Badge - SWAPO Namibia
Object
Badge
Production date
c.1984
Object number
2023.66
Physical Description
Small round badge with the text SWAPO NAMIBIA. The design features the illustration of a hand holding a torch (Onyeka the torch), the state symbol of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). The image is framed in a blue, red and green circle that reminds the colours of the Namibia flag.
Object history
This badge was owned and worn by Hackney activist Ian Rathbone.
Throughout the 1980s, there was an increase in activism within Hackney in response to the illegal occupation of Namibia by the apartheid regime in South Africa. This coincided with and was strongly linked to the anti-apartheid movement, and during the decade many speakers representing the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) spoke at events within the borough, including Magdalena Nghatanga, Jacob Hannai and Bience Gawanas.
In June 1983 the event “Namibia - A Century of Struggle” was held at Hackney Town Hall, expressing solidarity and support for the Namibian struggle. A message - signed by the Mayor, Council leader and representatives of different community organisations - that demanded an end of the occupation and for free elections in Namibia was carried to the South African Embassy alongside a SWAPO freedom torch.
In 1985 as part of its anti-apartheid declaration, Hackney Council committed to "saluting the struggles and sacrifices of liberation movements, in particular the African National Congress (ANC) and the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) of Namibia, to liberate their peoples”. In 1988 Hackney Council’s Race Relations Unit held a Week of Action for Namibia (see Hackney Museum 1989.172).
In the 1989 Namibian election held under the United Nations, SWAPO gained 57% of the vote and leader Sam Nujoma became president. Namibia gained independence from South Africa in March 1990.
Throughout the 1980s, there was an increase in activism within Hackney in response to the illegal occupation of Namibia by the apartheid regime in South Africa. This coincided with and was strongly linked to the anti-apartheid movement, and during the decade many speakers representing the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) spoke at events within the borough, including Magdalena Nghatanga, Jacob Hannai and Bience Gawanas.
In June 1983 the event “Namibia - A Century of Struggle” was held at Hackney Town Hall, expressing solidarity and support for the Namibian struggle. A message - signed by the Mayor, Council leader and representatives of different community organisations - that demanded an end of the occupation and for free elections in Namibia was carried to the South African Embassy alongside a SWAPO freedom torch.
In 1985 as part of its anti-apartheid declaration, Hackney Council committed to "saluting the struggles and sacrifices of liberation movements, in particular the African National Congress (ANC) and the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) of Namibia, to liberate their peoples”. In 1988 Hackney Council’s Race Relations Unit held a Week of Action for Namibia (see Hackney Museum 1989.172).
In the 1989 Namibian election held under the United Nations, SWAPO gained 57% of the vote and leader Sam Nujoma became president. Namibia gained independence from South Africa in March 1990.
Associated Place
Namibia (Place)
Material
Metal
Dimension
Diameter (Front): 2.0cm
On display?
No
Inscription
SWAPO
NAMIBIA
NAMIBIA
