1970s

SWAPO leaders Aaron Mushimba and Hendrik Shikongo were sentenced to death under the Terrorism Act on 12 May 1976. The Namibia Support Committee and Southern Africa the Imprisoned Society (SATIS) promoted an international campaign for their release. It distributed thousands of postcards calling on the British government to intervene and held a demonstration outside South Africa House. The SWAPO leaders were released on appeal in 1977. Left to right: Liberal MP Richard Wainwright, Botswana High Commissioner B M Setshango, TGWU General Secretary Jack Jones, SWAPO representative Peter Katjavivi, Labour Party General Secretary Ron Hayward, Amnesty International Director David Simpson and AAM Chair John Ennals.

On 16 June 1976 South African police opened fire on student demonstrators in Soweto, killing hundreds and sparking student uprisings across South Africa. Hundreds of anti-apartheid supporters gathered outside South House in London on the following day to protest against the shootings. In the photo are ANC members Rica Hodgson, Shanthie Naidoo, Paul Joseph, Aziz Pahad and Ramnie Dinat.

On 16 June 1976 South African police opened fire on student demonstrators in Soweto, killing hundreds and sparking student uprisings across South Africa. The AAM organised a mass march through central London on 27 June to protest against the killings.

Thousands of people marched through central London on 27 June 1976 to protest against the South African police massacre of school students in Soweto. The march was led by ANC members carrying a symbolic coffin. Right to left: ANC members John Matshikiza, Billy Nannan and Garth Strachan.

Thousands of people marched through central London on 27 June 1976 to protest against the South African police massacre of school students in Soweto. 

Thousands of people marched through central London on 27 June 1976 to protest against the South African police massacre of school students in Soweto. 

Undercover police look on at the AAM Trafalgar Square rally to protest against the South African police massacre of school students in Soweto, held on 27 June 1976. A special undercover police unit spied on anti-apartheid meetings and demonstrations throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Leaders of the Soweto student uprising Tsietsi Mashinini, Selby Semela and Barney Makheatle in London after escaping from South Africa in 1976.