Multiracial nationalist organization formed
in South Africa 1912 to extend the franchise
to the whole population and end all racial
discrimination there. Its president is Oliver
Tambo and vice president from 1990 Nelson
Mandela. Although originally nonviolent, the
ANC was banned by the government from 1960 to
Jan 1990, and in exile in Mozambique
developed a military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe,
which engaged in sabotage and guerrilla
training. The armed struggle was suspended
Aug 1990 when the organization's headquarters
were moved to Johannesburg.
The ANC is supported by the Organization of
African Unity as a movement aimed at
introducing majority rule in South Africa.
Former ANC leaders include Albert Luthuli and
Solomon Plaatje. Several imprisoned leaders
were released Oct 1989; Mandela in Feb 1990.