Mandela Foundation of Australia records, 1987-1997

MLMSS 8558

fonds

1987-1997

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Clippings, Paper money

412040

0.49 metres of textual amaterial (3 boxes)

The Mandela Foundation of Australia was formed in April 1988 as part of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Australia. Its patrons were Bob Hawke (then Prime Minister) and former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. The National President was former South Australian Premier, Don Dunstan. Michael Rapers was National Chairperson.

The Foundation’s objectives were to raise funds for humanitarian assistance for the victims of apartheid, through the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa Research and Development Trust (SARDET). The Foundation raised money through donations, newspaper advertisements, social functions, public meetings and sponsorship projects.

It concentrated its efforts on two major areas. Subsidising legal costs of political prisoners and sponsoring rehabilitation programs through the International Defense and Aid Fund, and offering better educational, training and work experience programs to black South Africans through Luthuli Cultural and Welfare Services and Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) in Tanzania.

It also organised many rallies, kept pressure on the Australian Government and played a central role to the establishment of the anti-apartheid group Australians for Democracy in South Africa (ADISA). AIDISA oversaw the planning and implementation of a fundraising strategy to enable the ANC to conduct voter education and election campaigns and in the lead up to the first ever, non-racial, democratic elections in South Africa in 1994. The foundation was disbanded in 1996

References:

Compiled from the collection
US Department of State. 'Background Note: South Africa'. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2898.htm (accessed 18 June 2012)

BOX 1
Records, notes and correspondence relating to ANC Women’s League and the ‘Art Against Apartheid’ exhibition to commemorate the 75 Anniversary of the African National Conference , ca. 1987-1991

Publicity material, minutes, and correspondence re Australians for Democracy in South Africa (AFDISA) fundraising activities for ANC election campaign, 1993-1994

Newscuttings and letters mainly relating to the Training & Work Experience program for South Africans and media coverage for the South African elections, 1990-1991

Report on the South Africa Research and Development Trust (SARDET), 1995

Printed periodical ‘Sash Paradise Lost’ relating to politics and environment in South Africa, Vol. 33, No. 3, January 1991, published by Black Sash in South Africa

Mandela Foundation minutes, 1987-1996

BOX 2
Correspondence with supporters and department of foreign affairs, financial records and reports, minutes, constitution, publicity material and memorabilia, mainly relating to fundraising events, public meetings, Nelson Mandela and the politics in South Africa, 1987-1997.

Three photographs of Boipatong rally, Landela Varqua and Mahlubandile Radebe from ANC, 1992

Letters, promissory notes and newscuttings relating to fundraising for the Edwin Funde tour and the ANC Chief Representative Ndumiso Ntshinga, 1993-1995

Invitations, newscuttinsg and publicity material relating to ADISA celebration dinner for first anniversary of democratic elections held in South Africa, 1994- 1995.

Planning reports, proposals and correspondence on training and work experience programs like and ‘Skills for South Africa Report’ (SSAN) and ‘Leaders of the Future’ (LOFT), ca. 1990-1992

Drafts, planning notes and three photographs of South African art students, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke for new Mandela Foundation Australia brochure, ca. 1981-1992

BOX 3
Reports and correspondence between Chairman Michael Raper and ANC Secretary Thabo Mbeki relating to plans for the ANC International Solidarity Conference in Johannesburg, 1993

Correspondence and publicity material relating to Thabo Mebki’s visit to Australia for the ANC Conference to determine the new structure of the anti-apartheid movement in Australia, 1992. Includes Mandela Foundation of Australia minutes

Programs, proposals and publicity material and media kit relating to the Chris Hani memorial tour, ca. 1993-1994

Newscuttings relating to ANC elections, apartheid and politics in South Africa and SenatOR Gareth Evans, 1991

Flyers and letters relating to dinner dance to celebrate first year of democracy in Siouth Africa organized by the New South Africa Support Association, 1994

Minutes and correspondence relating to the Australian ANC Support Committee, 1990-1991

Records and correspondence relating to the South African Cricket Australian tour and reception at Parliament House Sydney, 1992

Letters and publicity material relating to the anti-apartheid rally at Town Hall and Boipatong massacre, 1992. includes letter signed by Malcolm Fraser

Records relating to the political prisoners campaign, 1988-1991

Newsletters, distribution list and letters to members, 1990-1995

Records relating to address by Senator Gareth Evans on trade with South Africa at Sydney luncheon 1991. Includes letter signed by Don Dunstan

Publicity material, ballot papers and letters to members relating to the South African Elections and ballot paper fundraising campaign, 1994-1995

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012