
About this episode
The episode discusses the rise of the anti-apartheid movement in the 1970s, focusing on sports protests in Australia against the South African government.
By the 1970s the anti-apartheid movement is growing around the world as protesters find ways to hit the South African government where it hurts most. In Australia, the action takes place in a very public way, by heading onto the sports field. Seven former Wallabies rugby players refuse to compete against the South African Springboks when they tour Australia. As mass protests divide the country, Premier Joh Bjelke Petersen declares a state of emergency in Queensland. First Nations activists join the fight, and even Aussie cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman gets caught up in the action.
Topics covered
- anti-apartheid movement
- sports protests
- Australian history
- First Nations activism
- rugby
- political protests
Keywords
- anti-apartheid
- sports protests
- Wallabies
- South Africa
- Joh Bjelke Petersen
- First Nations
- rugby
- politics
- 1970s
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: South African Springboks, Wallabies, anti-apartheid movement
Places: Australia, Queensland
More episodes of ABC Rewind
- Fairlight CMI - the sound you've never heard of · June 12, 2026
- Blood, prejudice and nursing · June 6, 2026
- The story of Sam Poo - Chinese bushranger? · May 29, 2026
- Finding Fanny Finch · May 23, 2026
- The Roo Dog · May 15, 2026
- 02 | A succulent chinese meal · May 10, 2026
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the ABC Rewind podcast page.