The struggle for human rights, equality and democracy in South Africa developed into one of the largest global social movements of the twentieth century, uniting millions of people from around the world behind the anti-apartheid cause. In Britain, opposition to the apartheid system in South Africa was led by the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM). By the 1980s, the AAM had devised an innovative and far-reaching public campaign to mobilise British opposition to apartheid South Africa, while positioning Nelson Mandela as the symbolic leader of this struggle.

From Thursday 28 April to Wednesday 18 May 2022, the ‘Scotland, Global Solidarity and Mandela’ exhibition will open in the Central Library, Wellgate Centre. Using original archival photos and posters, the exhibition recalls the story of Nelson Mandela’s relationship to Scotland and the role played by the Scottish people in the global struggle to end apartheid. The exhibition also documents Dundee’s contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle and the campaign to secure Mandela’s release from prison.

A launch event will be held at the Steps Theatre on Thursday 28 April between 18:00 and 19:30. The organisers of the exhibition, Dr. Matthew Graham and Dr. Christopher Fevre, will be joined by former members of the National and Scottish sections of the AAM who will talk about their experiences in the movement and participate in a Q&A session.

The event is free to attend.