The wave of indignation which swept through the country after the judgements in the Rivonia trial was extremely encouraging. It shows that “pee. te all the talk abour apathy, affluence, etc., it is still possible to. large numbers of people into action on issues which do not directly affect them, What is needed, however, is to give this fund of féeling and social consciousness some direction. To merely keep on protesting to the Government, the South African Embassy, etc., will only frustrate the young people who want to do something on this issue, The protests must continue and their volume grow but in addition the Anti-Apartheid movement must set itself realisable tasks which will actually influence the course of events, :
In the international campaign against Apartheid Britain is the key. The economic relationship between Britain and South Africa is sUfficient proof of that assertion, but even more than that the moral effect of decisive action in Britain would have world-wide repercussions not least of all in South Africa itself. Our comrades there must be given the kind of help which will counter the efforts of the Nationalist Government to intimidate them, Real economic pressure will cause conflicts and differ-= entiation in the ruling circles in South Africa. The experience of all revolutionary movements shows that it is a necessary pre-requisite for the overturning of any regime, that this regime should lose confidence in itself, Thus the efforts of the Anti-Apartheid movement in this country go far beyond merely appealing to the 'better side! of Verwoerd and co.
The realisable aim which Anti-Apartheid can set itself is that of being instrumental in getting the Labour Party committed to economic sanctions = including a trade boycott - against South Africa. This is no easy fight, but is one which can be pursued at all levels, We have reported the struggles is various parts of the country to obtain a municipal boy boycott. Frankly we disappointed that we haven't had more reports of this question being posed elesewhere, Surely every recder of The Week is a member of some organisation which would go on record for a municipal boycott? Even in Tory-controlled areas (and right-wing, for that matter) the fight can be made, even if without the prospect of success, just now. These days, immediately following the Rivonia trial are obviously the best for starting this campaign, On the other hand, the holiday season is nearly upon us and failure to raise the question in the next week or so will mean that nothing can be done until autumn and naybe until after the General Elections