No.2 AMERICAN COMMITTEE ON AFRICA• 305 E. 46th St., New York, N.Y. 10010 • (212) 838-5030 FALL 1977

SouTII AfRicA MovEs AGAiNsT BlAck OppoNENTS

The South African government, in a __8UW__QRT GROWSEORBANKCAMJMIGN mQv_ei:ksig_n~dtQ_!;!lLrninate aJLrnrm:1in_-__ ing opposition, has shut down the country's largest black newspaper and Union and church groups continue to timates that US bank loans to South outlawed the leading black organiza­ lead the way in withdrawing money Africa total about $3 billion, or one­ tions. Among the 19 groups banned are from 58 US banks which are targets of third higher than previously believed. the Black People's Convention and the a campaign to end all bank loans to The number. of organizations par­ South African Students' Organization, South Africa. ticipating in the campaign has grown both outgrowths of the black The United Radio, Electrical and to nearly 50. Among recent additions consciousness movement whose Machine Workers Union withdrew a $4 are several black organi;ations includ­ leader, Steve Biko, died in detention on million payroll account from Chase ing the Black Theology Project, the Sept. 12. Manhattan Bank in mid-September, Black Students Organization of At least 50 people were arrested and while the Sisters of Charity of New Columbia University, and the Black an unknown number banned as part of York removed its accounts from Citi­ Church Studies Program at Colgate­ the government's sweeping action on bank. The Fur, Leather and Machinery Rochester Divinity School. Oct. 19. Those arrested included six Workers (FLM Joint Board) also has As one indication of rising national members of the Committee of 10, a withdrawn all of its accounts from New interest, more than 100,000 fliers have group seeking self-government for York banks with South African connec- been distributed by COBLSA to date. Soweto. · tions. In communications to President In another major development, the THE DOMESTIC CONNECTION Carter and Secretary of State Vance, United Automobile Workers and In California, the issue of bank loans George M. Houser, ACOA executive District 31 of the United Steelworkers to South Africa has been linked with director, said that by its actions, "the of America, the largest Steelworkers that of redlining, under which policy white minority government has local in the country, both voted to banks close off entire areas-generally demonstrated its defiance of recent US withdraw all deposits in banks with poor and non-white-from loan consid- ____ 5o_u:tb_Africanconnec::tions ___ -~---_eration.______and international appeals that it begin a -dialogue with its black -political The Committee to End Bank Loans The California campaign has also re- leaders, aimed at a transformation of to South Africa (COi3LSA), whose form- ceived a boost in the form of growing South African society." mation was initiated by ACOA, now es- interest in the creation of a state- He added," AH attempts to appeal to (continued on page two) South African reason have proven futile. The US must implement an · effective policy commencing with an immediate suspension of diplomatic relations and moving toward actively STEVE BIKO discouraging all economic ties with South Africa." Th~ American Committee on Africa notes Rep. Andrew Maguire urged with sorrow and anger the death in deten­ measures be taken to "disentangle the tion of Steve Biko, outstanding young South US" from South Africa. These, he said, African leader and a prime mover in the should include the suspension of organization of the black consciousness Export-Import Bank loan guarantees movement. A personal recollection of Biko for US corporations engaged in South by Tim Smith, a member of the ACOA African operations. executive board and executive director of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Respons­ In South Africa, Beyers Naude, ibility, may be found on page 2. director of the ecumeriical Christian

(continued on page two) South Africa (continued from page one). A PERSONAL MEMORY of STEVE Biko By Tim Smith Institute, which was among the organ­ izations banned, said the government's I first met Steve Biko in 1968 at a conference of the University Christian action "can only hasten the end of the Movement in South Africa. At that time all student organizations that were present regime." Naude, who was multi-racial were white-dominated. The theme of Black Power was sweeping the himself served with a five year banning US and the seeds of the black consciousness movement were growing in South order, added, "It is a sad and terrible Africa. day for South Africa." Steve Biko along with Barney Pityana, another leader in the black conscious­ Percy Qoboza, editor of the World ness movement, led in the formation of a black caucus at the UCM meeting. the banned black newspaper, wa~ Before an audience of slightly shocked white liberals, they argued that whites unable to comment because he was could not properly understand the issues that dominated the lives of the blacks arrested and taken to prison shortly present. Soon after, the South African Students' Organization was founded. before a scheduled news conference at Steve Biko continued in the leadership of the black consciousness movement which he was to give his views on the as its base and power grew. He and the movement's other leaders were acutely aware of the need to dismantle apartheid, and not simply to make cosmetic closing of his paper. He is the first changes. He was also clearly conscious of the role that foreign investment and major South African editor to western governments played in buttressing South Africa's racist status quo. Both have been detained without trial. the South African Students' Organization and the Black :People's Convention Under South African law, he could be specifically called on foreign investors to withdraw, arguing that their presence held indefinitely. was not contributing to meaningful social change. South African Minister of Justice Many have spoken eloquently about him, but perhaps none more prophet­ James T. Kruger justified the govern­ ically than white newspaper editor Donald Woods, just after Biko was detained ment's actions -as necessary -to "the last year: maintenance of law and order." "Make a note of the name Steve Biko and remember it well. One way or Charging that the banned groups another it will be writ large in the South Africa of tomorrow. were part of "an attempt to cause the desired confrontation between black '' He is not the first potential prime minister to be detained without trial in this and white," he warned that further country-but I hope they treat him well while he is inside, because he has a measures may be taken. remarkable memory. And so have his friends." The Vorster regime's actions were widely interpreted as a reaction to black protests which began with the BANK CAMPAIGN Soweto uprisings in 1976 and which ( continued from page one) CALENDAR SALES SOAR accelerated with the death of Steve owned bank. Bank loans to South More than 1,500 anti-apartheid poster Biko. Despite South African Africa have been cited as one example calendars have already been sold, and government denials of responsibility, of the type of bank activity which orders are pouring in at the rate of up Biko's death sparked widespread would be precluded by such a bank's to 40 a day. The 1978 calendar, one out­ internal and international condemna­ existence. growth of a recent poster competi­ tion of the continuing,brutality of the Substantiating COBLSA's contention tion sponsored by ACOA, contains 12 regime in dealing with its opponents. that many US loans go directly to prop full-color posters and is available at a The moves were also seen as part of up the South African regime, Bank of cost of $4.00. Proceeds go to the Africa an effort by the Nationalist Party to America, headquartered in California, Fund to support its work on behalf of gain white conservative support in recently acknowledged that among its victims of apartheid. upcoming elections. $188 million in loans outstanding to Groups of posters from the compe­ Not since the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa as of early 1977, a signifi­ tition continue to be exhibited around 1960 has South Africa demonstrat­ the country in locations ranging from cant number were granted "to cover ed such fear of its black popuiation. the Cambridge, Mass. YMCA to the balance of payments deficits." That incident, which marked the first University of Minnesota. COBLSA is continuing to work out major confrontation between blacks Posters may be reserved for future plans for a National Day of withdrawal and whites, led to the banning of the showings by contacting Raphael Gould, to be held sometime in late winter or leading black political movements of ACOA director of special projects. Par­ early spring. that time, the African National ticipating groups must pay transporta­ For further information, contact Congress and the Pan-Africanist tion costs (about $25 for 10 to 20 posters) COBLSA coordinators Prexy Nesbitt of Congress.• ACOA or Gene Jones of Clergy and and are also asked to make a contri­ Laity Concerned (198 Broadway, NY bution, determined by ability to pay, to NY 10007). • help defray expenses. ■ BACK AT WORK George Houser, executive director "U.S. corporations and banks have nearly $2 billion invested in South Africa a substantial prop for the apartheid system. These companies take advantag~ of ACOA, is bac_k at work after under­ of legalized wage discrimination under which black workers are paid less than going successful surgery in September. ""€iite work~rs for equivalent wo~k. Apartheid provides a powerful incentive for His illness brought expressions of con­ IJ~ companies to make South Africa a haven for_ runaway plants. It is the interest cern from throughout the US and and obligation of American unionists to fight the corporations' immoral sup­ overseas, including delegates at the port for the racist South African regime." Lagos anti-apartheid conference, -Resolution adopted by the national convention of the United Radio, Electrical which he had been scheduled to and Machine Workers Union. attend. ■ PoET BRAVES SouTII AfRicAN IRE

Molefe Pheto, poet, musician, and co-founder of South Africa's Mihloti Black Theater, will return to South Africa shortly after a three-month visit to the United States. Mr. Pheto, who has been an outspoken critic of South Africa's apartheid regime and who has refused to appear before white audien­ ces in South Africa, was detained in March 1975 and spent 281 days in prison, 271 of them in solitary confinement. Displaying remarkable courage during his American visit, Mr. Pheto read his poetry at numerous public gatherings, including an appearance at theljnited Nations on Oct. 11, the UN Day of Solidarity with South Africa's Political Prisoners. He also read, through a bullhorn, at a demonstration against South African participation in the US Tennis Open held at Forest Hills on September 12. ACOA arranged several readings by Mr. Pheto in New York and at Yale University as well as an interview on the National Black Network. Molefe Pheto Mr. Pheto also read from his work at a September 25 memorial service for Steve Biko which was organized by members of the black South African community. The following poem, which he read at the Harlem service, is reprinted with Mr. Phe(o's permission.

WHEN THEY COME To Malebane, who "jumped" to his death from the tenth floor during "interrogation."

When they come for me we watch who blushed I ask I wonder many times but who's scared. for I know it was not me. who the victor is. Composure from peace Out in the long black Blasts of bangs like a quiet morning . .. hollow distance on dead doors inner strength strengthens my face and beard brightened in the middle of the night a weak me in a richness unconcentrated torch lights I stand tall as of fear a proud Black man Nigerian oil. from those who have for even as I might die come for me It's with them that I am winning nights without sleep my memory remains they are winning are now ended for me for they alone know I am incarcerated because at last how they committed me in a victory they have come to my death, of ideas. and I with victory me stone cold know my fate. strong strengthened Calabar was years ago because I am right. there's now a new dawn Brave talk of fears for me emanates from hoarse throats At interrogation I know because they took me __ a,s the_/]QUJ_f-:,s_eiJrs:_bQrngres~1=5 _ _Lf ooked the.mao -but-forgot-the mask: papers, any sort, strewn around straight in the eyes March 3, 1977 I watch, they watch But who BLUSHED The ab~e may not be reprinted without ex­ press permission of the author. BRIEFS------Survival, a play written and acted by The ACOA staff held a two-day re­ ACOA has sent 600 copies of a four black South Africans, opened Oct. treat Oct. 13-14 to discuss ongoing history text to Zambia. One hundred 9 at New York's Astor Place Theater projects and to consider long-range are for use by students at the Namibia after touring the West Coast. The play plans. One result was a decision to pur­ Institute in Lusaka; the other 500 are was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as sue the idea of a broad-based national intended for a Patriotic Front secon­ "a highly sophisticated, involving, and conference aimed at coordinating a dary school in Zambia. powerful piece of theater." major US campaign against white Jennifer Davis, ACOA research direc­ minority rule in southern Africa. Also tor, was invited to address the African Professor Tilden LeMelle, head of discussed were· the possibility of a Studies Association conference in the Black Studies Department at Hun­ second anti-apartheid poster campaign Houston on the subject of US cor­ ter College and a member of the ACOA and the advisability of establishing porate and banking ties with South executive board, was among speakers some sort of ACOA regional affiliates Africa. In early October, she ran a who addressed the UN on Oct. 11, the which could provide more effective workshop on the role of US business in­ . UN Day of Solidarity with South assistance to areas outside the East terests in South Africa at a conference Africa's Political Prisoners. Coast. at Yale University. ■ ''BooTh ATTENds ANTi-ApARThEid

appropriate assistance" to the op­ supported the legitimacy of armed CoNfERENCE pressed people of South Africa and struggle and called for assistance, in­ · their national liberation movement; cluding military assistance, to the lib­ • an unconditional rejection of the eration movements, was not formally "bantustans;" presented to the Conference. Instead, • a call on the UN Security Council it was to be annexed to the final report to take all necessary measures to en­ of the Conference and was referred to sure full implementation of the arms the UN Committee Against Apartheid, embargo against South Africa. which has already endorsed it and is expected to include its recommen­ dations in the Committee's annual OTHER PROPOSALS report to the General Assembly. In addition to the Declaration, the Booth's presence at the Conference conference was to have adopted a set generated two developments that will of proposals for further action support ACOA action programs in the developed by a Commi.ssion of the immediate future. Th~ Nigerian·gov-­ whole. However, owing to a combina­ ernment indicated.to him its support of tion of political and technical prob­ the campaign against US bank loans to lems, the Commission remained a South Africa sponsored by groups in­ limited body whose meetings were at­ cluding ACOA, and he secured the con­ tended mainly by those governments sent of Patriotic Front leader Robert William Booth and groups. most sympathetic to the Mugabe to a fund-raising tour of the US. ■ . William Booth, president of ACOA, liberation struggle. Its report, which represented the organization at the PUBLICATIONS World-Wide Conference for Action The Africa Fund, associated with ACOA, regularly publishes analyses and Against Apartheid held in Lagos, research papers on events of major importance in Southern Africa, copies of Nigeria, August 22-26. Among those in which are available at low cost to individuals and groups for use in educational attendance were high-level representa­ and other activities. tives of 112 governments and leaders of the liberation movements. The US ARMS FOR APARTHEID by Sean Gervasi, AF 1977, 4pp. 10Q:. Over ten, 8Q: each. An edited version of testimony before the House Subcommittee on Africa which so alarmed the South government delegation was led by An­ African government that it requested no mention of it in domestic newspapers. Gervasi drew Youngk US Ambassador to the details massive direct and indirect arms sales to South Africa by the US, Britain, Italy and UN. France since passage of a UN arms embargo in 1963. Booth, who was one of only two US SANCTIONS BREAKERS: SELLING OIL TO RHODESIA by Bernard Rivers, AF 1977, 4pp. del.egates who were guests of the Ni­ 10(1:. Over ten, 8Q: each. An adaptation of testimony presented to the Sanctions Committee gerian government, described the Con­ of the UN Security Council. Outlines the way in which Western oil companies continue to ference as providing "a unique chance supply oil to Rodesia through their South African subsidiaries in violation of UN san­ for all interested parties to meet per­ ctions. Earlier work by Rivers and others drew major attention in the US and Britain and sonally and appreciate each other" in a resulted in an inconclusive investigation of Mobil Corporation by the US government. report to the ACOA executive board. A FINE FACE FOR APARTl-!l;ID: SOUTH AFRICA'S US IMAGE MAKERS by Shelly Pitter­ The Declaration adopted by the man, AF 1977, 4pp. 10(1:. Over !en, 8(1: each .. An examination of South Africa's public Conference, while silent or vague on relations and lobbying effort in the US, which in the past few years has grown into a multi­ several crucial points including recog­ million dollar business. Contains details on subsidized congressional and journalistic nition of the legitimacy of the libera­ trips to South Africa, a description of the US firms working on contract for the South African government, and a run-down on the various South African operations in the US. tion movements and of armed struggle, represented a significant advance over THE KRUGERRAND: FACTS ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA'S GOLD COIN by Karen Rothmyer previous formulations acceptable to and Shelly Pitterman, AF 1977, 4pp. 10(1:. Over ten, 8Q: each. A simply written backgrounder the Western powers. containing facts and figures on Krugerrand production, distribution and sales. Outlines the role of gold in South Africa's economy and the reasons behind the Krugerrand sales campaign. Also contains a brief resume of anti-Krugerrand activities in the US. POSITIONS ADOPTED Among the positions adopted were: US POLICY fN SOUTHERN AFRICA: PREACHING FREEDOM, INVESTING IN OPPRESSION • the recognition of the "inalienable by George M. Houser, AF 1977, 4pp. 10q:. Over ten, 8Q: each. A detailed analysis of US right to self-determination" of all the policies in southern Africa under the Carter administration, including a country-by­ country review, which concludes that while certain alterations have been made, long-held people of South Africa, and the accep­ positive attitudes toward investment preclude any prospects for substantial change. tance of the principle of majority rule; • recognition of "the inalienable right of the oppressed South African people FACT SHEET ON SOUTH AFRICA by Karen Rothmyer, AF 1977, 4pp. 10(1:. Over ten, 8Q: each. An up-to-date compilation of statistics on health, education, investment, living and their national liberation move­ conditions, etc. Invaluable as a general resource. ment to resort to all available and ap~ propriate means of their choice to 1978 SOUTH AFRICA FREEDOM CALENDAR, 1977, $4.00. Bulk rates available. Contains 'secure their freedom;" 12 full-color posters selected from entries in the ACOA anti-apartheid poster corites,. • a call to all governments, organiza­ AFRICA FUND LITERATURE LIST, free, available on request. ':: tions and individuals to provide'all