SAYING NO
The Dutch anti-apartheid movement was carried by the so-called ‘protest-generation’: a young generation of people who grew up after the second world war. They were politically active, rejected capitalism and the establishment, made their own decisions and learned to say no. No to the war in Vietnam, no to nuclear armament. The no to apartheid grew stronger every year. It was motivated by the gruesome fate of Jews in the second world war, and the Dutch colonial role in Indonesia. Sharpeville and Soweto were too reminiscent. Many Dutch citizens decided
to take action, in order to influence public opinion and political actions. Activists came from the left oriented youth that felt challenged by authority, but also many people with a religious background raised their voice. They all expressed their opinion increasingly loud and clear. In the 80’s the anti-apartheid movement gathered momentum, culminating in the biggest demonstration in 1988 in Amsterdam, where people of all ages and convictions got together to express their voice: we don’t accept this!!! Main weapon: the banner.
Demonstration in Amsterdam 24 June 1980. Photo Bert Zijlma, 1980.
Dr. Beyers NaudĂŠ addresses a demonstration in Utrecht 9-6-1985. Photo Ruud Hoff, ANP.
Background photo - Manifestation in Amsterdam 11-6-1988. Photo Cor Mulder, ANP 1988.
Protest against death sentences of ANC-members in Amsterdam. Photo Jan Stegeman, 1982.
Apartheid is murder, sprayed on the walls of the Soutyh-African Embassy in The Hague, 1984. Photo Martijn de Jonge.
Demonstration after the uitroepen of the State of Emergency, the Hague. Photo Bram de Hollander 1985.
Manifestation in The Hague, 15-6-1986.
International day against racism, commemoration Sharpeville and boycot Shell, Dam square Amsterdam, 21 March 1987. Photo Jan Stegeman.
Allan Boesak addresses 50.000 demonstrators in Amsterdam, 11-6-1988. Photo John Brouwer de Koning.
Protest at the South-African Embassy after the ban on UDF and 17 other organisations, with Max van den Berg, Adriaan van Dis and Fulco Aurich. Photo Jan Stegeman.
Demonstration in Amsterdam 11 June 1988. Photo Cor Mulder, ANP.
Demonstration in The Hague
IMAGINING THE FUTURE
South Africa was a battle ground, but also a laboratory. Along with the fight to end apartheid, there were always discussions how a new post-apartheid South Africa should or could look like. It was difficult to have those discussions in South Africa itself, if only because many important spokesmen lived in exile. Various conferences, organized in the Netherlands, made discussions like this possible. Polticians, church leaders, artists, activists, actors, writers en musicians from South Africa and from exile met in the Netherlands. Simultaneously these meetings gave Dutch activists, politicians, artists and interested citizens, a unique opportunity to meet leading representatives and taste the vibrant culture from South Africa. A first conference on culture was held in 1982, a second one in 1987, known as CASA, Culture in another South Africa. Three hundred participants, half of them from South Africa, half of them came from exile, met in Amsterdam, were housed with people at home. Consequently, a large women’s conference on the women’s struggle in South Africa was organized in early 1990: Malibongwe. South Africans could imagine their future society in the quiet surroundings of Amsterdam, creating long lasting friendship in the process.
Poster Lies Ros, Rob Schroder and Frank Beekers, 1987.
Poster Victor Levie, 1990.
Demonstration at the end of the Malibongwe conference, Amsterdam, 17 January 1990. Photo: Hugo Rompa.
The African Jazz Pioneers perform at the ‘Heroes Day’concert, CASA , 1987. Photo Inge Goijaerts.
Performance at ‘Heroes Day’concert, CASA 1987. Photo Wilma Kuyvenhoven.
Dutch choirs sing ‘Dubula’1982
South African authors Breyten Breytenbach and Nadine Gordimer with Dutch publisher Robert van Gennep (right) at the CASA conference 1987. Photo Pieter Boersma.
Thembi Mtshali performs at Malibongwe, 17 January 1990. Photo Hugo Rompa.
Barbara Masekela, secretary of the Department of Arts & Culture of the ANC, addresses the conference ’The doors of culture shall be opened’, 1982. Photo Eduard de Kam.
Barbara Masekela at conference 1982
Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the Netherlands, 1984. Photo Jan Stegeman.
Malibongwe 1990. Photo Matthijs Veldt.
CASA opening night 1987
Farid Esack on CASA opening night, 1987. Photo Wilma Kuyvenhoven.
In 1948 the National Party won the elections and declared apartheid the leading principle for the future of South Africa. It marked not the beginning but the intensification of harsh rules and practices separating people of different colour, dictated by a white minority. In the Netherlands this development changed attitudes towards South Africa, first slowly, then intensifying. As the regime became more brutal, more and more Dutch citizens felt a need to protest, to act against the South African government and express their solidarity with the oppressed. Over the years this reaction gained momentum, leading to protests, the formation of numerous committees, campaigns for economic and cultural boycotts, political
activities and demonstrations, material support for communities of exiled members of the liberation movements and democratic organisations in South Africa, and the organisation of large conferences to discuss the future of a non-racial and democratic South Africa. National and local government followed hesitatingly. The movement united people from different backgrounds. Support for the struggle against apartheid became a national objective in the late 1980s. Nelson Mandela’s visit to the Netherlands in 1990 shortly after his release was an acknowledgement of the Dutch support. In 1994 apartheid ended with the first democratic elections. A history to be remembered. Netherlands
Colofon
Commissioned by: Production: Coordination: Design: Printing & system: Audiovisuals: Visuals: Editing: Advisors: External advisors: Financial support:
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Pretoria | The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa The Hague ZAM Magazine Amsterdam Paul Faber Amsterdam Dave Hoop Utrecht Expo systems Amersfoort Maarten Rens, Itamar Namaani, Zootrope Unless otherwise indicated: International Institute of Social History (IISG) Amsterdam Jean Vaughan Bart Luirink ZAM, Kier Schuringa IISG Sietse Bosgra, Cor Groenendijk, Richard Hengeveld, Ismail Mohamed, Lucia Raadschelders Fund | The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Pretoria | The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa The Hague | International Institute of Social History
South Africa
WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE
Relations between the Netherlands and South Africa go back to 1652, when Jan van Riebeeck landed at the Cape to set up a refreshment post for the Dutch East India Company (VOC). It developed into a colony with a permanent and expanding white population, the Afrikamers or Boers, who spoke a language familiar to Dutch. After the British took over the Cape in 1806, part of the Afrikamer population migrated into the interior to establish two independent republics. When the British attacked these so-called Boer republics (1880–81, 1899–1902) the general public in the Netherlands sympathised with the Boers. The Second World War, when the Dutch experienced German occupation and racism in the
Paul Kruger, president of the Transvaal Republic was considered a hero by many Dutch during the South-African (Boer) Wars. Poster for Krugers gedenkschriften. 1900-1920 .
grimmest way, influenced the public opinion. The election victory of the Afrikaner National Party in 1948 was received with shock. But government relations soon improved, motivated by economic interests, especialy since the Netherlands lost their main colony with the independence of Indonesia. In 1952 a cultural agreement was signed and South Africa became popular with Dutch emigrants. Queen Juliana took a different position. She stated that she would never visit South Africa as long as there was apartheid. Because of the systematic introduction of racist laws in all parts of South African society throughout the 1950s, the rejection of apartheid grew steadily, also in The Netherlands.
After 1902 streets in many Dutch cities were named after men and places connected with the South-African wars. In the seventies and later, several of these streets were renamed after South African freedom fghters. Poster DAF, 1978.
1955
1960
1963 - 1964
1965
1970 - 1971
1976
After a visit to South Africa the reverend JJ Buskes publishes a book: ‘South-Africa’s apartheid policy: unacceptable’.
After the Sharpeville massacre the protest against apartheid gains momentum. The ‘Comité Zuid-Afrika’ is founded by people from a variety of religious and political backgrounds (or: broad-based antiapartheid organisation).
Demonstrations take place at the South-African Embassy in the Hague. First boycott actions.
Foundation of the Dutch branch of the International Defence and Aid Fund, meant to support political prisoners of the apartheid regime and their families. It received a donation of the Dutch government, and was accompanied by a public action broadcasted on TV where more money was raised.
Dutch activists felt that after an era of mild and careful protests a more radical approach was needed. New groups were formed, like Kairos, supporting Dr. Beyers Naudé’s South-African Christian Institute, the BOA (Boycot Outspan Actie), and the AABN (Anti-apartheid movement in the Netherlands). Their aim was tot to involve the public in large scale anti-apartheid activities like boycott campaigns or supporting the ANC.
After the Soweto uprising the protests and demonstrations become bigger and more outspoken. The Dutch government gives stronger support to the protests and campaigns for an international embargo. Following the independence of Angola and Mozambique in 1975 the former Dutch Angola Comité joins the anti-apartheid struggle as the Holland Committee on Southern Africa (KZA). Solidarity demonstration with the people of Soweto in Amsterdam, 18 June 1976. Photo Paul Babeliowsky. When students in Soweto protest against so-called Bantu education on 16 June 1976, police open fire. Steve Biko, founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, dies in police custody.
Demonstration in Amsterdam after Sharpeville, 26-3-1960. Photo ANP.
Against apartheid. Boycot South-African goods. Poster 1964.
In the so-called Rivonia trial, ten leaders of the African National Congress were charged on charges of violent action. Eight were convicted and jailed for life, including Nelson Mandela.
The Freedom Charter, the statement of principles of the African National Congress and its allies, was officially adopted on 26 June 1955 at a Congress of the People in Kliptown.
A peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville against pass-laws, ends in a massacre.
Congress in Kliptown. Photo BAHA.
Burial of people killed at Sharpeville. Photo BAHA.
Winnie Mandela in front of the Palace of Justice where the Rivonia Trial takes place. Photo BAHA.
26 - 8 - 1955
21 - 3 - 1960
1963 -1964
The Dutch DAF committee in 1965, chaired by prof. Dr. G. van der Molen (mid). Photo Ton Schutz, ANP.
Poster of the AABN, picturing South African Prime Minster Vorster. Poster Conny Braam, 1971.
Demonstrating Soweto students shortly before the outburst of violence, 16 June 1976. Photo Mike Mzileni, BAHA.
1976 - 1977
1979
1980
1981 - 1982
After years of fruitless attempts to persuade the Dutch-British owned oil giant Shell to withdraw from South Africa, a large-scale campaign for an international oil boycott is launched by many organisations and parties.
A signature campaign is organized for the release of Nelson Mandela. 56.000 people signed a petition that was presented over to the Dutch government.
The Cultural treaty with South Africa, formed in 1951, is dismantled. Other boycots on science and sports are initiated. A network of parlementarians against apartheid is being formed, focussing on sanctions (AWEPAA). The Netherlands join the International Year for Sanctions Against Apartheid of the United Nations.
Oil boycot demonstration at the Binnenhof, the seat of the Dutch Parliament, the Hague. Photo Paul Babeliowsky.
AABN president Conny Braam presents the petition to MP Relus ter Beek, in the presence of Oliver Tambo, 26-11-1980. Photo Jacques Klok, ANP.
Meeting with i.e. Jan Nico Scholten (AWEPAA), G.Motsepe the ANC-representative for Benelux (second from right) and Sietse Bosgra of the KZA (right). Photo Jan Stegeman.
Foundation of the United Democratic Front (UDF). Poster made for the National Rally in Cape Town to launch the UDF on 20 August 1983.
1983
1985
1986 - 1987
1988
1990
1994
2013
In response to the massive repression under the State of Emergency in South Africa, the anti-apartheid protests in the Netherlands escalate and broaden.
The mayor of Amsterdam declares the city as anti-apartheid-city. Other cities take similar positions. Fierce actions against Shell and other companies. A large Soweto commemoration is organized. In december 1987 a large conference takes place in Amsterdam: CASA, Culture in Another South-Africa.
Independent from national government policy, many local government organisations take a stand against apartheid. In the largest ever anti-apartheid demonstration in Holland more than 50.000 people march through Amsterdam, organised by a broad platform of organisations.
In January a large women’s conference is being held, Malibongwe. In June Mandela visits Amsterdam 4 months after his release.
A Dutch campaign supports the election fund of the ANC in the first democratic elections in South Africa. After the elections some Dutch anti-apartheid organisations end their activities. Others continue under a different name to support the new government.
After the death of Nelson Mandela an impressive tribute is organised in Amsterdam on 15 December 2013.
Protest meeting about the South African State of Emergency. Poster 1982.
Black woman protesting against the South African army’s occupation of Soweto and other townships during the state of emergency in 1985.
The Netherlands against Apartheid
Commemoration of the Soweto uprising in the Hague, 15-6-1986. Photo Jan Stegeman.
The head of the demonstration on its way to the Museumplein, 11-6-1980, Amsterdam. Photo Boris Klatser.
Nelson Mandela greets the crowd gathered on the Leidse Plein in Amsterdam, 16-6-1990. Photo Roel Rozenburg.
KZA stand in The Hague, 16 April 1994, Geef Zuid-Afrika een stem (Give South Africa a Voice/Vote) campaign. Photo Jan Stegeman.
President De Klerk announces the unbanning of the ANC, PAC, SACP and other organisations. Nelson Mandela is released.
First free democratic elections in South Africa. Mandela is elected president.
Photo Hans Mooren.
Digital copies of the Dutch anti-apartheid archives at the International Institute of Social History are handed over to the ANC and other South African archives.
Photo Paul Weinberg.
Mandela in front of the Cape Town City Hall, on the day of his release, 11 February 1990. Photo, Louise Gubb.
Mandela casting his vote at Ohlange School, Inanda, Durban, May 1994. Photo Paul Weinberg.
Ceremony to present the archival material. Right South African President Jacob Zuma, left Dutch Ambassador André Haspels, 2013. Photo Multichoice.
1985
1990
1994
2013
Nelson Mandela and Queen Beatrix, Leiden, 1999. Photo Marc de Haan(detail).
WE ARE ONE
The anti-apartheidmovement was moved by a strong resentment against the SA government and its policy. That was mirorred by a feeling just as strong of solidarity. Solidarity with the resistance, with the freedomfighters in South Africa and in exile, with the liberation movements, unions and other democratic organisations, solidarity with the oppressed, the people in the townships, the political prisoners, the women and the children. Solidarity was felt and expressed by almost everyone. Countless groups, parties and communities in the Netherlands declared themselves to be against apartheid. In more practical terms money was raised and goods were collected and sent off. In 1965 a Dutch branch of the Defence and Aid Fund (DAF) was formed, to support prisoners, Dutch citizens were active in setting up a school in Tanzania for ANC youth (Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College), broadcasters in Holland supported Radio Freedom. The Dutch government took a stance against apartheid, supported financially the antiapartheid movement.
Collecting materials for the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (Somafco), 1982. Photo Bert Zijlma.
Dutch teacher Julia Jacobse training agricultural students at the Somafco, 1984.
KZA Liberation fund. Poster Parallax Vormgevers 1990.
Poster Victor Levie, 1981.
Dutch broadcasters support Radio Freedom. Poster Opland (Robert Wout).
Poster Lies Ros, Rob Schrรถder and Fank Beekers 1984.
Series of buttons. Apart? We are sick of it! Youngsters against apartheid. Poster 1985.
Kairos. Christians against apartheid. Poster Len Munnik.
Dutch Federation of Unions against apartheid. Poster Hans Brouwer, 1978..
Education against apartheid. Poster, 1979.
Poster, 1986. Torch parade against apartheid. Poster, 1988.
Writers against apartheid. Poster 1982.
Artists against apartheid. Poster Gavin Jantjes 1985.
BOYCOTT
In 1959 the then ANC President Albert Luthuli recommended an economic boycott as one of the few ways to persuade the South African government to change their politics. Dutch action committees soon picked up that message. The boycott became a strong, successful weapon. Every citizen could participate by refusing to buy South African products, like wine or fruit. More effective was a national or international boycott such as initiated by the UN, especially on oil and arms. Many actions were organised against Dutch companies like Shell and the Makro that were dealing with the South African government. South Africa had close ties with the western world so the economic boycotts hit hard. Economic boycotts were followed by boycotts in other fields like culture, science and sport. Long discussions took place, wasn’t it better to carry on a dialogue? But the leaders of the liberation movement were very clear about this. Boycotts were initiated by citizens and committees. A very effective Shipping Research Bureau was set up as a watchdog to prevent oil companies evading the boycott rules. The idea behind all boycotts was to isolate the country so completely that the government would be forced to accept a transition to democracy.
Demonstratieve blokkade van de South African Embassy, The Hague, 5 September 1984. Photo Jan Stegeman.
A complete economic and militairy boycott of South Africa, with portraits of Vorster and Botha . Poster by Lies Ros, Rob Schröder and Frank Beekers 1978.
Don’t squeeze South Africans. Boycott Outspan oranges. Poster Van der Aa 1975. Poster Jan Koperdraat.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Support for the struggle against apartheid was international. Protests were organised in all sorts of countries. Some, like the Netherlands, the UK and the Scandinavian countries were at the fore, others followed more cautiously. In those countries it was often civil society that took the lead. They took to the streets to demonstrate, organised boycott actions, thereby influencing public opinion, and tried to convince politicians to take a different stance. Governments followed or distanced themselves, depending on the dominant political convictions. In addition international organisations like the United Nations made a stand. Together they put increasing pressure on the South African government, until the change in 1990. Today there are also still numerous wrongs in the world, both in our own country and faraway places. Often these problems are so great that you feel completely powerless as an individual. The history of the antiapartheid struggle proves that you can achieve a lot with persistence and good arguments. What would you do?
Photo Harrison Mitchell, Amnesty International.
The South African actress and activist Andrea Dondolo. Photo DFID, 2013.
Free Marwan Barghouti, South Africa, 2013.
Poster by Victor Levie, 1981.
THE MANDELA CONNECTION
Untill 1980 Mandela was not a well known name in the Netherlands, but he was not overlooked. Dutch diplomat Coen Stork was an official observer at the Rivonia trial. In 1980 the first demonstration was held for Mandela’s release in the Netherlands. Over the years he became the international symbol of the struggle against apartheid as such, and a slource of inspiration fr many Dutch people. When Ruud Gullit, a Dutch soccer player was elected soccerplayer of the year 1988, he dedicated his award to Nelson Mandela. In 1990 just months after his release Mandela visited the Netherlands as token for acknowledgement for the Dutch contribution. He received a hero’s wellcome. After 1990 he visited the Netherlands several times more times, in 1994, 1999 and 2002.
After his passing away in december 2013 an impressive tribute was organized in Amsterdam, many people got together including former queen Beatrix.
Rivonia Prison Republic of South Africa 11th June, 1964 Dear mr. Stork, I am writing to you before the final outcome of this case because, thereafter, it will not be possible for me to do so. My colleagues and I deeply appreciate the invaluable assistance you have given us. The personal interest you have shown in the case and the strong support we are receiving from all sections of the Dutch population, give us enormous reserves () of strengt hand courage. We would like you to know that we regard you as one of our greatest friends, and are sure you will continue tob e of assistance to our people in their struggle against racial discrimination. UNGADINWA NANGOMSO Yours very sincerely NRMandela
Letter Nelson
Mandela to Coen
Stork, 1964.
1999 after receiving a doctorate at leiden University.
Solidarity demonstration with the people of Soweto, 1976. Photo Hans van den Bogaard.
Don’t talk to the regime, but to the representatives of the people. Demonstration in The Hague, 1985. Photo Marcel Antonisse, ANP.
Poster 1985-1990.
Poster Lies Ros and Rob SchrĂśder, 1978. Photo Josef Melo.
Fight for freedom. Sticker 1985.
National anti-apartheid manifestation. Poster 1988.
Banner, 1990.
‘We respect you, we admire you,
and above all, we love you.’ (Nelson Mandela addressing the crowd in Amsterdam, 1990) Photo Ruud Hoff, 1990. >>
With his wife Graça Machel and Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok, on his way to the World War II monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam, 1999. Photo Jan Stegeman.
With Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit, 17 February 1994. Gullit dedicated his Golden Ball award in 1987 to Nelson Mandela. Photo Frans van der Linde ANP.
Banner, 1990. Mandela stamp to commemorate his 85th birthday, 2003. Design Irma Boom.
Mandela in the Netherlands 1990, 1999
In 1948 the National Party won the elections and declared apartheid the leading principle for the future of South Africa. It marked not the beginning but the intensification of harsh rules and practices separating people of different colour, dictated by a white minority. In the Netherlands this development changed attitudes towards South Africa, first slowly, then intensifying. As the regime became more brutal, more and more Dutch citizens felt a need to protest, to act against the South African government and express their solidarity with the oppressed. Over the years this reaction gained momentum, leading to protests, the formation of numerous committees, campaigns for economic and cultural boycotts, political
activities and demonstrations, material support for communities of exiled members of the liberation movements and democratic organisations in South Africa, and the organisation of large conferences to discuss the future of a non-racial and democratic South Africa. National and local government followed hesitatingly. The movement united people from different backgrounds. Support for the struggle against apartheid became a national objective in the late 1980s. Nelson Mandela’s visit to the Netherlands in 1990 shortly after his release was an acknowledgement of the Dutch support. In 1994 apartheid ended with the first democratic elections. A history to be remembered. Netherlands
Colofon
Commissioned by: Production: Coordination: Design: Printing & system: Audiovisuals: Visuals: Editing: Advisors: External advisors: Financial support:
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Pretoria | The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa The Hague ZAM Magazine Amsterdam Paul Faber Amsterdam Dave Hoop Utrecht Expo systems Amersfoort Maarten Rens, Itamar Namaani, Zootrope Unless otherwise indicated: International Institute of Social History (IISG) Amsterdam Jean Vaughan Bart Luirink ZAM, Kier Schuringa IISG Sietse Bosgra, Cor Groenendijk, Richard Hengeveld, Ismail Mohamed, Lucia Raadschelders Fund | The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Pretoria | The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa The Hague | International Institute of Social History
South Africa