African Activist Archive

Contents: Preface • Programs and Projects • 1. Literature and research • 2. Emergency assistance • 3. Other projects • Finances and Mailing List • Staff • Trustees • In 1977, The Africa Fund responded to many urgent issues in southern Africa, including the death of Steve Biko in prison in September, the crackdown by the South African government against dissidents in October, the escape of news editor Donald Woods, United Nations Security Council adoption of a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa, and negotiations in both Zimbabwe and Namibia to try to achieve majority rule and an end to the armed struggle. The Africa Fund responded to many requests for information from the news media, researchers, Congressional and UN committees, students, churches, unions, and community groups. The research department, headed by Jennifer Davis, produced new materials; Karen Rothmyer's the fact sheets on the Krugerrand and South Africa and 'Voices for Withdrawal" have been updated and reproduced in response to large demand. Two pieces have been printed early in 1978: "A Fine Face for Apartheid," an examination of South Africa's lobbying activities in the U.S. by Shelly Pitterman (a student at Brandeis), and "Rhodesia: The Propaganda War," a reprint of a 30-page report by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Rhodesia. Four studies will be available soon: (a) "U.S. Dollars in South Africa--Context and Consequences" by Jennifer Davis, (b) "The Computer Industry in South Africa" by Dick Leonard, (c) a study of university investments and what is involved in the process of divesting by Marcia Burdett of Columbia University, and (d) an extensively research report about the supply of oil to South Africa and Rhodesia by British economist Bernard Rivers. A full-color 1978 calendar was jointly produced with the United Nations, including images from an anti-apartheid poster competition in April. Literature sales in 1977 again increased over previous years. The report mentions Paul Irish, a trip to Mozambique, the health ministry, The Africa Fund Perspectives pamphlets, political refugees, a donation of medicines, the Pfizer pharmaceutical company, antibiotic and antidiabetic tablets, a hospital opening in Cape Verde, Zimbabwe refugee centers in Mozambique, history textbooks, Southern Africa magazine, work-study students, three students from Princeton, outreach to campuses, South African exile Rhodes Gxoyiya, speaking engagements at universities, Richard Knight, Edler Hawkins, and Lynn Goodwin.

African Activist Archive

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE AFRICA FUND

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