Boycott

‘Don’t Buy South African goods’ was the message on Tyneside AA Group’s float at Newcastle upon Tyne’s May Day carnival in 1989. Local anti-apartheid supporters were asking spectators to support the AAM’s ‘Boycott Apartheid 89’ campaign.

The AAM organised a nationwide Day of Action calling on Tesco to stop selling South African products on 22 April 1989. This leaflet advertised a picket of a Tesco store in the London Borough of Hackney, one of 320 stores all over Britain where anti-apartheid campaigners asked shoppers to boycott South African goods. The picket was organised by Hackney Community Against Apartheid.  

In March 1989 the AAM held a month of anti-apartheid action on women. Women all over Britain held meetings, exhibitions and demonstrations outside supermarkets selling South African and Namibian products. The month had three themes: the collection of material aid for South African and Namibian women, freedom for women prisoners and the boycott of South African and Namibian products.

Labour MP Bernie Grant with Haringey AA Group activist Sean O’Donovan, signing the AAM’s ‘Boycott Apartheid 89’ petition.

Bristol AA Group supporters asked shoppers not to buy South African wine. They were taking part in the AAM’s ‘Boycott Apartheid 89’ campaign in March 1989. All over Britain local AA groups gave out campaign leaflets outside supermarkets and Shell garages. As well as wine and fruit, the campaign focused on tourism and imports of coal and gold.

Anti-apartheid supporters in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, talked to shoppers at the city’s main branch of Tesco as part of the AAM’s ‘Boycott Apartheid 89’ campaign in March 1989. All over Britain local AA groups gave out campaign leaflets outside supermarkets and Shell garages.

Poster advertising a benefit concert at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill, West London organised by Notting Hill Anti-Apartheid Group. The gig featured ska/rap band Ruff Ruff and Ready. The AAM received no government or large institutional grants and depended on membership subscriptions and events like this for funding.

Anti-apartheid supporters in Maidstone, Kent asked shoppers to boycott Cape Fruit as part of the AAM’s ‘Boycott Apartheid 89’ campaign. All over Britain local AA groups talked to shoppers and motorists outside supermarkets and Shell garages.