An area of Nottingham that was once previously labelled an apartheid-free zone, reflects on the campaign that shaped the way they still buy and sell goods.
Hyson Green and Forest Fields began campaigning against the apartheid in South Africa in 1986, refusing to import products from the nation.
The British Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) and Nottingham Anti-Apartheid highlighted the core aim to sever relations with the South African regime.
Now in 2026, the district is marking the 40 years since hundreds of people took to Market Square in defiance.
The boycott was judged to be one of the most successful weapons of the solidarity movement in liberating South Africa.
Hyson Green is one of Nottingham’s most diverse neighbourhoods with strong political opinions seen through the 1986 movement.
During the boycott, businesses were asked to put up bright yellow AFZ stickers in their windows to show support for the black majority of South Africa and refuse the importation of goods from the nation.
Nejab Muhammad, 46, owner of Sahaba Food Store on Radford Road, in Hyson Green’s high street, who said he loves working in the area.
“I have worked here for about six years. The area is multi-cultural. We have no issues and everyone is like brothers and sisters.”
“In the days of apartheid we didn’t know what was going on. I feel happy living in the area that has a history like it does,” he said.
Hyson Green historically, has been known for racial tension and community protests.
The area was also the heart of the 1981 summer riots that took place in many cities across the country which stemmed from racial tensions and inner-city deprivation.
Cllr Steve Battlemuch, Wollaton West Labour, previously lived in the Forest Fields area. He said: “The community around there was very supportive of a progressive stance on the issue.
“Hyson Green was probably chosen as it had a number of local shops on Radford Road and therefore could be linked to the ‘Don’t buy South African goods’ campaign that was running at the time.”
