The Alan Paton Centre and Struggle Archives recently welcomed Dr Simon Stevens, a historian from the United Kingdom and Lecturer in History at the University of Sheffield. Dr Stevens is currently conducting research on two major projects: one explores the role of boycotts and sanctions in the anti-apartheid movement—ranging from internal consumer boycotts to international campaigns—while the other examines the historical relationship between India and South Africa from 1895 to 1911. The latter focuses on negotiations concerning the treatment of Indians in South Africa and the supply of indentured labour from India to Natal.
Although Dr Stevens was in contact with the Centre during his doctoral studies, this marks his first in-person visit. At the time, a colleague had shared with him the file lists for the Liberal Party, Peter Brown, and Magnus Gunther collections—resources he has identified as highly relevant to his current research. We are pleased to have hosted Dr Stevens and supported his important scholarly work.
