Letter to Mendi Msimang, ANC 12th May 1992

About this item

This is a letter dated 12th May 1992 from Bernie Grant MP to Mendi Msimang, then Chief Representative of the African National Congress (ANC) in London. The letter discusses plans for practical support from Black people in Britain to aid South Africa’s transition away from apartheid through an observational visit. It highlights early efforts of international solidarity and cooperation during a pivotal moment in South African history.

Key points:
– Bernie Grant refers to earlier discussions with ANC leaders, including Thabo Mbeki and Mendi Msimang, about galvanising Black British support for the ANC.
– Grant proposes sending two experienced trainers from his organisation to South Africa to assess needs related to empowerment and development.
– The letter recognizes the importance of empowering Black South Africans, particularly from rural areas, to participate in building the new post-apartheid government.
– The planned visit would be funded by Grant's organisation, with the ANC arranging a suitable programme for the visitors.
– Grant seeks an early response to begin arranging the visit, emphasizing collaboration between Black communities in Britain and South Africa.

Bernie Grant was a prominent Black British politician and campaigner known for his internationalism and solidarity with anti-apartheid struggles. This letter illustrates his active engagement in supporting South African liberation and fostering connections between Black British and African activists, reflecting wider movements for racial justice and global cooperation in the early 1990s.

Source note: The OCR transcript is generally clear but includes minor typographical errors and some partial phrases, which have been interpreted cautiously to preserve the letter’s original meaning.