Catalogue Number
NMLH.2022.171.1
Object Name
Badge
Date
around 1975
Description
Round badge with an image of the African continent on a yellow background. Most of the continent is black, with white block lettering in the upper half reasing 'DEFEND SOCIALISM AT BIRTH.' The countries of Angola and Mozambique are shown in red, evoking socialism. They are both labelled 'Angola' and 'Mozambique.' The white-ruled countries of South Africa and Namibia are shown in white. White arrows point out of South Africa into both Angola and Mozambique, perhaps showing attacks or threat from that country. There are also two white arrows further north pointing into Angola and Mozambique. Mozambique, Angola and Guinea-Bissau won their independence from Portugal in 1975 after a protracted guerrilla war. This badge was produced by the Mozambique Angola and Guine Information Centre (MAGIC), set up as the Mozambique and Guine Information Centre in August 1975. MAGIC published a bi-monthly magazine about developments in the former Portuguese colonies and recruited volunteers to work in
Mozambique. The front of the badge has a plastic coating; there is a silver metal backing with a pin. The metal has marks and some rust.
