •••••••••.•.•....•.•.• 60,000 .•.••• 1978 (Northridge) I Oregon State System of Higher ..... 6,000,000 ... 1977-78 0 Carleton College ..••.••....••...•... 295,000 •..... 1979 Education I City Univ. of New York •.....•••.• 10,000,000 .•.•.• 1984 0 Pennsylvania, Univ. of .•...•...•...• 800,000 ...... 1983 0 Colby College (1st) ..•..•..•..•..• 2,600,000 ..• 1980-84 0 Rutgers University {1st) .•..•.....•...... NA ....•. 1980 0 Colby College (2nd) •.•..•••..••••• 6,500,000 •.•••. 1985* 0 Rutgers University {2ndl. ••••....• 7,000,000 ...•.• 1985 0 Columbia University (1st) .•••.•••. 2,700,000 •.•... 1979 I Rutgers University {3rd) ••...... •. 7,500,000 ..•.•. 1985* I Columbia University (2nd) ••••..•. 39,000,000 .•.•.. 1985* 0 Smith College ...... •.•...... ••.••.•. 697,728 •..... 1977 0 Dartmouth College .•..•.••..••..•.. 2,000,000 •...•. 1985 0 Swarthmore College ....••.•..•••••. 2,200,000 .•..•• 1981 0 Delta College ...... ••.•.•...... •..... NA ....•. 1985* 0 Temple University (1st) •.•••..•...•• 534,000 .•• •.. 1985* 0 Duke University .•••••.•...•.....•• 1,640,000 ••.••. 1985* I Temple University {2nd) .•..•.•.... 1,960,000 ••.... 1985* I Evergreen State College ...... •.•.. •..•.. NA .•...• 1985 0 Tufts University .....•.•.•••.•••.... 100,000 •.... . 1979 0 Florida State University •....•.•.• 2,000,000 •••... 1985 0 Union Theological Seminary {1st) .• 4,000,000 .•.... 1980 0 Georgetown University ...•...... 2,000,000 ...... 1985* 0 Union Theological Seminary {2nd) •. 2,603,537 •..... 1985 0 Grinnell College ....•.•.•..•...•.. 9,000,000 ••...• 1985* 0 Union Theological Seminary {3rd) .. 1,503,145 .••... 1985* I Hampshire College ..••....•...•...••.. 40,000 •..... 1977 0 Vermont, Univ. of ...... •...... • 2,100,000 .....• 1985* 0 Harvard University (1st) ••.....•• 50,900,000 •....• 1981 0 Vassar College .••••••.•••...•....• 6,500,000 ...•.• 1978 0 Harvard University (2ndl. •••..••.• 1,000,000 •••.•. 1985 0 Washington, Univ. of .•...... •...... 800,000 ....•• 1985 0 Harvard University (3rd) .••.....•• 2,800,000 •..... 1985* I Wayne State University .•...... •.•.•...• NA •.•..• 1984 0 Haverford College ...... •••..••.••...... NA •.•... 1982 I Western Washington Univ ..•...... •...... NA .....• 1985 0 Hobart and William Smith Colleges ..• 650,000 .••.•. 1985* 0 Wesleyan University {1st) ..•..•.••.• 367,000 ..•.•• 1980 0 Holy Cross ..••.....••..•••...••.....•.... NA ....•• 1985 0 Wesleyan University {2nd)...... 750,000 ...••• 1985* I Howard University ••.•••..•....•..• 8,000,000 ••..•. 1978 0 Williams College {1st) •...••••.....• 700,000 .••.•. 1980 I Iowa, Univ. of ...... ••.•.. 2,500,000 ..•.•. 1985* 0 Williams College (2nd) .•...... •...• 672,000 ..•..• 1983 0 Iowa State University (1st) •...••... 130,000 ...... 1985* 1 Wisconsin, Univ. of ...... •.... 11,000,000 ...... 1978 I Iowa State Univeristy (2nd) ••...•..• 120,000 ..•..• 1985* 0 Yale University {1st) ..••.••.•.•.• 1,600,000 .•.... 1979 I Louisville, Unfv. of .•...••.••.•.• 9,000,000 ••.•.• 1985* 0 Yale University (2nd) ...••....•••. 4,100,000 •.••.. 1984 I Lutheran School of Theology ...•.....•.•.. NA ...... 1981 I Maine, Univ. of ..••...... ••.•.•.• 3,000,000 .••.•. 1982 TOTALS 63 Schools $ 346,224,857 I Massachusetts, Univ. of .....•.•••... 600,000 ..•... 1977 I Minnesota, University of •.•.•.•.• 21,000,000 •..... 1985* Student Actions 0 Eastern Michigan Univ .•.•...•.•... 2,500,000 ...•.. 1980 I Michigan State University •..•...•• 7,200,000 .•• 1979-80 0 California, Univ of, Berkeley .•.•• 4,000,000 ••.••• 1979 0 Michigan Univ. of (1st) •..••••.••..• 306,117 ...••• 1979 Associated Students 0 Michigan Univ. of {2nd) •••••.••.• 35,400,000 ••••.. 1984 1 California, Univ. of, LA ...••...• 25,000,000 ....•. 1980 0 Michigan Univ. of {3rdL ...•..•.•• 5,800,000 ••..•• 1985 Associated Students I Western Michigan Univ ••....•••.•.•.• 200,000 .••••• 1983 I New York Univ. Law School •..•..•. 11,000,000 •.••.• 1978 0 Mount Holyoke College •.•..•••.••.•.• 459,000 •..... 1981 Student Bar Assn. 0 New Brunswick Theological Sem1nary .•••••• NA •.•.•• 1982 I Total Divestment 0 Partial Divestment NA not available * Divestments since April 1985
NB. $ figure is for amount affected, as in some cases divestment has not yet been completed.
Copyright 1985 The American Committee on Africa Plus: •Mount Holyoke College ... l4,000,000 (total) ... l985 ~~ American Committee On Africa v 198 Bwadway, New Yo•k, N.Y. 10038 1(212) 962·1210 I Cable AMCOMMAF
AID TO UNITA IS AID TO SOUTH AFRICA
To: Key Contacts
From: Jennifer Davis
There are sinister moves afoot in Washington.
This summer President Reagan was forced by Congressional pressure . to impose some very limited sanctions on apartheid South Africa. Before the ink was dry the Administration was back on its old policy track supporting South Africa in its war against Angola. The Reagan Administration is seriously considering providing covert military aid to the anti-government rebels in Angola known as UNITA.
Since the collapse of Portuguese colonialism and the establishment of an independent government in Angola in 1975, South Africa has been using UNITA in its war to undermine Angolan independence. The Angolan government has been a strong supporter of independence for Namibia and freedom for South Africa. As such it is a threat to South Africa's continued illegal occupation of Namibia.
South Africa's army first invaded Angola at the time of independence. It was only driven back from the capital by the combined efforts of the Angolan army and Cuban troops, who came to Angola in response to a plea by Angola's President Neto for international support.
In addition to its own repeated invasions the South Africans have found a useful surrogate in UNITA, headed by Jonas Savimbi. Despite UNITA's claims to the status of freedom fighters, its tactics are brutal. Mutilation and murder of innocent civilians, sabotage which has resulted in the death of hundreds of Angolans and kidnapping of foreign nationals. UNITA survives as a force because of South African support. It has been armed, trained and supplied by the South African Defense Force. Only the direct intervention of South African troops prevented Savimbi from losing his base in southeast Angola in September.
At the same time as the administration is preparing to provide covert aid to UNITA, similar moves are are being made by right wing forces in Congress. Two bills recently introduced into the House of Representatives would have the United States overtly provide $54 million in military and "nonlethal" aid to UNITA. The first, introduced by Representative Claude Pepper of Miami and Rep. Jack Kemp of Buffalo (HR 3472) would provide $27 million in non-military aid. Rep. Mark Siljander of Michigan has introduced a bill (HR 3609) for $27 million in military aid.
Where would the aid go? Savimbi has no bank in the bush. The answer is South Africa. Such funds would join the millions of rands the Pretoria government is spending to supply UNITA. Military aid would be a direct violation of the arms embargo that even the Reagan administration claims to support. Aid to UNITA is aid to South Africa. See back ..•
Executive Director: Jennifer Davis I Associate Director: Paul Irish 1 Research: Stephanie Urdang 1 Projects: Dumisani Kumalo I Literature: Richard Knight ~~· We need to build a quick opposition to these dangerous measures. The chairman of the House subcommittee on Africa, Rep Howard Wolpe, and other Representatives knowledgeable about US-African relations, have already opposed this US intervention in Angola. They argue that such an alliance with South Africa will discredit us in independent Africa and increase Angola's need for Cuban military protection from South African troops. In addition, it will take all pressure off South Africa to implement an internationally acceptable settlement in Namibia.
It is inevitable that the US, once in the Angolan breach, will be drawn in deeper and deeper. South Africa's troops and police are more and more stretched trying to contain revolution at home and an expanding regional war. Aid to UNITA is aid to South African repression at home and aggression in Angola.
We urge you to immediately contact your Representative to oppose all bills and any actions of the administration to support UNITA.
November 12, 1985
Rep. House--~------of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 S) STUD~~~~~~~~~~~~LffiER Prepared by Joshua Neaen, Student Coordinator
REPORT ON NATIONAL STUDENT CONFERENCE ON SOUTH AFRICA AND NAMIBIA
From November 1-3, 1985 500 student activists from 35 states and over 100 schools gathered for a National Student Conference on South Africa and Namibia at Hunter College. The conference, organized by student groups and the American Committee on Africa, was the largest student anti-apartheid conference in many years and succeeded in attracting groups from all regions of the country, particularly _the South. Following the successful October 11 National Protest Day, the conference was important in developing a political agenda for the upcoming year at a critical moment for the student anti-apartheid movement. The main organizational and political directions emerging from the conference were:
l)Mobilization for 1986 National Weeks of Anti-Apartheid Action from March 21~ April 6, with April 4 as a National Divestment Protest Day in commemoration of Martin Luther King. (SEE AND REPRODUCE ENCLOSED FLYER) (Info packet: 212-962-1210) 2)An immediate push to prevent any American aid to UNITA, South Africa's surrogate in Angola. Telegram your Congressional Representative: Rep , US House of Representatives, Wash DC 20515 and call #202-224-3121 (See enclosed Action Alert) 3)National Student Material Aid Drive, in which each school would attempt ·to raise ($500) for Namibian and South African refugee projects with all funds going through the Africa Fund. The target amount would be raised by the end of February, with events during February Black History Month being crucial. For information on projects of the Africa Fund: 198 Bway NYC 10038 #212-962-1210 4)The conference affirmed the importance of strengthening regional coordination in the student anti-apartheid movement and encouraged the formation of city-wide student coalitions (as in Washington DC). Regional conferences will be held building up to the Weeks of Action in: i)Midwest (Chicago Nov 15-17) #203-346-1667 ii)Northeast (February 1-2). Planning meeting Sat Nov 23 at Wesleyan Univ (llam-5pm) For transport info: ACOA #212-962-1210 (Middltown CT) iii)South. Planning meeting Jan 18. For info: AFSC/Atlanta #404-586-0460 and #404-691-1531 (D. Redding) 5)The conference emphasized that struggles against domestic racism must be intimately linked to anti-apartheid organizing, and that Black students need to play a leading role in the anti-apartheid movement. 6)While divestment will remain the central focus of campus organizing, it is critical to build direct political and material support for the liberation movements and to oppose Reagan's policy of "constructive engagement" which above a·ll aims to prevent the coming to power of the ANC and SWAPO.
Students from these states attended the conference: Alabama, Arizona, California, Co l orado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina , Oh io, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin plus groups from Montreal, Toronto, and Sweden. CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Friday November 1 Opening Session Conference participants were welcomed by Diane Dwyer, president of the Hunter College D~y Session Student Government, who played a key role in the successful struggle for divestment at City University of New York. She was followed by Claire Mohahi of the African National Congress Youth Section, Monica Nashandi of the SWAPO Yout League, and Roger Uriarte of the National Union of Nicaraguan Students who all had participated in a Fall 11 Boycott South Africa Not Nicaragua .. tour of over twenty campuses. Claire Mohapi and Monica Nashandi stressed the cutting edge role of students in southern Africa and in the United States, and the need to oppose Reagan's destructive policy of 11 COnstructive engagement ... Roger Uriarte was greeted with a standing ovation and chants of 11 Non Passaran 11 (They shall not pass) and under scored the importance of linking the anti-apartheid struggle to organizing against U.S. intervention in Central America. Norma Francis of Hunter College moderated. Another speaker was Dumisani Kumalo of the American Committee on Africa and a South African exile. Mr. Kumalo highlighted recent state divestment victories in New Jersey ($2 billion), New Mexico {$150 million) and Minnesota ($1.1 billion) and then focused on corporate strategizing against divestment: "U.S. companies claim to be in South Africa to help Black people. They love us more than we love ourselves. If General Motors loved Black people so much, why are they laying them off in Detroit." The opening session was also marked by a showing of the anti-apartheid video "Ain't Gonna Play Sun Cit,(' which was introduced by Little Steven (VanZandt), author of the song which 1s raising money for refugee projects in southern Africa through the Africa Fund. New York State Assemblyman Roger Green closed out the evening by stressing the importance of community-student alliances, and the need to push for New York divestment legislation in November's special legislative session. For more information contact Assemblyman Green's office: #718-596-0100
Saturday November 2 Student Anti-Apartheid Movement Panel This morning panel presented an overview of student organizing and featured Erich Nakano from the University of California/Berkeley, Tanaguil Jones from Columbia Un1vers1ty, Keith Jennings of Atlanta University, Karen Seavers from the University of Wisconsin/Madison, and Joshua Nessen of the American Committee on Africa, with Willy Terry of the Black Student Communications Organizing Network as moderator. All speakers emphasized the importance of linking anti-apartheid organizing to struggles against domestic racism and the key role of Black student leadership in the movement. Panelists also stressed the necessity of direct, militant action in campus struggles, given the undemocratic corporate character of the university. It was noted that since the escalation of tactics in April, there had been 30 total or partial divestment moves by U.S. schools. Speakers also underlined the need to broaden understanding and support for the unfolding liberation struggle in South Africa and Namibia and to see divestment as simply one means to support that struggle.
Panel on U.S. Foreign Policy William Johnston of Episcopal Churchpeople for a Free Southern Africa and Q~my Smith of the Washington Office on Africa highlighted the regional character of U.S. policy which bas consistently backed South Africa in its repression domestically, attacks on the frontline states, and stalling on Namibian independence. The growing pressure to fund UNITA in Angola is part of a right-wing strategy to shift attention away from South Africa and could have serious reprecussions for the liberation struggles in Namibia and South Africa. This is particularly true given Angola's role as a firm rear base for SWAPO and ANC armed combatants. Workshop Summaries (more complete report available from ACOA on request)
The heart of conference was a series of small to medium group dfscussions dealing with a wide-range of grass roots organizing strategies. I Material Aid Workshop (Moderators: ANC, SWAPO, Africa Fund) l)National .Student Material Aid Campaign. By end of February Black History Month seek to raise $500/campus for Africa Fund. 2)Can target projects of ANC and SWAPO but all money collected would first go through the Africa Fund. 3)Link up to community groups in this effort and organize a large February event. II U.$. Foreign Policy l)Immediate telegram campaign in opposition to any aid to ·UNITA. 2)Washington Office on Africa, DC Student Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism, and the U.S. Student Association plan to establish a National Legislative Alert Network to bring all campuses information on legislation affecting southern Africa. 3)For up-to-date information contact: Washington Office on Africa 202-546-7961 DC-SCAR: 202-333-2532 III Current Developments in Namibia l)South Africa currently has over 100,000 troops in Namibia, making it one of the most heavily occupied/militarized countries in the world. 2)There is an urgent need for education on the situation in Namibia, given the complete media blackout on developments there. 3)The U.S. people must firmly oppose Reagan and South Africa's linkage of Namibian independence to the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola. 4)Students must call for divestment from U.S. firms involved in Namibia as well as those investing in South Africa. 5)For up-to-date info: SWAPO, 801 2nd Ave NYC 10017 #212-557-2450 Episcopal Churchpeople 339 Lafayette NYC 10003 #212-477-0066 IV Workshop on Divestment Organizing l)The process of organizing for divestment has been an effective means of mobilizing students and has actually discouraged U.S. investment in South Africa. -Billions of new U.S. investment has been prevented (John Chettle, SA Foundat.) -Since January 1985 17 U.S. companies have ceased operations in South Africa. 2)It is important to broaden the scope of economic action to include: a)Support for the Pledge For Freedom not to work for U.S. ·COmpanies involved in South Africa . For info contact: NYPIRG, 9 Murray St NYC 10007 #649-6460 V Domestic Racism and Sexism l)Black and Third World Student leadership and involvement is critical in the movement and predominantly white anti-apartheid groups should thus: a)Take up issues of concern to Black and Third World communities. b)Ensure adequate representation of Black, Third World, and women students in positions of leadership. c}Develop agendas that focus on racism and sexism in educational institutions. 2)It is important to develop an anti-apartheid curriculum & bring to high schools. 3)Create national network of progressive students serviced by a national news letter to exchange info, particularly on FBI/ State harassment of movement. 4)Strengthen international links, particularly with Canadian campuses. CONT. .... VI Linking ·Southern African, Centra 1 American and Peace Movement Solidarity Work l)CIA: i)Develop material and campaigns designed to expose CIA crimes/actions in Southern Africa and Central America and to ban the CIA from campus. ii)Contact clearinghouse on military/CIA ·campus recruitment: -Lisa Sheehy, 1106 North Pleasant Str Amherst Mass 01002 1ii)For further info, particularly on ROTC (Reserve Officer Training. Corps) -ROTC/JROTC Clearinghouse c/o War Resisters League, 339 Lafayette St NYC 10012 #212-228-0450 2)Multinational Investment: i)Focus divestment campaigns on university complicity in Southern Africa and Central America through stocks, trustee corporate ties, and job recruitment. · il)For info on linking Central American/S.African corpcampaign Latin America Multinationals Project PO Box 400730 Brooklyn New York 11240 (Marie Bloom) 3)Liberation Movement Support: i)An educational packet be developed focusing on the liberation movements of southern Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. This would be developed by CISPES, American Comm on Africa, War Resist Leag. ii)Organize events on Dec 16 South African Heroes Day VII Political Prisoners Emphasized linking work in support of southern African political prisoners to political prisoners in the United States. Proposed forums on political prisoners and possible national protest day to raise issue of U.S. political prisoners. Reiterated support for Nelson Mandela. Namibian prisoners, and UDF treason defendants. VIII Mass Movements: Workshop recognized the existence of many progressive groups struggling to end apartheid. Emphasized unity in action shown by unions & students.
REGIONAL CAUCUSES: l)Discussed coordination 2)Developed plans for outreach & regional meetings. MARCH AND PICKET: Following Saturday regional caucuses, 200 conference participants marched to the 68th Str Playhouse and temporarily blockaded the South African film, 11 The Gods Must Be Craiy 11 which has been subject to protest the last year. BLACK STUDENT CAUCUS: l)Discussed development of a Black student agenda 2)Importance of Black student leadership in the anti-apartheid movement 3)Establishment of a national Black student network. For info: . Black Student_Communications Organizing Network Box 3164 Jamaica NY 11431 #718-526-7056 DIRECT ACTION CAUCUS: l)Direct Action key in movement, and empowers participants. 2)Take action to shut down South African Airways across the country 3)Disrupt 11 Gods Must Be Crazy 11 4)Info: Brklynites Against Aparth Box 400790 Bkln 11240
NOVEMBER 3 FINAL SESSION Speakers included David Ndaba of the ANC, Hinyangerwa Asheeke of SWAPO, Joshua Nessen of ACOA, and Robert Nuc~ow of Hunter College. The African Anthem was sung at the conclusion of the session which featured Georgia State Senator Julian Bond: .. South Africa does constitute a threat to the retirement futures of millions of Americans, to the jobs which have kept our economy strong and to world peace ... Since 1975 U.S . imports of South African steel have increased by 5,000 per cent. Tens of thousands of steel workers have been laid off, many of them forever. As U.S. Steel closeq its Southworks Plant in Chicago, the state of Illinois was building a new building--with South African steel ... 1986 NATIONAL WEEKS OF ANTI-APARTHEID ACTION Friday March 21 Anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre ITO ISunday April6 Anniversary of Execution of Solomon Mahlangu, A&ican National Congress Freedom Fighter Friday April4 National Divestment Protest Day in Commemoration of Martin Luther King
- In the face of the escalating struggle in South Africa and Namibia, the apartheid regime has killed over 1000 protesters during the last year and arrested 15,000.
- Despite the upsurge of protest in this country, the Reagan Administration remains firmly wedded to its policy of construc tive engagement with Sduth Africa. and is pushing for direct CIA ties to UNIT A, South Africa's surrogates in Angola.
-The current crisis underscores the urgent need to strengthen nationwide coordinated anti-apartheid efforts which have helped lead to divestment actions at 30 campuses, 4 states, and 10 cities since the April1985 Weeks of Action.
-The 1986 Spring Weeks of Action will be organized locally on a nationwide basis, and are designed to heighten the impact of our decentralized action.
BELOW ARE ORGANIZING SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNI1Y AND STUDENT GROUPS: Friday March 2 1: Commemorations of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre during which police killed 69 unarmed people protesting South African pass laws. Monday March 24: Anti-Apartheid activists join with Central American solidarity groups in marking the anniversary of the assassination of EI Salvador's Archbishop Romero. Saturday March 29: Groups hold programs to raise material aid for South African and Namibian refugees, for example through Runs for Freedom or benefit dances. Friday April4: National Divestment Protest Day on the anniversary of Martin Luther King's death will stress link between apartheid and racism in the United states. 1) Hold protest rallies/direct actions for divestment. 2 ) Observe minute of silence at 1 PM Eastern Time. 3) Distribute black armbands to commemorate victims of racism at home and abroad. Sunday April 6: Anniversary of execution of Solomon Mahlangu of the ANC - Groups work with religious organizations to hold solidarity services for victims of apartheid ..;_-Distribute petitions for the release of political prisoners.
Day of Local Lobbying: in state and municipal legislatures during the weeks of Action for divestment legislation. A list of pending bills and legislative schedules will be available from the American Committee on Africa.
We call on all community, student, religious, trade union, thinf world, womens, peace, anti-intervention, gay and lesbian organizations to endorse the mobilization and to support the Weeks of Action by: 1) Raising the mobilization at Fall & Winter conferences, and during February Black History month. 2) Reproducing this leaflet and mailing it to you~ networks and membership as soon as possible. TO ENDORSE THE WEEKS OF ACTION AND TO RECEIVE AN ORGANIZING PACKET CONTACT: American Committee on Africa • 198 Broadway, NYC 10038 • 212-962-1210 The mobilization has already been backed by a November 1-3, 1985 National Student Conference on South Africa and Namibia, attended by 500 students from over 30 states. It is critical that we strengthen the growing campus-community alliance so visible during the October 11 National Protest Day. THE WASHINGTON POST
. golan conflict has helped prolong "Cuban and Soviet occupation" of Pentagon, CIA Pushing that country. Subcommittee Chairman Howard E. Wolpe (D-Mich.) said he strongly opposes U.S. intervention of any Covert Aid for Angola kind, saying, "There is probably no better way to play into the hands of ANGOLA, From AI UNIT A with aid-either covert or the Soviets and Cubans." overt and humanitarian or mili Wolpe predicted that U.S. aid to -1-' sponsoring with Rep. jack Kemp tary-have been discussed within UNIT A would increase Angolan Ul (R-N.Y.) to provide $27 million in 0 the administration and Congress for government dependence on Cuba P.ll{") nonlethal aid to UNIT A, led by a month, with some principal policy and the·Soviet Union, allow the So 00 jonas Savimbi. makers shifting positions on the CO'\ viets to discredit the United States 0.--l A Pepper aide said administration issue. in black Africa as an ally of white -1-' officials, who he said asked not to CIA Director William j. Casey tJl ... ruled South Africa, and lead to U.S. Cr--l be identified, had given these assur recently switched from supporting aid to Savimbi, whom he described ·r-1 ances "very recently" and an only humanitarian aid to favoring a as an "avowed Marxist" and a "Ma .c ~ Ul QJ nouncement of the decision is "a covert military program, according oist." question of timing." to one source in the intelligence Also arguing strongly against re ~ ~ If true, this would represent a QJ committee. newed U.S. involvement in Angola QJ !> major policy shift over the last The sharp controversy emerged was David D. Newsom, a former ..c: 0 three weeks. On Oct. 12, Secretary clearly yesterday during testimony U.S. ambassador to several nations 8Z of State George P. Shultz wrote before the House Foreign Affairs ·and assistant secretary of state for House Minori~y Leader Robert H. subcommittee on Africa. African affairs '- during the Nixon Michel (R-Ill.), saying the admin Rep. Mark D. Siljander (R-Mich.) adminstration . . istration thinks the Pepper-Kemp introduced with 41 co-sponsors a Newsom questioned whether bill is "ill-timed" and urging him to proposal to provide $27 million in there is a sufficient public consen oppose it. overt military aid to UNIT A, saying sus to sustain a prolonged u.s. ... White House said to back his bill Various proposals to ·provide U.S. ambivalence toward the An- commitment to Savimbi .
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+->IVIV I I >,1 IV I I I • IV~IVI-4 I I •
____J (Associated with The American Committee on Africa) • 198 Broadway • N.Y. • N.Y. • 10038 • (212) 962·1210
The Africa Fund Refugee Projects
The Africa Fund, ACOA's tax exempt a~sociate, has worked for many years to assist South African and Namibian refugees. Our assistance goes primarily to refugee projects in Angola, Tanzania and Zambia administered by the liberation movements on behalf of the
United Nations. ~~e maintain close contacts with liberation movement · officials in charge of these projects so that we can attempt to respond to their most urgent needs.
In the recent past we have sent the refugees: * a ton and a ha)f of medical equipment including stethescopes, catheters, bandages, and wheelchairs * a half ton of ampicillin antibiotic * 3,000 pairs of women's underwear * 600 women's balzers and pants for boys and young men * $10,000 for day care centers * $10,000 for women's centers, cultural projects and irrigation
Many local groups have raised for The Africa Fund refugee program money or kind contributions to meet a specific need. For example, campus groups have staged runs for freedom and contributed the proceeds. A church group has donated text books which had been phased out by their local school system.
If your group would like to consider participating in The Africa Fund's refugee assistance program call Associate Director Paul Irish at {212) 962-1210. ( \ American Committee On Africa \..___..-\ ) 198 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10038/ (212) 962-1210 I Cable AMCOMMAF u~ THE SUN PAY TIMES; 25 AUGUST1985 (London) Sanctions: black support grow-s
50 arc against it. In the youn'ger tratcd spccilkally on dtsmvest by Peter Godwin, 0-. ·will South Africa's problems be age groups. half those polled ment. .:· .. · Johannesburg, and solved peacefully, or by civil war? hdicvc violence is justified to Blacks now support sancfmns David Lipsey . % end apartheid. · even though 48% of them The answers on violence and expect that they would suffer .. civil war may in some cases RLA.< ·K South Afncans over 'personally if sanctions were have been inllucnced·by fear on imposed. against 46% who whrlmmgly support inter the rart of respondents that nallonal econom1c sanctiOns believed they would .not sulfcr agamst South Afnca. A Sunday they might be reporied to the personally. Blacks who had jobs authorities if they said they were just as keen on ,sanctions Times opmion poll earned oot It last werk shows that 77% ·or ;supported violence. is pos as those who were unemployed. hlarks hdicve other countries sible. therefore. that the true Support for sanctions was should lnlflO!iC sanctions unless support for violence may be highest among the young, South Afnca gets · rid of greater than the poll suggests. reaching 84% in th~ 2S-34 age group. . · apartheid. Some people say that violence Is Th1s poll. covering a sample justified to change the South Africat In our poll. the mos' of 400 urhan hlarks. shows apartlleid system. Others say till overwhelming response con mountmg rad1ralisat10n amongl violence Is not justified. Which of thes• cerned Nelson Mandela. the hla<'ks fnllowmg the unrest m do you believe? African National Congress lead -· .. . - ·- ~ - -· - · ... 11 is t Violence 1s JUStified 431ft cr. who has been in prison for whkh 630 people have 6een undertaken since the new 25 years for treason: 90% of constitution.was introduced last Violence IS not JUStified 52'/e killed, Civil war is tllpccted by· No 00101.0n 5'1t blacks polled believe he should (!Q'lb of hlacks even though ·a year. This gave Coloureds and be released "'without any pre majority believes viQJence_is not-· Indians. .but not blacks. their However. one ray of hope is .conditions"'. Just 6% thought he justified I
Executive Director: Jennifer Davis 1 Associate Director: Paul Irish I Research: Stephanie Urdang I Projects: Dumisani Kumalo I Literature: Richard Knight ~.;>•