The Karamchedu massacre spurs Dalit mobilization

At a Soweto rally, Zindzi Mandela read Nelson Mandela's refusal of the government's offer of conditional release. His message linked personal freedom to the freedom of the wider population and...

Police opened fire on people travelling from Langa township towards a funeral near Uitenhage, killing numerous participants. The shooting occurred on the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre and...

Student groups began daily rallies and an occupation at Berkeley's Sproul Plaza demanding university divestment from companies doing business in South Africa. Protesters challenged the institution's...

Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto and Sicelo Mhlauli were intercepted while returning from Port Elizabeth and murdered by security police. Their organizing had helped build community...

A consumer boycott of white-owned shops began in Port Elizabeth following organizing over police violence and township conditions. Mkhuseli Jack served as a prominent spokesperson. By withholding...

Title deeds to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park were returned to Aṉangu Traditional Owners after a long campaign. The handback recognized their relationship to Country and provided for joint...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions was launched in Durban after years of negotiations among unions. The federation linked workers' demands with opposition to apartheid and a commitment to a...

The first federal observance followed years of organizing by Coretta Scott King, civil-rights groups, trade unionists and supporters. Making King's memory part of the national calendar challenged...

COSATU called a stay-away demanding recognition of May Day as a paid public holiday. Workers and community allies made the centenary of international May Day a major demonstration of collective power....

The apartheid government declared a nationwide state of emergency and detained opponents. Restrictions on political activity, funerals and reporting sought to disrupt community and labour...