Scott, Michael, 1907-1983

Guthrie Michael Scott (30 July 1907 – 14 September 1983), known as Reverend Michael Scott, was an English Anglican priest and anti-apartheid activist, who joined in the defiance against discriminatory laws and the apartheid system in South Africa from the 1940s, a long struggle for social justice in the country. He helped to support Namibian independence and to resist South African control of South West Africa, raising awareness internationally and becoming a spokesperson for South West African people at the United Nations, over a number of decades. He was affiliated with religious and political leaders, NGO's, civil rights and peace activists, and co-founded the Africa Bureau with David Astor and Mary Benson, creating awareness of issues impacting Africa, and of apartheid in South Africa. He was an early advocate of nuclear disarmament, addressing the UN and co-ordinating protest activities to try and stop France testing nuclear weapons in the Sahara. He tried to help Naga nationalists with their objective of becoming independent from India, successfully contributing to negotiating a ceasefire, with the Indian government later accusing him of internationalising the matter and ending their dealings with him. He also co-founded the Committee of 100 and was involved in the ban the bomb movement. A controversial figure and campaigner, Scott was involved in a number of demonstrations, was imprisoned in South Africa and Britain, had his religious licence revoked which was later reinstated, and was expelled from South Africa and India. Kenneth Kaunda honoured Scott, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu has paid tribute to Scott for the solidarity he showed towards poor and mis-treated African people.