ECC exhibition displayed at Ditsong National Museum of Military History

In October 2009, a nationwide commemoration of the End Conscription Campaign (ECC) took place to mark the 25th anniversary of its launch. Its success revealed the ongoing relevance of conscientious objection, and the universality of the anti-conscription movement.

The Ditsong National Museum of Military History is currently hosting an exhibition on the End Conscription Campaign (ECC). Drawing on the archival collections at the South African History Archive (SAHA), the display brings together a rich collection of materials created for a series of commemorative exhibitions in 2009 marking the 25th anniversary of the formation of the ECC, along with evocative ECC struggle posters from the time.

The exhibition will be on public view until 30 August 2010. The Ditsong National Museum of Military History is located in Erlswold Way, Saxonwold at the northern end of the Johannesburg Zoo. Entrance to the museum is R 22,00 for adults and R 11,00 for senior citizens and children.

The ECC was started as a campaign by people opposed to forced military service in defence of apartheid. While it brought together a wide range of organisations and individuals opposed to conscription, its political aim was clear - to undermine the apartheid government and contribute to the wider struggle to bring about a free, just and democratic South Africa.

ECC:25 Virtual Exhibition

In October 2009, the South African History Archive launched a virtual exhibition aimed at showcasing political posters largely designed and illustrated by unknown ECC members and supporters, students and community members. The exhibition also provides informative virtual displays with links to the posters, as well as other documents related to the ECC.

> Visit the ECC: 25 virtual exhibition

If you know of materials or collections that would complement this exhibition or if you would like more information about this project, please contact SAHA.

SAHA Posters and Photographs

SAHA is committed to preserving and exposing the work of the anti-apartheid movement, seen through primarily struggle-related posters and photographs taken during the decades of apartheid.

> View SAHA's poster and photograph collections