Financial Crime World

The Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa

Introduction

The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa was a significant global effort that aimed to end the system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination known as apartheid. The movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, with various forms of activism, including boycotts, sanctions, and disinvestment campaigns.

Economic Sanctions

One key aspect of the anti-apartheid movement was the use of economic sanctions against South Africa. Sanctions were imposed by various countries and international organizations to pressure the South African government to end apartheid. The United States, under President Jimmy Carter’s administration, implemented comprehensive economic sanctions in 1986, including a ban on new investments in South Africa and a prohibition on the importation of South African goods.

Impact of Economic Sanctions

  • Reduced international trade and investment in South Africa
  • Increased pressure on the South African government to end apartheid

Disinvestment Campaigns

The anti-apartheid movement also included disinvestment campaigns, where institutions such as universities and churches divested their holdings in companies that did business with South Africa. This was seen as an effective way to pressure corporations to leave the country.

Benefits of Disinvestment Campaigns

  • Reduced economic ties between South Africa and other countries
  • Increased pressure on corporations to leave South Africa

Boycotts

Boycotts were another key tactic used by the anti-apartheid movement. Boycotts involved refusing to buy or sell goods from South Africa, as well as refusing to travel to the country. The boycotts had a significant impact on the South African economy, which was heavily reliant on international trade and tourism.

Impact of Boycotts

  • Reduced international trade and tourism in South Africa
  • Increased pressure on the South African government to end apartheid

Human Rights Activism

The movement also included human rights activism, with organizations such as Amnesty International and the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) working to raise awareness about the atrocities committed by the South African government.

Impact of Human Rights Activism

  • Raised international awareness about human rights abuses in South Africa
  • Increased pressure on the South African government to end apartheid

Legacy of the Anti-Apartheid Movement

In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, and in 1991, he became the first black president of South Africa. The country held its first multiracial democratic elections in 1994, which marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy in South Africa.

Conclusion

The anti-apartheid movement was successful in ending apartheid in South Africa due to the efforts of activists, organizations, and governments around the world who worked together to pressure the South African government to end its racist policies. The movement also led to significant changes in international law and human rights norms, including the establishment of the United Nations’ Special Committee Against Apartheid and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

References

  • Colonialism, The Museum of British (2022-02-14). “The 1980s apartheid debate in Britain: colonial legacies, anti-colonial solidarities”.
  • Hostetter, David L. (2019-11-22), “American Opposition to South African Apartheid”, Oxford Research Encyclopedia of American History.
  • Gutmann, Jerg; Neuenkirch, Matthias; Neumeier, Florian (December 2023). “The economic effects of international sanctions: An event study”. Journal of Comparative Economics. 51 (4): 1214–1231. doi:10.1016/j.jce.2023.05.005.
  • McGreal, Chris (2021-05-23). “Boycotts and sanctions helped rid South Africa of apartheid – is Israel next in line?”. The Guardian.
  • Phillips, Mark; Coleman, Colin (1989). “Another Kind of War”.
  • Prokesch, Steven; Times, Special To the New York (1990-04-17). “Mandela Urges Support for Sanctions”. The New York Times.
  • Rothbard, Murray. “The Crusade Against South Africa”. Making Economic Sense. Chapter 90. Auburn, AL: Mises Institute, 1995. Online Edition. Retrieved 19 November 2009.