This fundraising mailing reports on the American Forum on South Africa held in Washington, D.C. on May 17, at which more than 80 prominent U.S. elected officials, academics, journalists and corporate leaders met with a delegation of South African church leaders headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu and his colleagues presented well-reasoned proposals for policies which would end apartheid while peacefully bringing about democratic rule. Coverage of the Forum by the "The MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour," NBC's "Today Show," and national newspapers across the country have increased momentum for greater actions to end apartheid. TransAfrica is launching a Citizens Mobilization To End Apartheid to...
This fundraising mailing reports on the American Forum on South Africa held in Washington, D.C. on May 17, at which more than 80 prominent U.S. elected officials, academics, journalists and corporate leaders met with a delegation of South African church leaders headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu and his colleagues presented well-reasoned proposals for policies which would end apartheid while peacefully bringing about democratic rule. Coverage of the Forum by the "The MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour," NBC's "Today Show," and national newspapers across the country have increased momentum for greater actions to end apartheid. TransAfrica is launching a Citizens Mobilization To End Apartheid to intensify awareness generated by the Forum and win prompt passage of the Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1989. They also seek commitments from the Bush Administration to initiate stronger policies aimed at bringing democratic rule to South Africa. After the American Forum meeting, the South African church leaders met with President Bush; Tutu urged President Bush to take moral leadership to end apartheid. The Anti-Apartheid Act of 1989, which TransAfrica played a key role in drafting, would dramatically strengthens the Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 - which Congress passed by overriding President Reagan's veto. The new bill would prohibit any U.S. citizen or corporation from making or holding any investment in South Africa; bar the import of any article grown, manufactured or produced in South Africa, including diamonds; prohibit any U.S. goods or technology from being exported to South Africa -- including nuclear materials or assistance; prohibit South African aircraft from landing in the U.S.; prohibit the import of Krugerrands or any other gold coins minted in South Africa; and prohibit U.S. military or intelligence services from engaging in any cooperation with the South African government. Newsprint ads are expensive, but they are the best way to quickly reach millions of citizens and bring stronger accountability to bear on both President Bush and Congress. People are asked to sign an enclosed petition addressed to President Bush and key Senators. The mailing includes an ANNUAL RENEWAL form.
