Islington's Green Plaque scheme commemorates anti-apartheid movement (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Islington's Green Plaque scheme commemorates anti-apartheid movement

February 28, 2010 12:00 AM

Bridget Fox joins Council Leader Terry Stacy and South African High Commissioner Dr Zola Skweyiya to unveil a green plague at the former ANC headquarters

Parliamentary campaigner Bridget Fox joined Islington Lib Dem Council leader Terry Stacy and South African High Commissioner Dr Zola Skweyiya to unveil a green plaque marking the former home of the ANC last week.

The ANC fought against the oppression of black South Africans under apartheid and the plaque comes shortly after the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison.

The Penton Street building was at the heart of the UK's efforts to end apartheid and key figures in South Africa's struggle such as Oliver Tambo and Tabo Mbeki worked on plans to overthrow the regime there.

The ANC used the building until Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa in 1994 in what were the first democratic elections the country had ever seen. Mandela had been a political prisoner for 27 years before his release on 20th February 1990.

Green plaques will be unveiled across the borough to commemorate the diverse, and often hidden, history of the area and the achievements of the people who have made an impact on Islington and Finsbury, making it the place it is today.

Bridget Fox led, who led a successful campaign to get Balliol College to disinvest from South Africa when she was a student there 25 years ago, said:

"It's fitting that the former HQ of the ANC has been the first building to be commemorated with a green plaque. So many people lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid, the ANC building here was even targeted by bombs planted by the South African government.

"As a student I campaigned for disinvestment, so feel particularly passionate that the struggle against apartheid should be recognised and remembered here in Islington.

"We take for granted the fact that we live in a democracy and all have a right to vote for who we want to represent us. It's poignant for me as a Parliamentary Campaigner to remember and acknowledge everyone across the world who fought, and those who are still fighting, to create a truly democratic world for everyone."