The Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC)

• Rural resistance

  The ANC admitted it had more support in urban areas - but during the 1950s there were many cases of rural unrest. These were often spontaneous and unplanned, making them more difficult to control or suppress.
• Potato Boycott, 1957 to 1959


  This was an ANC-sponsored boycott of potatoes because of the harsh conditions endured by potato workers. Potatoes rot quickly, and stocks piled up as people refused to buy them. In August 1959 farmers began to improve working conditions and the boycott was hailed as a success.
• East Pondoland

  The local chief of this region, who sided with the government, was accused of corruption. Local people insisted on his dismissal. As part of the protests locals boycotted white-owned stores. The chief survived, however, with help from the security forces, and the protests were called off in January 1961. Rural unrest and the lack of ANC influence in rural areas helped garner support for the newly formed Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC).