Politics to the People

Abstract

In the late 1950s the Liberal Party was engaged in campaigning and committed action that contrasted strongly with the more self-absorbed earlier years. The preoccupation then had been with policy making, internal quarrels between old Liberals and new, accompanied by a wary circling round the Congress Alliance, links and friendships growing nevertheless. The parliamentary rearguard action against the onslaught of apartheid legislation, with press campaigns, public meetings and bouts of electioneering, involved concentrated work in the white community. Some activities came and went — like the Alexandra Bus Boycott, some began long processes — battles against Group Areas dispossession and Black Spots removals, support for the 156 accused in the Treason Trial, consumer boycotts, and campaigns for non-racial sport and entertainment.