Green plaque set to mark ANC’s headquarters in Angel

Published: 19 February 2010
by PETER GRUNER

AN organisation that fought against the oppression of black South Africans under apartheid is set to be commemorated on Monday with a Green Plaque.

The humble headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) were based in Penton Street in Angel between 1978 and 1994.

From here the likes of Oliver Tambo and Thabo Mbeki planned the overthrow of the apartheid regime. In March 1982 the building survived a terrorist bomb explosion planted by agents working for the South African government.

Now it is to be marked by a permanent plaque – the first of a series of Green Plaques to appear on buildings across the borough to celebrate the hidden history and achievements of Islington’s diverse community.

Guests joining Islington Council leader Terry Stacy and Dr Zola Skweyiya, High Commissioner for South Africa at the unveiling ceremony at 2pm will include Jack Beula, chairman of educational heritage organisation Nubian Jak Ltd and Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn.