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President P W Botha imposed a state of emergency over large parts of South Africa on 20 July 1985. The army and police were ordered to ‘shoot to kill’ protesters and many African townships were sealed off from the outside world. This AAM leaflet accused the British government of being the ‘Number One Protector’ of apartheid by blocking sanctions within the Commonwealth and at the UN.

The ANC’s cultural group Amandla was formed in Angola after the 1976 Soweto uprising. It was made up of 30 young South African singers, dancers and musicians. On its1985 tour of Britain it visited centres all over the country, performing and holding workshops on music, dance and drama. The tour included shows at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and Shaw Theatre. It was sponsored by trade unions and local authorities.

This petition to Parliament was launched at a press conference in August 1985 at the height of the international campaign for sanctions against South Africa. 

Bristol anti-apartheid supporters took part in an anti-racist demonstration in Bristol City Centre on 31 August 1985. Although the national AAM did not formally affiliate to organisations opposing racism within Britain, many AA groups joined local protests.

Leaflet advertising a 23-hour demonstration asking Dundee City Council to confer the freedom of the city on Nelson Mandela. The leaflet also publicised a meeting at Dundee Trades Council Club and a rally in Edinburgh calling for Mandela's release. Dundee Council gave Mandela the freedom of the city on 31 October 1985.

Petition circulated by Dundee AA Group as part of its campaign to persuade Dundee City Council to confer the freedom of the city on Nelson Mandela. The City Council gave Mandela the freedom of the city on 31 October 1985.

Leaflet advertising demonstrations opposing a visit by Dundee Chamber of Commerce to South Africa in 1985. The actions included an all-day picket in City Square, Dundee on 16 November.

Letter to Prime Minister Thatcher urging her to support the imposition of Commonwealth sanctions against South Africa at the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government held in Nassau in October 1985.