Browse the AAM Archive

The 1976 annual general meeting of the actors union Equity called for an extension of the union’s boycott of South Africa. It asked Equity’s Council to extend its ban on television programmes to all filmed or taped material and to instruct members not to work there. It also called for a ban on working in Rhodesia. This leaflet from Performers Against Racism asked members to support the new policy in a referendum. Members voted to support the union’s existing policy of asking members to refuse to perform if they were prevented from appearing before multi-racial audiences. But the new proposals were narrowly defeated.

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.

Leaflet publicising the fifth annual conference held by the NUS/AAM student network, held at Sheffield University, 9–11 July 1976. The conference prioritised campaigns against investment in South Africa and collecting material aid for the liberation movements. It took place as student unrest erupted throughout South Africa after the police opened fire on school students in Soweto in June 1976.