Free Mandela

pic8841. ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ cards, 18 July 1988

A deputation from the AAM delivered over 30,000 cards calling for Nelson Mandela’s release to the South African Embassy in London on Mandela’s 70th birthday, 18 July 1988. The cards were signed by people from all over Britain. The Embassy refused to accept the cards and threw them onto the pavement.

mda17. ‘Nelson Mandela Freedom at 70’ postcard

Thousands of these postcards, addressed to South African President P W Botha, were delivered to the South African Embassy in London on Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday, 18 July 1988.

mda14. Nelson Mandela 70th birthday card

Birthday card for Nelson Mandela designed by Steve Bell. The graphic shows President P W Botha and incorporates the ANC colours of black, green and gold.

mda15. Nelson Mandela 70th birthday card

Birthday card for Nelson Mandela designed by South African artist Hilda Bernstein. The pack included an envelope addressed to Mandela c/o his wife Winnie.

mda19. Nelson Mandela 70th birthday card

Birthday card for Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday, 18 July 1988, produced by the African National Congress.

mda30. ‘Nelson Mandela Freedom at 70’, Sheffield

Sheffield AAM arranged a special programme of ‘Freedom at 70’ events to mark Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday on 18 July 1988, as well as sending coaches of supporters to the national rally in London on 17 July. Events included a live video screening of the Wembley Mandela tribute concert, a five-a-side football competition and a party on 18 July.

po150. Mandela birthday concert

Poster advertising a concert held to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday on 18 July 1988. The concert featured the Zimbabwean group the Bhundu Boys, calypsonian David Rudder and Orchestra Marrabenta from Mozambique. It took place at The Academy, a major rock venue in Brixton, home of one of London’s biggest black communities.

mda29. Mandela birthday concert

This concert celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday on 18 July 1988 featured the Zimbabwean group, the Bhundu Boys, calypsonian David Rudder and Orchestra Marrabenta from Mozambique. It took place at The Academy, a major rock venue in Brixton, home of one of London’s biggest black communities.