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Anti-Apartheid Week 

The Student Union should annually host a week of events dedicated to coming together to reflect, learn and discuss systems of oppression like apartheid and how it is still happening today. Anti-Apartheid Week will demonstrate the students’ commitment to intersectional struggle and collective liberation.

This project is already being undertaken by many student unions around the world, such as LSE SU here in the UK. This initiative aligns with the Guild’s values and commitments, such as diversity, inclusion, and global justice.

The Guild should annually host a series of events, fundraisers and panel discussions in partnership with relevant student groups. The purpose of these events would be to not only reflect on the past, but to discuss how apartheid systems affect us today, particularly in Palestine. 

Apartheid isn’t a thing of the past, it is a reality for millions around the world today. Millions of people live in a society of systemic oppression where they are denied basic rights like education, healthcare and freedom. 

As students, we have the power to act through our education, through boycotting and through divestment. Anti-Apartheid week will look at how universities and students play a part in systems of oppression around the world, such as looking at archives of students who stood against apartheid in South Africa, and educating people about the current student movement for Palestine. 

Implementation 

• the Guild should make a public statement to inform all students of its intention to host an annual Anti-Apartheid week. 
• The event should be hosted around February or March each year. 
• the Guild should get in touch with relevant student groups such us Amnesty International and Friends of Palestine to plan events, panel discussions and fundraisers. 
• The Guild should reach out to international students from affected regions.
• The Guild should invite student speakers involved in campaigns about decolonising the curriculum, such as Black Voices Campaign at UoB. This is to Ensure that the week includes anti-racist and anti-colonial perspectives from Black and Indigenous communities. Use this week to advocate for curriculum changes.
• Although all events should be student-led, there can be collaboration with academic departments (e.g., History, Politics, International Relations) to offer lectures or reading groups on apartheid, colonialism, and resistance movements.
• Encourage or facilitate acts of activism such as walk outs and protests focused on anti-apartheid and resisting oppression.
• Encourage or facilitate creative activism like poetry slams, art installations, or theatre performances highlighting apartheid’s impact.
• Incorporate fundraisers for organisations directly supporting affected communities.
• Use this week to involve students to reflect on Student Union policy commitments, such as supporting ethical investments and boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) initiatives where applicable.
• Encourage the Student Union to create an online or a physical resource hub with recommended books, documentaries, and research materials.
• Create a student committee or working group within the Student Union to oversee the event each year. This will ensure continuity beyond the current student leadership.