by Miles Borowsky

This podcast explains the story and history behind Operation Vula: a communications system between underground anti-apartheid activists in South Africa and their exiled leaders in London and Zambia. They used telephone dial-tones and an electronic one-time pad encryption software to send messages via payphone between London and South Africa. The success of this project was vital to the downfall of apartheid; it allowed for almost real-time communications while previously, they had been forced to use cumbersome and lengthy methods of communication.   

Works Cited 

Garrett, R. K., & Edwards, P. N. (2007). Revolutionary Secrets: Technology’s Role in the South African Anti-Apartheid Movement. Social Science Computer Review, 25(1), 13–26.   

Schneier, B. (2013, December 26). Operation Vula. Retrieved October 21, 2019, from https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2013/12/operation_vula.html.  

Jenkin, T. (n.d.). Tim Jenkin: Talking with Vula. Retrieved October 21, 2019, from https://omalley.nelsonmandela.org/omalley/index.php/site/q/03lv03445/04lv03996/05lv04001.htm 

Vermeulen, J. (2015, July 12). How the ANC sent encrypted messages in the fight against apartheid. Retrieved October 21, 2019, from https://mybroadband.co.za/news/security/131822-how-the-anc-sent-encrypted-messages-in-the-fight-against-apartheid.html.  

Toupin, S. (2017, May 9). Hacking Apartheid – Cryptography Tools for Activists. Retrieved October 21, 2019, from https://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/hacking-apartheid-cryptography-tools-for-activists/. 

Audio Sources 

Retrieved from http://www.orangefreesounds.com 

• Piano Melody 2 
• Incidental Music 

Retrieved from https://www.bensound.com 

• Creative Minds 
• Sad Day 

Retrieved from https://www.melodyloops.com 

• The Circles of Life 

More information about Operation Vula…
https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2015/03/the-usability-of-anti-apartheid-encryption/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29vrvKsKXPI&t=8s

 

Image: “Touch-tone telephone,” snowmentality, Flickr (CC BY-SA)