3.3. INTERNATIONAL ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENTS:
3.3.4. Ireland
In 1964 Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement (IAAM) was founded in order to support the struggle to end apartheid. The IAAM went about informing the Irish public, and got the support of Irish from all areas, in a way that few other causes have. It also campaigned for the release of political prisoners and the breaking of all links between South Africa and Ireland. The success of the IAAM was largely due to their organisation and programme. They focused on including all types of people, and aimed campaigns at parliamentarians, trade unionists, religious organisations, students and ordinary people. The main support however came from the trade unions, and people travelled across the country to address demonstrations and put pressure on the government. The IAAM also played an important role in channelling the funds of the International Defence and Aid Fund.
The IAAM also worked with other international organisations, including the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid, anti-apartheid movements in Europe and the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organisation. In 1979 a conference was held in Dublin on links between the European Union and South Africa. It resulted in the Liaison Group of anti-apartheid movements in Europe later being formed. It was also able to build up close ties with the African National Congress (ANC).
Two early campaigns that stand out in Ireland were the playwrights campaign, which managed to persuade 25 Irish playwrights not to allow their plays to be performed before segregated audiences in South Africa, and the campaign against the Springbok tour of Ireland, which resulted in a huge demonstration in Dublin. Many other artists and musicians joined the playwrights over the years in boycotting South Africa. In 1984 an important boycott was stated against Dunnes Stores to stop the import of South African products. The boycott lasted until 1987 when the government banned the import of South African fruit and vegetables.
In 1994 the IAAM disbanded as their goal had been achieved. The Ireland
South Africa Association was formed in its place in order to develop
bonds with South Africa and support democracy in the country.
< back to unit 3.3.3. / on to unit 3.3.5. >