When the apartheid regime imposed limitations on the United Democratic Front* and other activist organizations, this loose coalition of anti-apartheid organizations was born. The MDM eventually evolved as an even larger, more nebulous front to oppose apartheid, composed of UDF and ANC followers. Additionally, it maintained a close relationship with COSATU, the Congress of South African Trade Unions. It was challenging for the authorities to impose a ban on the MDM's activities since it lacked a stable organization. In July 1989, COSATU took the initiative and requested the MDM's backing for a nationwide campaign of disobedience that included demonstrations against segregation in public places like beaches, hospitals, and transportation. This led to six weeks of defiant action during which volunteers purposefully flouted the law and overflowed jails. It was also agreed to plan a significant worker strike to protest the upcoming tricameral elections on September 6, 1989; more than 3 million people responded to the call. The campaign was put to an end in the middle of September when the government, led by De Klerk, decided to start fresh constitutional negotiations with the ANC.