ANC calls a nationwide stay-at-home after the Sharpeville massacre

The ANC called for a national day of mourning and stay-at-home following the killings at Sharpeville and Langa. Hundreds of thousands stayed away from work, while people burned pass books in public demonstrations. The PAC had initiated the anti-pass campaign and Sharpeville action; the ANC's response was a separate organisation-wide call after the massacre. The protest showed the reach of popular resistance across the country.