The Freedom March, culminating in the demonstration in London, was warmly received throughout the length of the country. Thousands of people have become actively involved in the struggle for the first time. The funds from the concert made possible the mounting of the great campaign that followed it. The money raised will enable the Anti-Apartheid Movement to pay off its accumulated debts, and allow it to continue its campaigning at a high level. But the concert did much more than raise money.
Cultural workers have unique access to the media and to people's attention.
In Britain, where many people regard politicians with contempt and cynicism, popular artists may be the only group able to command such attention. Young people in particular have got to know about the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Many of those present in the stadium on June 11th may have come in the first place to hear their favourite artists. Nobody will have left unmoved as artist after artist paid tribute to the bravery of Nelson Mandela and all the other people in South Africa and Namibia who struggle for a democratic non-racial society. Penguin Books, London, have published an A4 size Nelson Mandela Concert Book, with messages from Winnie Mandela and Trievor Huddleston, a foreword by Mary Benson, and many colour photographs.