Work is set to begin to create the UK’s first centre dedicated to the Anti-Apartheid Movement at the former headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) in London. The site at 28 Penton Street, Islington will be restored to create The Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning, a space dedicated to sharing the stories of South Africa’s liberation. The project has now reached an important milestone after securing a £1.2 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
Between 1978 and 1994, 28 Penton Street was a hub for coordinating international opposition to South African apartheid. It acted as a base for many crucial activities that led to the historic change in 1994 and was home to ANC leaders Oliver Tambo and Thabo Mbeki, later president of South Africa. The building is an important site for black-led social heritage and was recognised in 2014 with a commemorative plaque. It has been uninhabited for many years but will be completely restored thanks to this transformational project.
The new Centre will provide a permanent base to explore the history of the movement through a permanent exhibition, inspiring learning and skills development and heritage-based activities. These will help to promote the legacy and values of the South African liberation struggle and the UK’s central role in this history. The project will also:
showcase the historic importance of 28 Penton Street and the Anti-Apartheid Movement in the main exhibition space by displaying the historic archive including written correspondence with Nelson and Winnie Mandela, original posters and photographs
create a temporary gallery space for changing displays to highlight contemporary issues such as migration, inequality and cultural marginalisation
develop an accessible archive resource and study space to bring to life the heritage and history connected to the movement
create a programme of learning, volunteering and employment opportunities
offer affordable workspaces for micro-business, charities and community groups
Alongside the reimagined building, The Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning will look to engage with the community in meaningful ways through its new community hub. This will include a community garden for outdoor learning, community planting and wellbeing activities. Accessible programming such as intergenerational conversations, heritage tours and oral history recordings will help to collect stories at risk of being lost. A school outreach programme and volunteer programme will offer a chance for everyone to be involved.
Professor Chris Mullard, Chair of the Liliesleaf Trust UK said: “We’re really grateful to the Heritage Fund along with our other funders and supporters for making this project a reality. The development of the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning at Penton Street and online enables a unique platform from which we will strive to reduce inequality and promote inclusivity through its programmes and events which empower as well as inform contemporary communities and which work towards redressing longstanding imbalances in the perceptions and experience of UK’s multi-cultural heritage.”
The Rt Hon. Emily Thornberry (MP for Islington South and Finsbury) said: “I fully support the development of the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning, aimed at empowering contemporary communities with the heritage and values of the Southern African liberation struggle and the crucial contribution of British civil society to this cause. The importance of ensuring the preservation of our collective past in the struggle against apartheid and all forms of racism and inequality cannot be underestimated, as we work together towards the building of a just and fair society.”
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support The Liliesleaf Trust UK to help them transform this historic building and share the story of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Through the project, a fantastic new space will be created that is fitting for such an important historic movement and for the people it represents. At the Heritage Fund, we’re committed to making sure that heritage is inclusive for all and thanks to this project, this history will now be shared with the wider community and highlight how people paved the way for social change.”
The project has also been supported by The Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and Garfield Weston Foundation along with other funders. A fundraising campaign has begun to raise the final funding required for the project to begin. If you would like to find out more and support, please visit www.antiapartheidlegacy.org.uk
