Southern Africa Concerns Group

The Southern Africa Concerns Group (SACG) worked to increase awareness on the campus of St. Olaf College about the social and political situation in the southern Africa region. This included Namibia, where the Lutheran Church has a long history, including in support of the liberation struggle. St. Olaf College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The Southern Africa Concerns Group also was active in advocating for divestment of stocks in companies operating in South Africa by the Board of Regents. One issue that students raised was potential conflict of interest on the part of some reagents who were executives of companies operating in South Africa, including the Parker Pen Company and Ziegler Inc. In October, 1985, a demonstration of 300-400 people was addressed by students and faculty who advocated total divestment, and 29 wooden memorial crosses were pounded into the ground symbolizing South Africans who have been killed. (Source: Various articles in The Manitou Messenger.)