The Commonwealth, South Africa and Apartheid: Race, Conflict and Reconciliation

The modern Commonwealth played a significant role in the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa. This book provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of the Commonwealth's engagement with apartheid, its structure and influence, and its impact on contemporary post-war history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The modern Commonwealth played a crucial role in the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa. This comprehensive and authoritative account of the Commonwealths engagement with apartheid South Africa is intended for all those who study and research the modern Commonwealth, its structure and influence, and for those with a general interest in contemporary post-war history.

The Commonwealth, a group of 53 member states, was founded in 1931 with the aim of promoting cooperation and common interests among its members. During the apartheid era, which lasted from 1948 to 1994, the Commonwealth took a firm stance against the racist policies of the South African government.

One of the most significant actions taken by the Commonwealth was the imposition of economic sanctions on South Africa. In 1961, the Commonwealth suspended South Africa from its membership, and in 1962, it imposed a complete economic embargo on the country. These sanctions were designed to pressure the South African government to end apartheid and to promote racial equality.

In addition to economic sanctions, the Commonwealth also used its diplomatic influence to pressure South Africa to end apartheid. The Commonwealth organized several international conferences and summits, including the 1985 Harare Conference, which brought together leaders from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean to discuss the situation in South Africa.

The Commonwealth also provided financial and technical assistance to organizations working to end apartheid in South Africa. For example, the Commonwealth Development Corporation provided funding to support the development of black-owned businesses and to promote education and healthcare in South Africa.

Despite these efforts, the Commonwealth was unable to completely end apartheid in South Africa. The South African government resisted international pressure and continued to implement racist policies, including the forced removal of black people from their land and the segregation of black and white communities.

However, the Commonwealths engagement with apartheid South Africa did have a significant impact on the country and on the international community. The sanctions imposed by the Commonwealth helped to bring attention to the issue of apartheid and to pressure the South African government to end its policies. The Commonwealths support for organizations working to end apartheid also helped to build momentum for change in South Africa.

In conclusion, the modern Commonwealth played a crucial role in the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa. The Commonwealths economic sanctions, diplomatic influence, and financial and technical assistance helped to pressure the South African government to end apartheid and to promote racial equality. While the Commonwealth was unable to completely end apartheid, its engagement with South Africa did have a significant impact on the country and on the international community.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032077468