Free Nelson Mandela badge

This badge was worn by the donor during the Springbok Tour rugby protests in New Zealand during 1981. Protestors in New Zealand felt a shared purpose with the struggles of South Africans during the apartheid era, and Nelson Mandela in particular.

South Africa's apartheid system of government was the target of international protest from the 1960s to 1980s, and was a key focus of the protests in New Zealand during the Springbok Rugby Tour of 1981.

A key demand of the anti-apartheid movement was for the release from prison of African National Congress (ANC) leaders such as Nelson Mandela. He became known all over the world as a symbol of the struggle against apartheid and all forms of racism.

Governments and the United Nations repeatedly called for his unconditional release. 'Free Nelson Mandela' became a well-known call from the 1960s, and was heard and seen all over the world in many cultural forms such as music and clothing. After 27 years, Mandela was released from in prison in 1990.

The portrait of Nelson Mandela in this badge was possibly taken by Jewish photographer Eli Weinberg (1908-1981) in Johannesburg, South Africa, 1956-57.