Stephen Ellis is the author of a new book called "External Mission: The ANC in Exile, 1960-1990" (pre-order here). It will be published in South Africa in late 2012. He is looking for photos or other images to illustrate the book. Privately-held material would be particularly welcome.

Particularly sought are any images of the ANC training camp at Novo Catengue in Angola (destroyed by the South African Air Force in 1979) or the ANC's 1969 conference at Morogoro, Tanzania. However, any material at all that might illustrate the themes of the book will be gratefully received.

To this day, the period when the ANC was led from exile, between 1960 and 1990, is shrouded in myth. Some events are well known, such as the Rivonia arrests of 1963, the Rhodesian campaign of 1967-68 and the Kabwe conference of 1985. Less well known are the intense factional struggles within the organisation, recurring pro-democracy protests, and the creation of a security apparatus that inspired widespread fear.

Some networks within the exiled ANC became heavily involved in corruption, even colluding with elements of the apartheid security police and secret services.

Using the ANC's own archives as well as new sources including the records of the East German state security service, the Stasi, this book tells the full story of the ANC in exile for the first time.

If you think you may be able to assist please email [email protected].  

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