Question

Discuss the steps taken by Commonwealth, American Congress and other international organizations against South Africa.

Answer 1

During the apartheid era, several international bodies, including the Commonwealth, the American Congress, and other organisations, took significant steps to pressure South Africa to end racial segregation:

1. Commonwealth: South Africa was forced to leave the Commonwealth in 1961 due to its apartheid policies. The Commonwealth countries continued to condemn apartheid and supported international sanctions and isolation of the regime.
2. American Congress: US Congress imposed economic sanctions on South Africa in 1986 with the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act. New investments, loans, and South African product imports were banned. The Act passed over Reagan’s veto, showing strong bipartisan opposition to apartheid.
3. United Nations: The UN imposed a voluntary arms embargo in 1963, which became mandatory in 1977. It also passed numerous resolutions condemning apartheid, supporting liberation movements, and calling for global sanctions.
4. International Sports and Cultural Boycotts: South Africa was banned from the Olympics starting in 1964, and other international sporting and cultural organisations also excluded South Africa to isolate it globally.
5. Global Protests and Economic Pressure: Anti-apartheid groups worldwide organised boycotts, divestment campaigns, and protests, urging companies and governments to cut economic ties with South Africa.