Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa

The Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa was a fund created by John Collins (priest) during the 1956 Treason Trial in South Africa. After learning of those accused of treason for protesting against apartheid, including Nelson Mandela, Collins created the fund in order to pay all legal expenses and look after the families of those on trial.

This was one of the first examples of foreign intervention against apartheid in South Africa and proved very successful with over £75,000 being raised towards defending those accused. Ultimately all were acquitted ^[1]

In 1981, the Defence Aid Fund for Southern Africa founded Canon Collins Trust, now known as Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust.

References

1. Interview with John Collins from the BBC documentary 'World Against Apartheid' (Episode 1 at 14 minutes);