Report of the Special Committee Against Apartheid, Supplement No

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Report of the Special Committee Against Apartheid, Supplement No Report of the Special Committee Against Apartheid, Supplement No. 22 (A/32/22) http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.SFF.DOCUMENT.scaa1977001 Use of the Aluka digital library is subject to Aluka’s Terms and Conditions, available at http://www.aluka.org/page/about/termsConditions.jsp. By using Aluka, you agree that you have read and will abide by the Terms and Conditions. Among other things, the Terms and Conditions provide that the content in the Aluka digital library is only for personal, non-commercial use by authorized users of Aluka in connection with research, scholarship, and education. The content in the Aluka digital library is subject to copyright, with the exception of certain governmental works and very old materials that may be in the public domain under applicable law. Permission must be sought from Aluka and/or the applicable copyright holder in connection with any duplication or distribution of these materials where required by applicable law. Aluka is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to creating and preserving a digital archive of materials about and from the developing world. For more information about Aluka, please see http://www.aluka.org Report of the Special Committee Against Apartheid, Supplement No. 22 (A/32/22) Alternative title Report of the Special Committee Against ApartheidA/32/22S/12363 Author/Creator Special Committee against Apartheid Publisher United Nations, General Assembly (New York) Date 1977-11-01 Resource type Reports Language English Subject Coverage (spatial) South Africa, South Africa Description I. Review of the work of the Special Committee: A. Action taken by the General Assembly at its thirty-first session; B. Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners; C. Observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 19 March 1976; D. International Day of Solidarity with the Struggling people of South Africa; E. World Conference for Action against Apartheid; F. Second International Trade Union Conference for Action against Apartheid; G. Proposed International Anti-Apartheid Year; G. Proposed International Anti-Apartheid Year; H. Consideration of developments relating to apartheid; I. Missions to Governments; J. Co-operation of the Special Committee with other organizations engaged in the struggle against apartheid; K. Representation at national and international conferences; L. International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid; N. Work of the Sub-Committee on the Implementation of United Nations Resolutions and Collaboration with South Africa. II. Conclusions and Recommendations: A. Solemn commitment to international action; B. Recognition of the right of the oppressed people to resort to armed struggle; C. Cessation of collaboration with the apartheid régime; D. Assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement; E. Implementation of the http://www.aluka.org International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid; F. Political prisoners in South Africa; G. Dissemination of information against apartheid; H. International Anti-Apartheid Year; I. Programme of work of the Special Committee; J. Strengthening of Secretariat services for the Special Committee and action against apartheid; K. Co-operation with other United Nations Bodies; L. Urgent need for action by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter. Annexes: I. Review of developments in South Africa since September 1976; II. List of Documents of the Special Committee. Format extent 167 pages (length/size) http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.SFF.DOCUMENT.scaa1977001 http://www.aluka.org REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AGAINST APARTHEID GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIAL RECORDS: THIRTY-SECOND SESSION SUPPLEMENT No. 22 (A/32/22) UNITED NATIONS New York, 1977 NOTE Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined with figures Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United Nations document. The present report was also submitted to the Security Council under the symbol S/12363. The special reports of the Special Committee against Apartheid will be circulated in mimeographed form under the symbols A/32/22/Add.l-3- S/12363/Add.l-3 and subsequently issued as Official Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-second Session, Supplement No. 22A (A/32/22/Add.1-3). CONTENTS VOLUME I /Original: English/ /4 Ilovember 1977/ Paragraphs LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL INTRODUCTION I. REVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE A. Action taken by the General Assembly at its thirty-first session B. Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners C. Observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 19 March 1976 D- International Day of Solidarity with the struggling people of South Africa E. World Conference for Action against Apartheid F Second International Trade Union Conference for Action against Apartheid G- Proposed International Anti-Apartheid Year H. Consideration of developments relating to apartheid 1. Collaboration with South Africa 2. Repression against the opponents of apartheid 3. Assistance to South African student refugees in neighbouring countries 4. Bantustans 5. Apartheid in sports I. Missions to Governments J Co-operation of the Special Committee with other organizations engaged in the struggle against apartheid 1. Other United Nations organs 2. Specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations System 3. Organization of African Unity 4. South African liberation movements 5. Non-governmental organizations -iii- i-1011-19011-25 26 - 32 33 - 37 Page v 1 3 3 - 44 - 54 - 58 - 62 - 107 - 80 - 94 - 97 - 99 - 107 - 129 130 - 174 133 134 143 149 154 142 148 153 174 CONTENTS (continued) K. Representation at national and international conferences L. International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid M. Trust Fund for Publicity against Apartheid N Work of the Sub-Committee on Petitions and Information 0. Work of the Sub-Committee on the Implementation of United Nations Resolutions and Collaboration with South Africa II CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Solemn commitment to international action B. Recognition of the right of the oppressed people to resort to armed struggle C. Cessation of collaboration with the apartheid r6gime D. Assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement E. Implementation of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid F Political prisoners in South Africa G- Dissemination of information against apartheid H. International Anti-Apartheid Year I. Programme of work of the Special Committee J Strengthening of Secretariat services for the Special Committee and action against apartheid K. Co-operation with other United Nations Bodies L. Urgent need for action by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter Paragraphs 175 - 183 184 - 185 186 -187 188 189 - 190 191 - 336 207 -214 215 -223 224 -271 272 -287 288 293 297 303 305 318 - 326 327 - 331 332 -336 ANNEXES I. REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE SEPTEMBER 1976 II LIST OF DOCUMENTS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE -iv- Page 158 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 1 November 1977 Sir, I have the honour to send you herewith the annual report of the Special Committee against Apartheid adopted unanimously by the Special Committee against Apartheid on 1 November 1977 This report is submitted to the General Assembly and to the Security Council in accordance with the relevant provisions of General Assembly resolutions 2671 (XXV) of 8 December 1970 and 31/6 of 26 October and 9 November 1976. Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. (Signed) Leslie 0. HARRIMAN Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid His Excellency Mr Kurt Waldheim Secretary-General of the United Nations New York INTRODUCTION 1 The Special Committee against Apartheid was established by the General Assembly by resolution 1761 (XVII) of 6 November 1962, as the Special Committee on the Policies of Apartheid of the Government of the Republic of South Africa. In resolution 2671 A (XXV), adopted on 8 December 1970, the General Assembly requested the Special Committee "constantly to review all aspects of the policies of apartheid in South Africa and its international repercussions, including: "(a) Legislative, administrative and other racially discriminatory measures in South Africa and their effects; "(b) Repression of opponents of apartheid; "(c) Efforts by the Government of South Africa to extend its inhuman policies of apartheid beyond the borders of South Africa; "(d) Ways and means of promoting concerted international action to secure the elimination of apartheid; "and to report from time to time, as appropriate, to the General Assembly or the Security Council or both" 2 The Special Committee is now composed of the following 18 Member States: Algeria, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic 3. On 25 January 1977, at its 340th meeting, the Special Committee unanimously re-elected Mr Leslie 0. Harriman (Nigeria) as its Chairman. At the same meeting, the Special Committee re-elected Mr Vladimir N Martynenko (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic) as one of its two Vice-Chairmen and elected Mr Putrevu J Rao (India) as its Rapporteur
Recommended publications
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report: Volume 2
    VOLUME TWO Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was presented to President Nelson Mandela on 29 October 1998. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize Chairperson Dr Alex Boraine Mr Dumisa Ntsebeza Vice-Chairperson Ms Mary Burton Dr Wendy Orr Revd Bongani Finca Adv Denzil Potgieter Ms Sisi Khampepe Dr Fazel Randera Mr Richard Lyster Ms Yasmin Sooka Mr Wynand Malan* Ms Glenda Wildschut Dr Khoza Mgojo * Subject to minority position. See volume 5. Chief Executive Officer: Dr Biki Minyuku I CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 6 National Overview .......................................... 1 Special Investigation The Death of President Samora Machel ................................................ 488 Chapter 2 The State outside Special Investigation South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 42 Helderberg Crash ........................................... 497 Special Investigation Chemical and Biological Warfare........ 504 Chapter 3 The State inside South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 165 Special Investigation Appendix: State Security Forces: Directory Secret State Funding................................... 518 of Organisations and Structures........................ 313 Special Investigation Exhumations....................................................... 537 Chapter 4 The Liberation Movements from 1960 to 1990 ..................................................... 325 Special Investigation Appendix: Organisational structures and The Mandela United
    [Show full text]
  • The Apartheid Divide
    PUNC XI: EYE OF THE STORM 2018 The Apartheid Divide Sponsored by: Presented by: Table of Contents Letter from the Crisis Director Page 2 Letter from the Chair Page 4 Committee History Page 6 Delegate Positions Page 8 Committee Structure Page 11 1 Letter From the Crisis Director Hello, and welcome to The Apartheid Divide! My name is Allison Brown and I will be your Crisis Director for this committee. I am a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Biochemicals. This is my second time being a Crisis Director, and my fourth time staffing a conference. I have been participating in Model United Nations conferences since high school and have continued doing so ever since I arrived at Penn State. Participating in the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association has helped to shape my college experience. Even though I am an engineering major, I am passionate about current events, politics, and international relations. This club has allowed me to keep up with my passion, while also keeping with my other passion; biology. I really enjoy being a Crisis Director and I am so excited to do it again! This committee is going to focus on a very serious topic from our world’s past; Apartheid. The members of the Presidents Council during this time were quite the collection of people. It is important during the course of this conference that you remember to be respectful to other delegates (both in and out of character) and to be thoughtful before making decisions or speeches. If you ever feel uncomfortable, please inform myself or the chair, Sneha, and we will address the issue.
    [Show full text]
  • SOW the WIND Contemporary Speeches
    SOW THE WIND Contemporary speeches Neville Alexander 0 Sow the Wind was first published by Skotaville Publishers. ISBN 0 947009 07 8 Copyright © Neville Alexander 1985 All rights reserved. This digital edition published 2013. © Copyright The Estate of Neville Edward Alexander 2013 This edition is not for sale and is available for non-commercial use only. All enquiries relating to commercial use, distribution or storage should be addressed to the publisher: The Estate of Neville Edward Alexander, PO Box 1384, Sea Point 8060, South Africa 1 CONTENTS Foreword 3 Preface 5 Let us unite in the year of the United Front 8 Funeral oration: Jean Naidoo 25 The national situation 30 Nation and ethnicity in South Africa 49 The role of the student in society 65 Careers in an apartheid society 79 Education and social change 87 The role of women in our society 101 ‘Let us fight against the organ-grinder’: Background to the Nkomati Accords 108 Race, ethnicity and nationalism in social science in Southern Africa 138 Education in the new dispensation 167 After the August elections 183 2 FOREWORD VERY OFTEN IN A COUNTRY’S historical development there are those who grasp a deeper sense of that movement. They, in very many ways, act as a centralising force – unifying the tentative, hesitant and emerging ideas into a single penetrating thought. Neville Alexander as a person, and his writings as a body of thought, do both these things with strength, vision and courage. The single thrust that runs through much of Neville Alexander’s writings is the dynamic relationship he perceives between the national struggle for liberation in South Africa and the future political vision.
    [Show full text]
  • Professional Historians and Political Biography of South African Parliamentary Politics, 1910-1990
    “THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY”: PROFESSIONAL HISTORIANS AND POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY POLITICS, 1910-1990 FA Mouton1 Abstract Biography strengthens the historian’s attempts to decipher the behaviour of individuals and also provides a historical window on a certain era, contributing to our knowledge and understanding of the past. Biographical studies of those who were involved in parliamentary politics between 1910 and 1990, the prime ministers, presidents, cabinet ministers, party leaders, humble backbenchers and unsuccessful parliamentary candidates can help to explain why the white minority, after decades of acquiescing the abuse of South Africa’s limited democratic tradition, decided to peacefully surrender its political power. And yet, despite the proven value of political biography in the United States and Britain, the library shelves of South African universities are bare of biographies on pre-1990 parliamentary politicians by professional historians. This article explains the reasons for this dearth of biographies, as well as the reasons why it is essential for professional historians to write them and concludes with a recommendation on how such biographies should be written. 1. INTRODUCTION By deciphering the behaviour of individuals, providing in the process a historical window on societies of the past, the historian as biographer plays a crucial role to convey knowledge and understanding of our history to the reading public. Biographical studies of the lives and careers of parliamentary politicians between 1910 and 1990 are for example essential to comprehend South African history in the twentieth century. And yet, despite the internationally proven value of biography, the library shelves of South African universities are bare of biographies by professional historians on pre-1990 parliamentary history.
    [Show full text]
  • Afrikaans (Pdf)
    Historia 55,2, November 2010, pp 226-242 Die Congregational Kerk in Uitenhage en die Groepsgebiedewet H.O. Terblanche* Inleiding Die bekende dr. J.T. van der Kemp, Nederlandse offisier en geneesheer (1747-1811), het in 1797 sy dienste aan die Londense Sendinggenootskap (LSG) gebied. Hy het op 31 Maart 1799, vergesel van drie assistente, J.J. Kicherer, William Edwards en John Edmonds, in die Kaap aangekom. Die aankoms van hierdie vier sendelinge word algemeen gesien as die oorsprong van die United Congregational Church of 1 Southern Africa (UCCSA). Die Nederlandse bewindhebber aan die Kaap, goew. J.W. Janssens, het tydens sy besoek aan Algoabaai in Mei 1803 die plaas Roodepan aan die Swartkopsrivier aan Van der Kemp as ƌ sendingterrein geskenk. Laasgenoemde het dit toe Bethelsdorp genoem en in Junie 1803 beset. Destyds was Bethelsdorp sewe myl van 2 Fort Frederick af, vandag is dit deel van Port Elizabeth se noordelike gebiede. Bethelsdorp kan beskou word as die moedergemeente van die Congregational Kerk in Uitenhage. In hierdie artikel sal veral gefokus word op twee gemeentes, te wete Rose Lane en Dale Street. Beide gemeentes is erg ontwrig vanweë die vernietigende uitwerking van die Groepsgebiedewet. Volgens adv. V.G. Hiemstra kon die Wet op Groepsgebiede (Wet No. 41 van 1950) “ongetwyfeld die belangrikste maatreël op die gebied van rasseverhoudings word wat nog ooit in Suid-Afrika aangeneem is”. Hy het die hoop uitgespreek dat die toepassing van die wet “in die oorgrote meerderheid van gevalle pynloos en sonder groot ontbering” kon geskied.3 Sy hoop is egter beskaam, want die Groepsgebiedewet sou tot groot bitterheid en ontwrigting lei.
    [Show full text]
  • Mind Your Colour the 'Coloured'
    Mind Your Colour The 'Coloured' Stereotype in South African Literature Vernon February bron Vernon February, Mind Your Colour. The 'Coloured' Stereotype in South African Literature. Kegan Paul International, Londen / Boston 1981 Zie voor verantwoording: http://www.dbnl.org/tekst/febr002mind01_01/colofon.php © 2014 dbnl / erven Vernon February vi Preface This book is essentially about stereotypes as found in the literature and culture of South Africa. It deals specifically with those people referred to in the South African racial legislation as ‘coloureds’. The book is also an illustration of the way in which stereotypes function as a means of social control and repression. One of the direct consequences of colonialism and racism is that the colonized or the discriminated invariably become the dupe of a series of rationalizations whereby the power-holders (i.e., the whites) justify their dominant position in society. Balandier, the French scholar, has given ample demonstration of this phenomenon as it operated in the former French colonies in West Africa and the Antilles. Here, the major channels of imposing French values were the French administrative officials and expatriates in the colonies, the school system and the policy of assimilation. Such a policy led to a reverence for the metropolis, Paris, an over-evaluation of French customs and norms, and a rejection of their own culture. This illusion was soon dispelled the moment the colonized set foot in France. Most blacks discovered that they were still looked upon as le nègre, even by the lowest of Frenchmen. The Dutch economic historian, D. van Arkel, has, on the basis of his work on the Austrian Jews, come to the conclusion that stereotypes arise when the following conditions are fulfilled: (1) there must be stigmatization, (2) social distance and (3) terrorization.
    [Show full text]
  • 1983-1987. the Purpose of This Paper Is to Give an Overview of The
    TilE lJITENliAGE EXHRIENCE. 1983-1987. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the situation and life experilOnclO of rlOsidents of Uitenhsge living in ·the Lsnga, lwsnobuhle and, Ister, Tyoksville communities from 1983-1987. Hany parts of the lOxperience are not uniqulO to Uitenhage, but thlOSlO fivlO years do reprealOnt a microcosm of most of thlO major issues of Bleck experience in thlO context of Apartheid - South Africa. Uitehsges' townships have lived and suffered through the Langa HassacrlO, the massive removal of 40,000 people end the Violence engendered by an unrestrained vigilante force. They have endured extreOle poverty and uneOlployment, detentions, constant police surveillance and action, people in hiding with the resultant atmosphere of immobill~ing fear. This paper concentrates on the experience of people but within the context of facts and figures from the research and documentation done during thiS period. Prevailing issues beforlO the Longa ~assacre. GlOnlOralj Uitenhage is an industrial to"n Situated in the Eastern Cape some 20klll. froa Port Elizabeth. It has a total population of 210,000 people. Official sources give the 1987 breakdo"n of this figurlO as follo"s: Black 150,000 Coloured 35,000 White 25,000 Asian 650 It has t"o black townships, K"anobuhle to the south and Langa (no" very small) to the north. Uitenhages' industrial life is heavily dependant on the motor industry, Volks"agen and Goodyear prOViding major SOurCes of employment "ith well-organised, effective unions. The small "hite community havlO shn"n themselves to be a politically conservative group, nlOrvous of the huge black township to their south.
    [Show full text]
  • Ÿþm Icrosoft W
    ,, 1, Il1 Indmit pirtw mr ,, 1, Il1 Indmit pirtw mr Tii Cabiniet, tlh( Laboor Party and the Naional l'eo pie s Party have joined in the calls for the resignation of Mr le Grange following the violent events in the Eastern Cape The law and order spokesman of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Mopp, said ministerial responsibility demanded that Mr Le Grange should go Mishandling His mishandling of the Eastern Cape situation raised the question of whether he was competent to continue Mr Ranji Nowbath of the NPP said Mr le Grange should seriously consider resigning From the reactions of President Botha and Mr le Grange, it emerged today that there are tensions in the Cabinet over the question of parties in the Cabinet demanding the resignation of a Minister of another party. % President Botha said it was his prerogative to appoint Ministers and he would not be influenced by agitations which had been started. Astonished It astonished him that, while unruly elements were trying to make -the eotttry'- ungovernable, "we are not standing togetber in condemning this. Instead attacks are made on a Minister who does his work I reject this," Mr Botha said Mr Id Grange said today that, an "extraordinary situation" had arisen and he was not prepared to accept this. He would, -meanwhile, .abide by the leadership given by Mr Botha Mr le Grange indicated that he would comment again later. Repercussions In Nationalist Party circles today it was said that the demand for Mr le Grange's resignation could have great political repercussions as parties led by two Cabinet Ministers, the Rev Allan Hendrickse and Mr Amichand Rajbansi, were involved.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of South Africa, Third Edition
    A HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA [To view this image, refer to the print version of this title.] Praisefor earliereditionsof A Historyof SouthAfrica "Highlyreadable.... Fora neatlycompressed,readable,authoritative accountofSouthAfricanhistory,thisbookwilltakesomesurpassing." -Paul Maylam,JournalofAfricanHistory "In A HistoryofSouthAfricaLeonardThompson againproveshismettleas an historianbyaugmentinghisowninsightswiththe bestofthoseofhis erstwhilecritics.... Thegreateststrengthofthisworkisitspresentationof suchasweepingandcomplexhistoryin someofthe most lucidproseto be found in suchatext.It isan excellentchoiceforan introductorycourse,as wellasoneofthe bestwindowsforthe generalreaderto gainperspectiveon contemporarySouthAfrica:'-Donald Will,AfricaToday "Thismagisterialhistorythrowsafloodlighton SouthAfrica'scurrentcrisis byexaminingthe past.The absurdityoftheapartheidphilosophyof racialseparatismisunderscoredbythe author's argument (backedwith convincingresearchmaterial)that the genesofthe nation'sfirst hunter-gatherersareinextricablymixedwiththoseofmodem blacks andwhites."-PublishersWeekly "Shouldbecomethe standard generaltextfor SouthAfricanhistory.It is recommendedforcollegeclassesandanyoneinterestedin obtaininga historicalframeworkinwhichto placeeventsoccurringin SouthAfrica today:'-Roger B.Beck,History:ReviewsofNewBooks ((Amustforanyseriousstudent ofSouthAfrica:'-Senator DickClark, Directorofthe SouthernPolicyForum,TheAspenInstitute,Washington,D.C. "Thisisabook that fillsa greatneed.Asan up-to-date aridauthoritative summaryofSouthAfricanhistorybyoneof
    [Show full text]
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report
    VOLUME TWO Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/ee4d9e/ The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was presented to President Nelson Mandela on 29 October 1998. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize Chairperson Dr Alex Boraine Mr Dumisa Ntsebeza Vice-Chairperson Ms Mary Burton Dr Wendy Orr Revd Bongani Finca Adv Denzil Potgieter Ms Sisi Khampepe Dr Fazel Randera Mr Richard Lyster Ms Yasmin Sooka Mr Wynand Malan* Ms Glenda Wildschut Dr Khoza Mgojo * Subject to minority position. See volume 5. Chief Executive Officer: Dr Biki Minyuku PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/ee4d9e/ I CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 6 National Overview .......................................... 1 Special Investigation The Death of President Samora Machel ................................................ 488 Chapter 2 The State outside Special Investigation South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 42 Helderberg Crash ........................................... 497 Special Investigation Chemical and Biological Warfare........ 504 Chapter 3 The State inside South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 165 Special Investigation Appendix: State Security Forces: Directory Secret State Funding................................... 518 of Organisations and Structures........................ 313 Special Investigation Exhumations....................................................... 537 Chapter 4 The Liberation Movements from 1960 to 1990 ....................................................
    [Show full text]
  • INTRODUCTION an Afrikaner's Long Walk to Reconciliation Leon Wessels
    1 INTRODUCTION An Afrikaner’s long walk to reconciliation Leon Wessels has been through changes since he rode behind Verwoerd in 1964, writes Kevin Ritchie A young man sits atop a white horse, looking resolutely into the camera. The caption tells us he’s part of an honour guard during the erstwhile National Party’s 50th anniversary celebrations in de Wildt, a small town in the old western Transvaal, in 1964. The rider is waiting to escort the then prime minister of apartheid South Africa Hendrik Verwoerd. The caption tells us that the rider would ultimately become the first NP cabinet minister to apologise publicly for apartheid to a democratic South Africa. The rider is Leon Wessels, a co-author of South Africa’s much-lauded Constitution and a two-term commissioner at South Africa’s Human Rights Commission. The picture was taken almost 43 years ago by David Goldblatt, today an internationally acclaimed photographer, then a Jewish South African shopkeeper from a mining village west of Johannesburg with what would become a burning passion for documentary photography. The image, one of 100 photographs of a cross section of Afrikaners taken throughout the 1960’s was first published in 1975 as a book entitled Some Afrikaners Photographed. The book immediately became a cause célèbre, reviled by the Afrikaner establishment and gingerly treated by the English media with even The Sunday Times refusing to run a review of it, because it challenged the official Afrikaner view of racial superiority and divine ordination. This week a new addition, Some Afrikaners Revisited, was released 32 years after the first one and 13 years into South Africa’s democracy.
    [Show full text]
  • Uit Uitenhage Uitgeskop Judy Chalmers and Lou-Ann Parsons
    46 sash June /WW uit uitenhage uitgeskop judy Chalmers and lou-ann parsons Uitenhage*$ black townships. Langa and KwaNobuhle. have lived and suffered through the Langa Massacre, the removal of 40 000 people and the violence engendered hy an unrestrained vigilante force- Judy Chalmers and Lou-Ann Parsons relate these facts to the implacable execution of apartheid policy and pinpoint the steps hy which the state overrode the efforts of the Langa community to forestall removal and control its destiny. itenhage is an industrial town throughout South Africa; rejection of ministrator in its stead* These officials Usituated in the Eastern Cape Community Councils, school and con­ served eviction notices on 426 shack- some 20 km from Pon Elizabeth. Its sumer boycotts, the Slate of Emer­ owners - but actual removal required a economic Hie is heavily dependent on gency, and so on. The Langa massacre court order, for which the KTC ap­ the motor industry. For residents of of 21 March 1985 has been reported in plied, the two black townships. Langa and SASH (Vol 28. No. IK The focus here The community mobilised, elect­ KwaNobuhle. this has meant oppor­ is on the forced removal of Langa resi­ ing the Langa Co-ordinating Commit­ tunities to perfect negotiating and or­ dents and on the violence and social tee to represent its interests in ganisational skills in the strong unions dislocation which have ensued. negotiations with the KTC. Protection at their place of work: but it has also of the Kabah residents was part of a meant acute vulnerability, in a dc- broader goal: to prevent the relocation pressed economy, to retrenchments Langa Prior to the Removal of (he entire Langa community to and poverty.
    [Show full text]