Main
Chronology

1970s

THE 1900'S ARE DIVIDED UP INTO DECADES:

DATE

       EVENT
1970   Prices begin to rise sharply, making it even more difficult for workers to survive on low wages. Spontaneous strikes resulted: workers walk out of the workplaces demanding wage increases.
1970   The Bantu Homelands Citizenship Act strips blacks of their South African Citizenship.
1970   Fietas, Johannesburg: Lenasia is incorporated into the Johannesburg Municipal Area.
1970   Bantu Homelands Citizenship Act (National States Citizenship Act) No 26:

Required all black persons to become citizens of a self-governing territorial authority. As Minister Connie Mulder stated: ‘No black person will eventually qualify in terms of section 10 because they will all be aliens, and as such, will only be able to occupy the houses bequeathed to them by their fathers, in the urban areas, by special permission of the Minister,’ i.e. black people are forced by residence in designated ‘homelands’ areas to be citizens of that homeland and denied South African nationality, the right to work in South Africa etc.
Assent gained: 26 March 1970; commencement date not found
Repealed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act No 200 of 1993.
1970   Fatima Meer banned for planning mass rally with Steve Biko.

Winnie Mandela placed under house arrest.
1970   Robert McBride\'s sister Gwynneth is born.
1970   Coloured and Indian players are purged from African clubs.

South Africa is expelled from the Olympic Movement.
1970   Thabo Mbeki is sent to Soviet Union for political training. Walter Sisulu and Abertina Sisulu’s son Max joins Thabo, and together they make their way to a remote military camp near a town called Sekhodia.
1970 1 January   The Weights and Measures Bill providing for the metrification of weights and measures, thereby introducing the metric system, comes into effect.
1970 9 January   The first week after the announcement of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund the price of gold falls below $35 per oz.
1970 30 January   The Prime Minister announces that the government is watching the situation in Lesotho following the elections and that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of South Africans there.
1970 6 February   The Prime Minister announces that all Coloured people will be removed from the common voters’ roll.
1970 11 February   A delegation from Mauritius arrives in Cape Town to discuss ways of strengthening links between Mauritius and South Africa.
1970 16 February   Twenty-two Africans are acquitted of unlawful activities. Three are subsequently released, but the nineteen others are charged again under the Terrorism Act, and immediately taken into custody. They include Winnie Mandela.
1970 18 February   Minister of Defence Botha, appeals in the House of Assembly to the British government to uphold its honour in respect of the Simonstown Agreement, otherwise South Africa will have to explore other avenues to strengthen its maritime forces.
1970 23 February   The Bantu Laws Amendment Bill is passed.
1970 26 February   The Bantu Homelands Citizenship Bill is passed, whereby every African is issued with a certificate of citizenship of his respective ‘homeland’.
1970 6 March   The National Party manifesto reaffirms its belief in separate development programmes for the white, black, Coloured and Indian population.
1970 10 March   South Africa’s consular representation will not be withdrawn from Rhodesia and South Africa’s relations with the Republic of Rhodesia will remain unchanged.
1970 13 March   A total of 407 candidates are nominated for the 166 seats in the House of Assembly. Eight parties and five independents will contest 155 of the constituencies.
1970 18 March   The Deputy Leader of the Herstigte Nasionale Party (HNP), Jaap Marais, is committed for trial in the Pretoria Supreme Court on three charges under the Official Secrets Act.
1970 23 March   South Africa is banned from competing in the Davis Cup, as a result of South Africa’s apartheid stand in sport.
1970 26 March   On this date all Africans become citizens of their ethnic ‘homelands’. However, they will not become foreigners in the Republic of South Africa.

South Africa:Signs treaty with Portugal (for Mozambique), amending Article XXXII of the Mozambique Convention.
1970 April   The Leader of the United Party reiterates his party’s proposal for a Federal Constitution.
The Herstigte Nasionaie Party publishes its manifesto describing its aim of a society dominated by Christian national concepts and Afrikaans as the only official language.
1970 2 April   South Africa:Signs agreement with Australia relating to air services.
1970 13 April   B.J. Vorster states that he is prepared to meet demands that mixed sports should be allowed.
1970 14 April   The United Nations Special Committee on Apartheid urges a boycott of all South African racist sporting organizations and supports an African proposal to exclude the Republic from both the Munich Olympics and the Olympic Movement itself.
1970 22 April   The general election results in the return to power of the National Party for the sixth time since 1948, but with a reduced majority. There is an overall swing of two and a half percent to the United Party, and of five and a half percent away from the National Party with three percent going to the Herstigte Nasionale Party. The NP wins 117 seats with 820,968 votes cast. The UP wins forty-seven seats with 561,647 votes cast. The Progressive Party wins one seat with 51,760 votes cast.
1970 24 April   It is confirmed in London that thirteen African countries have threatened to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, if the South African cricket tour of Britain goes on.
1970 27 April   The Prime Minister announces that his newly re-elected government is to continue its outward looking foreign policy as well as its policy of separate development.
1970 11 May   The Prime Minister announces a Cabinet reshuffle.
1970 13 May   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on certain dairy products.
1970 15 May   The International Olympic Committee expels South Africa from the International Olympic Movement as a result of South Africans apartheid stand in sport.
1970 18 May   Following the results obtained in the general election held in April, a new cabinet is sworn in.
1970 19 May - 21 May   John Vorster visits Malawi and stresses the desire for continued contact and co-operation between South Africa and Malawi, despite existing differences in outlook.
1970 21 May - 22 May   Private talks are held between John Vorster and Rhodesian Prime Minister lan Smith.
1970 22 May   The English Cricket Council bows to British government pressure and calls off the all-white South African cricket tour.
1970 29 May   Minister of Justice, P.C. Pelser, announces that the Attorney-General of the Transvaal is to prosecute thirty of the 357 people arrested in Johannesburg after an illegal march in protest against the continued detention of the twenty-two Africans held under the Terrorism Act.
1970 3 June - 7 June   The Prime Minister, accompanied by Dr. Muller, visits Portugal, and holds several meetings with the Portuguese Prime Minister and senior ministers. The friendly talks cover a wide field and include the Cahora Bassa scheme.
1970 9 June - 10 June   The Prime Minister visits Spain and holds discussions with senior officials. A meeting is held with General Franco.
1970 10 June   John Vorster hold talks in Paris with the French Prime minister covering French investments in South Africa.
1970 12 June   The seventh ‘homeland’ is inaugurated with the installation of Chief Gatsha Buthelezi as Chief Executive Officer of the Zululand Territorial Authority (ZTA).
1970 13 June   P.W. Botha announces that South Africa is establishing a new submarine base at Simonstown at a cost of $7.7m.
1970 14 June - 17 June   Prime Minister Vorster and Dr. Muller arrive in Geneva. A meeting is held with twelve South African ambassadors to European countries, and with the head of the South African mission to the United Nations in Geneva, concerned with means of improving South Africa’s image in Europe.
1970 24 June   Exchange of notes with Portugal on the issue of copyright in maps.
1970 July   The first General Students\' Council of South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) is convened, where the organisation takes a bolder stance. The organisation encourages contact between SASO and other multi-racial organisations such as the United Christian Movement (UCM) and the Institute of Race Relations, but recognition of National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) as a \"true\" national union of students is withdrawn. SASO becomes identified with a well-articulated ideology of Black Consciousness.
1970 1 July   The question of the resumption of arms supplies by Britain to South Africa is discussed by the Foreign Minister, Dr. H. Muller and the new British Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, in London, in the context of the Simonstown Agreement.
1970 6 July   The British Conservative government’s intention to resume arms supplies is announced in the House of Commons. Other Commonwealth governments are formally informed of this intention on 10-11 July 1970. Hostile reactions follow.
1970 11 July   The United States Secretary of State reiterates America’s adherence to the policy of not supplying arms and military equipment to South Africa.
1970 20 July   The Prime Minister announces in the House of Assembly that South African scientists have succeeded in developing a new process for uranium enrichment, and are building a pilot plant for this process.

The British Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, makes a statement in the House of Commons on the question of arms for South Africa. Emphasizing the vital importance of the sea routes around South Africa.
1970 23 July   The United Nations Security Council condemns all violations of its embargo against South Africa. After five meetings on this question Resolution 281 (1970) is subsequently passed calling on all states to strengthen the arms embargo. It is adopted by twelve votes to none against, France, Great Britain and the United States abstaining.

The Minister of Defence tells Parliament that South Africa in fact spends less than 3 percent of her national income on defence.
1970 23 July   Security Council adopted resolution 282 (1970) calling on States to take a series of measures to strengthen the arms embargo against South Africa. The vote was 12 in favour and 3 abstentions (France, UK, USA).
1970 27 July   An Uranium Enrichment Bill is announced, establishing the Uranium Enrichment Corporation of South Africa.
1970 29 July   The International Court of Justice in the Hague unanimously condemns the continuing presence of South Africa in Namibia and defines the legal consequences.
1970 August   In an article published in the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) newsletter Steve Biko writes: \"The integration they (liberals) talk about...is artificial...one-way of course, with the Whites doing all the talking and the Blacks the listening\"
1970 3 August   South Africa:Signs amendments with Portugal (for Mozainbique) an the Mozambique Convention.
1970 15 August   Several pamphlet bombs, scattering ANC pamphlets, explode in a number of cities.
1970 19 August   The Chinese community is granted official white’ status for the first time. but only for sport and leisure. Subsequently the leader of the HNP, Dr. Hertzog, accuses the government of betraying South Africa’s traditional principles of racial segregation.
1970 24 August   A second trial of the nineteen Africans, acquitted in February begins after they have been in detention for seventeen months. They are all acquitted and released on 14 September 1970 only to be served subsequently with orders by the Minister of Justice placing them under restriction.
1970 September   South Africa:Signs visa agreement with Spain.
1970 September   Speaking in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Vorster said that South Africa was prepared to enter into a non-aggression pact with neighbouring States.
1970 28 September   The Minister of Justice announces in the House of Assembly that as of 1 January 1970 there were 809 persons serving prison sentences imposed under security laws.
1970 28 September   The provincial elections continue to demonstrate the slight swing away from the National Party, with the United Party making a net gain of six seats. The result: National Party 118 seats, the United Party fifty-nine seats, others nil.
1970 30 September   B.S. Ramotse is sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment by Justice G. Viljoen in the Pretoria Supreme Court. He is found guilty of taking part in terrorist activities and plotting the violent overthrow of the state.
1970 5 October   South Africa:Signs multilateral Convention on the Conflict of Laws Relating to the Form of Testamentary Dispositions.
1970 24 October   In a Declaration on the 25th anniversary of the United Nations, the General Assembly described apartheid as \"a crime against the conscience and dignity of mankind\". (Resolution 2627 (XXV))
1970 4 November   President Houphouet-Boigny of the Ivory Coast announces he is planning an African Summit Conference to urge a dialogue with South Africa. This initiative meets with very various reactions throughout the continent, but is welcomed in South Africa.
1970 9 November   South Africa:Signs agreement with Netherlands modifying existing agreement on air services
1970 13 November - 1 December   The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Michael Ramsey, visits South Africa on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Anglican Church in South Africa. He repeatedly expresses his views on political and social problems arising from the government’s apartheid policy.
1970 13 November   After a challenge of the credentials of the South African delegation by many Member States, the General Assembly approved the report of the Credentials Committee \"except with regard to the credentials of the representatives of the Government of South Africa\". [(Resolution 2636 (XXV))]
1970 15 November   At the twenty-fourth General Assembly of the United Nations, South Africa joined all the leading maritime powers in opposing a section of the Resolutions on Peaceful Uses of the Sea-Bed.
1970 19 November   John Vorster appoints Theo Gerdener as Minister of the Interior in succession to Marais Viljoen. The latter retains the Labour portfolio and takes over Posts and Telegraphs in addition. The South African Broadcasting Corporation will come under the direct control of the Ministry of National Education.
1970 20 November   The South African Foreign Minister signs an economic agreement with the Malagasy Republic, which provides for a financial loan from South Africa to help the Malagasy tourist industry.
1970 21 November   Six prominent members of the HNP resign, having lost all confidence in the leadership of the party. Resignations include that of Dr. Willie Lubbe, editor of the party’s newspaper ‘Die Afrikaner’.
1970 5 December   The government’s policy for the coloured people is restated by a Cabinet Minister. Any policy, or lack thereof, which can lead to integration on whatever basis between whites and coloureds is rejected; the idea of a specific homeland for the coloured people is impracticable; extended and consistent liaison between the coloureds and the white authorities is promised. The government remains firmly committed to the principle of parallel development.
1970 11 December   South Africa signs a customs agreement with Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.
1970 16 December   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on the suppression of unlawful seizure of aircraft.
1970 24 December   The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development leaves Malawi after a four-day visit during which cooperation between nations of Southern Africa is endorsed.
1971   The natal Indian Congress is revived.
1971   The Voice of Women magazine is launched.
1971   Despite the formative influence of a highly politicised father, one of Robert McBride\'s first personal experiences of racism is at Zoo Lake, Johannesburg. He joins some White children playing with a fish in a bucket, recently caught by a White youth of about 18 who, kicks Robert (of mixed race) in the crotch. This becomes an incident that his younger sister uses to taunt him.
1971   South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) helps launch the Black Community Programme.

Strini Moodley and Saths Cooper, members of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) urge other Indian activists to embrace the Black Consciousness ideology. Although there is sympathy among NIC members, they view South African Students Organisation’s ideas of Black consciousness as potentially leading to Black racism.
1971   The National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) launches the Keg League (later renamed Castle League), sponsored by South African Breweries.

Kaizer Motaung’s All-Star XI is renamed Kaizer Chiefs.
1971   Thabo Mbeki is transferred to Lusaka, Zambia.
1971 14 January - 21 January   A conference of Heads of Government from the Commonwealth is held in Singapore at which Britain’s proposed sale of arms to South Africa is extensively debated. A study group is set up to consider the question in the context of the security of maritime trade routes in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
1971 20 January   The Anglican Dean of Johannesburg, the Very Rev. Gonville Aubie ffrench-Beytagh, is detained by the police, accused of subversive activities.
1971 1 February   South Africa:Signs an amendment with Malawi on the provisions of the trade agreement of 13 March 1967.
1971 2 February   South Africa:Signs the Convention of Wetlands and Water Fowl.

The Minister of Justice says, in Parliament, that for as long as the present government is in power the Immorality Act will not be repealed.
1971 8 February   The text of a letter from South Africa to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, officially requesting it to cooperate in supervising a plebiscite in Namibia, is released. The Court is considering a request by the United Nations Security Council for an opinion on the legal consequences of South Africa’s continued presence in the territory in defiance of United Nations resolutions.

Minister of Labour Marais Viljoen announces total exemption for Coloureds from job reservation in the building industry on the Reef and in Pretoria.
1971 11 February   South Africa:Signs treaty with Israel on the reciprocal recognition of air worthiness certificates between South Africa and Israel.

South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty pertaining to nuclear weapons on the seabed.
1971 16 February - 22 February   A number of religious ministers and lay workers from Europe and America are told to leave the country.
1971 19 February   It is reported that the Security Police have detained about twenty Africans, Coloureds and Asians. The detainees are said to be members of the Unity Movement of South Africa, founded in 1943 by Coloured schoolteachers.

The South African arms question is discussed in a closed session of the Singapore Commonwealth Conference.
1971 20 February   The British Prime Minister reiterates his government’s attitude to the sale of arms in South Africa, at the Commonwealth Conference in Singapore. Accordingly the South African government has assured Britain that it had no aggressive intentions and that maritime arms would be used only to secure the sea routes.
1971 22 February   The South African Defence Ministry announces that the British government, following its obligations as per the Simonstown Agreement, is willing to give an export licence for Wasp helicopters as requested by South Africa.
1971 25 February   The Chief of the Security Police announces that raids undertaken on this date at offices of Christian and student organizations in the country’s main cities have revealed quantities of documents concerning ffrench-Beytagh’s activities. The Dean is consequently remanded until 28 May 1971 and again until 30 June 1971. The original charges are withdrawn: a new indictment is drawn up under the Terrorism Act.

The OAU publishes a statement condemning Britain’s proposed sale of helicopters to South Africa.
1971 March   The Bantu Homelands Constitution Bill is enacted in the last week of March. 3 Mar. 1971 A Constitution Amendment Bill, empowering the government to proclaim any African language an official language in any self-governing territory, when considered fit passes its second reading at a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. Seven different African languages will thus be given official recognition.
1971 11 March   A resolution is passed at a student body meeting for the establishment of a student Wages Commission. David Hemson, Halton Cheadle, David Davis, Karel Tip and Charles Nupen together with political scientist Rick Turner lead the collective thinking on the establishment of the Commission.
1971 15 March   South Africa:Signs treaty with Netherlands for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
1971 19 March   Prime Minister Vorster says that his government is prepared to engage in dialogue, without preconditions, with other African countries prepared to talk. His offer meets with mixed reactions throughout the continent.
1971 22 March   A statement by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ghanal. National Assembly indicates a readiness to visit South Africa.
1971 26 March   The Prime Minister of Swaziland visits Cape Town for talks with John Vorster and confirms that a policy of friendship and cooperation towards the Republic is being maintained.
1971 29 March   South Africa:Signs Wheat Trade Convention.
1971 30 March   Prime Minister Vorster holds his first-ever international press conference and asserts that discussion of separate development with Africa’s black leaders will be welcomed. A policy of external dialogue is to be pursued.


Referring to allegations that a vendetta is being conducted against churches and religious workers in South Africa. Prime Minister Vorster says that of 1,440 religious workers only six have been deported in the last ten years, seventeen were refused extensions of permits and two were refused visas.

End-March:The Bantu Homelands Constitution Bill is enacted. It empowers the government to grant self-government, on an equal footing with that of the Transkei, to any area with a Territorial Authority, upon the latter’s request, at any time, by simple proclamation, after consultation with the Territorial Authority concerned, but without parliamentary enactment.
1971 31 March   Bantu Homelands Constitution Act (National States Constitutional Act) No 21:

Provided for the granting of increased powers to homeland governments, thus facilitating their eventual ‘independence’.
Commenced: 31 March 1971
Repealed by Sch 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act No 200 of 1993.
1971 1 April   Accepts the accession of Ireland to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
1971 13 April   The Chief Minister of Transkei demands full control of all departments of state.
1971 16 April   The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development, MC. Botha, replies to Paramount Chief Kaiser Matanzima’s demands for increased control and for the transference to the Transkei of certain lands technically within its boundaries, from the Republic. Certain police stations will be transferred to Transkeian jurisdiction.
1971 21 April   The Prime Minister refers to the Chief Minister of Transkei’s demands of 13 April and points out that Defence could not be transferred as it would mean changing the Constitution of the Transkei Act of 1963.

Prime Minister Vorster makes a lengthy statement on South Africa’s relations with Zambia.
1971 22 April   The Ciskei Territorial Authority elects a twenty-member select committee to draft a Constitution for an independent Ciskei.

Speaking in the House of Assembly the Prime Minister lays down guidelines for international sports meetings in South Africa. He makes it clear, however, that there has been no change in sports policy on the club, provincial and national levels.
1971 23 April - 26 April   Prime Minister Vorster denies that he has broken any confidence in disclosing exchanges with Zambia and he added that it was fallacious that he indicated that he was willing to discuss Rhodesia’s future with President Kaunda.
1971 28 April   The President of the Ivory Coast reiterates his initiative for opening a dialogue with South Africa. While Swaziland approves the dialogue, Tanzania and Mauritius refuse to participate and many member states of the OAU strongly oppose it.
1971 1 May   The Tswana Legislative Assembly comes into being.
1971 3 May   Chief Kaiser Matanzima denies in the Transkei Legislative Assembly that he is agitating for independence at this state, but he will continue to make certain legitimate land claims.

Signs treaty with Malawi on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
1971 5 May   A wide-ranging bill providing severe penalties for dealing in or using dangerous drugs is published.
1971 6 May   Minister of Defence P.W. Botha announces in the House of Assembly that South Africa has reached such a degree of self-sufficiency that it does not need any arms from the outside world for internal security.
1971 12 May   Extension of University Education Amendment Act No 29:

In order to prevent students from changing courses after admission, the Minister would give consent only in respect of a specific university and a specified qualification. He could withdraw his consent if the student concerned changed her/his course of study (SRR 1971:288).
Commenced: 12 May 1971
Repealed by s 21 of the Tertiary Education Act No 66 of 1988.
1971 14 May   The International Court of Justice at The Hague rejects the government’s application that a plebiscite be organized in Namibia and rejects the offer of additional documentation about the situation there.
1971 16 May   Prime Minister Vorster declares that if the positive signs of cooperation with the rest of Africa are interpreted correctly, South Africa could become the leading state of Southern Africa.
1971 21 May   South Africa:Joins the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation (lntelsat).
1971 26 May   South Africa:Signs multilateral articles of agreement on the Southern African Regional Tourism Council.
1971 1 June   The Venda and Ciskei territorial authorities are replaced by legislative assemblies.
1971 8 June   The first meeting of the student Wages Commission is held at the Bolton hall at the University of Natal, Durban (UND). Beforehand, thousands of pamphlets announcing the meeting and explaining the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) were printed and distributed by the students to workers in industrial areas, outside factory gates and at taxi ranks. 400 workers attend, and all sign an objection to the Wage Board’s latest ruling on the minimum wage, and demand a minimum wage of R20 per week. The petition is ignored by the government Wages Board which sets down a minimum of R 8,50.
1971 9 June   The Minister of Coloured Affairs pledges himself to strive for equal pay for equal work for Coloureds.
1971 9 June   An unintended consequence of the first meeting of the Wages Commission is seen the following day, when a group of workers at the McWillaw Iron and Steel Foundry in Isipingo stop work. Waving the Wages Commission pamphlets, the workers quote R 16,50 as a minimum weekly income. The police were called in and an agreement with management is reached, with no pay increase.
1971 11 June   Minister of the Interior Theo Gerdener, indicates that the Public Service Commission will make a comprehensive study to create a more satisfactory ratio between white and non-white salaries in government service.
1971 14 June   The World Council of Churches cancels a special consultation in South Africa because of unacceptable conditions imposed on it by Prime Minister Vorster.
1971 15 June   South Africa:Signs amendment of Article 50(A) of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
1971 20 June   At the meetings of Council of Ministers of the OAU, dialogue with South Africa is firmly rejected.
1971 21 June   The International Court of Justice at The Hague declares that South Africa is under obligation to withdraw its administration from Namibia immediately and thus put an end to its occupation of the territory. John Vorster reacts by indicating that as the judgment is only advisory, it can not be considered binding, and South Africa will act as it sees fit.
1971 22 June   A Pretoria court rules that the former leader of the banned PAC, Robert Sobukwe, will not be allowed to use his exit permit (granted by the Minister of the Interior) to leave South Africa permanently because the Minister of Justice refuses to lift his banning order confining him to the magisterial district of Kimberley.
1971 25 June   At the first Wages Board meeting where students make a presentation, students lead evidence on the cement products industry. In the weeks before the meeting, students produce and distribute pamphlets outside factories, which explain the procedures of the Wage Board and the kind of evidence that will make a presentation effective. Workers are encouraged to draw up an inventory of their expenses to show that their current minimum wage is too low. More importantly workers are encouraged to attend the Board’s meeting.
1971 27 June   The Chairman of Armscor announces that under an agreement with a French aviation company, Mirage III and F jet fighters will be built in South Africa with the help of French personnel.
1971 28 June   Father Cosmos Desmond, British born Roman Catholic priest, is placed under house arrest in Johannesburg by an order signed by the Minister of Justice.
1971 30 June   Membership of the Bank for International Settlement is extended to the South African Reserve Bank.
1971 July   The South African Communist Party paper, Inkululeko-Freedom is launched: a sign of underground activities inside the country.
1971 July   Adoption of the South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) policy manifesto, stating the centrality of the Black Consciousness doctrine.
1971 July   A proposal is made at a National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) conference that wages and economic commissions, based on the UND model, be set up at Witwatersrand University (Wits), the University of Cape Town (UCT), Rhodes University (Rhodes) and the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg (UNP). The proposal calls for a national effort to investigate the operation of the Wage Board, for students to present research to Board meetings and assist workers in presenting their demands. Whilst the motion is passed, the challenge to coordinate activities remains.
1971 5 July   The Minister of Information outlines his government’s plan for the nine homelands’ of South Africa in London. They are to become sovereign states in their own right, independent, entitled to maintain their own languages cultures and identities in their own way, according to their own wishes in their own geographical territories.
1971 17 July   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on the partial revision of the 1959 radio regulations.
1971 25 July   Joe Kachingwe is appointed Malawi’s first Ambassador to South Africa and assumes office in Pretoria on 29 July 1971.
1971 27 July   Prime Minister Vorster completes a tour of African homelands’ in the Northern Transvaal during which he holds talks with leaders of the North Sotho, Tswana and Venda homelands. The importance of working together is emphasized. Regular consultation is promised.
1971 29 July   The International Court of Justice in The Hague unanimously condemns the continuing presence of South Africa in South West Africa and defines the legal consequences.
1971 2 August   The trial of the Very Rev. Gonville Aubie ffrench-Beytagh begins in the Pretoria Supreme Court. Sidney Kentridge appears as Council for the Defence. The Dean himself explains his attitudes and beliefs in evidence given by him on 14-20 September 1971.
1971 4 August   The government gives limited powers of internal self-government to homeland’, Damaraland, in Namibia.
1971 5 August   The Minister of Defence says that South Africa has become so self-sufficient in the manufacture of arms that she is considering exporting weapons. European countries have accepted that military equipment of a high quality is being produced.
1971 7 August   A Malagasy government delegation arrives for a five-day visit aimed at consolidating relations between the two countries. It is agreed to establish a permanent joint commission to explore further fields of co-operation.
1971 10 August   Eleven bombs explode, scattering ANC propaganda leaflets in the four major cities. The blasts occur twelve months after similar actions in the same cities.
1971 16 August - 20 August   President Hastings Banda, President of Malawi, pays a state visit to South Africa, meeting the State President and the Prime Minister. On his return, he declares that 99% of the Africans whom he met supported his policy of contact with Pretoria.
1971 25 August   The leader of the Zulu Territorial Authority, Chief Buthelezi, calls for a National Convention of all races in South Africa to decide the country’s future political direction. John Vorster rejects this completely, but it is supported as a constructive proposal by both the opposition United Party and the Progressive Party.
1971 30 August   The government announces programmes for expanded development and augmented political powers for the Ovambo and Kavango homelands in Namibia.
1971 September   2000 stevedores threaten to strike if their wages are not raised. David Hemson, a student conducting research on the stevedores, begins to play a more active role as an advocate for the stevedores. Their demand is for a R14 wage increase, still below the PDL. The Wages Commission is instrumental in getting the attention of the White press, especially in terms of wages being below the poverty datum line.
1971 11 September   The Australian Cricket Board decides to withdraw its invitation to the South African Cricket Team to tour Australia. Minister of Sport F.W. Waring blames acts of anarchy and threats of a misguided minority for this decision.
1971 15 September - 17 December   At the twenty-fifth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, six resolutions denounce the South African government’s apartheid policy.
1971 18 September   During a meeting with representatives of the nine member churches of the World Council of Churches in South Africa, Prime Minister Vorster reaffirms that he will not consider allowing a WCC delegation to come to South Africa under any conditions. Nor will he allow any funds to be sent from South Africa to the World Council.
1971 23 September   Signs multilateral treaty for the suppression of unlawful acts against the safety of civil aviation.
1971 26 September   Minister of Coloured Affairs, J.J. Loots announces that larger Coloured group areas will gradually be transformed into fully fledged municipalities, under the Coloured Persons Representative Council.
1971 28 September   President Idi Amin of Uganda offers to dispatch a ten-man investigatory mission to South Africa. South Africa replies by inviting Amin himself, or one or more members of his government instead - an alternative which proves unacceptable.

Signs Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Professional and
1971 30 September   It is officially announced that the British and South African naval units will engage in a month of joint manoeuvres in South African waters from 4 October to 3 November 1971.

South Africa:Signs amendment to the trade agreement of 20 August 1932 with Great Britain.
1971 October   The new leader of the Progressive Party, Cohn Eglin, together with Helen Suzman, undertake a visit to seven black African states.
1971 4 October   Chief Leabua Jonathan, Prime Minister of Lesotho, warns that violent confrontation between blacks and whites will be an inevitable consequence of apartheid. Mr Vorster responds with restraint, in the interest of friendship.
1971 4 October - 28 October   Three leaders of ‘homelands’ governments - Paramount Chief Kaiser Matanzima (Transkei), Chief Gatsha Buthelezi (Zulu Territorial Authority) and Chief Lucas Mangope (Councillor of the Tswanas) - visit Great Britain at the invitation of the British government to study British institutions and the independence processes undergone by the former High Commission Territories.
1971 5 October   The Prime Minister announces at the National Party Congress the incidences on the border of Zambia and the Caprivi Strip. He reminds the Congress of his previous warnings that South Africa will not tolerate the incursion of communist trained terrorists into South African territory and they will be pursued to the land from where they came.
1971 6 October   The Minister of State of the Ivory Coast, Koffia Ndia, visits South Africa, reraffirming the country’s commitment to dialogue.
1971 7 October   SWAPO claims it was not responsible for placing landmines in the Caprivi Strip and that the guerrillas were not operating from Zambia, but from inside Namibia.
1971 8 October   The United Nations Security Council meets in emergency session to hear a complaint by Zambia against numerous violations by South African forces against the sovereignty, airspace and territorial integrity of Zambia. South Africa categorically rejects the Zambian allegations.
1971 11 October   South Africa:Signs visa agreement with Iran.
1971 12 October   The Security Council unanimously adopts an amended resolution, sponsored by four African states, which declares that army violation of the border of a member-state is contrary to the UN Charter. It calls on South Africa to respect Zambia’s sovereignty.

South Africa Signs amendments to the multilateral treaty on the safety of life at sea.
1971 13 October   South Africa:Signs treaty with Australia on postal parcels.
1971 15 October   Accepts the accession of Romania to the General Agreement on Tarnfs and Trade.
1971 18 October   The seventh Summit Conference of the Fast and Central African states, held in Mogadishu, adopts a Declaration urging armed struggle to liberate Southern Africa, to which they grant total support. This rejection of South Africa’s dialogue policy is welcomed by the leaders of both the ANC, Alfred Nzo and the PAC.
1971 23 October   An article appearing in the Daily News argues: “ for those who lightly dismiss the students as â€immature cranks’, the Commission’s activities provide food for thought. They should not have to fight this battle alone”.
1971 24 October   The Security Police raid more than 100 homes throughout the country in a search for illegal political literature.
1971 28 October - 28 October   It is officially confirmed that one of nineteen Indians detained, Ahmed Timol, a Moslem teacher, has jumped to his death from the tenth floor of the main police building in Johannesburg - the seventeenth death in detention under security laws. Following calls from the opposition and others for a judicial inquiry into deaths of police detainees, the Prime Minister states on the following day, 29 October 1971, that he finds no need for this.

Winnie Mandela is given a six-month suspended sentence for defying a banning order. She is to appear in court on 16 November 1971 on a second similar charge.
1971 29 October   The Prime Minister emphasizes that following the church’s subversive activities, that a comprehensive and serious investigation in connection with terrorism and sabotage can be expected.
1971 November   End- Novemember:Chiefs Buthelezi and Mangope visit West Germany in early November and hold discussions with ministers and officials.
1971 November   2000 Ovambo contract labourers in Windhoek strike for higher wages. There is increased interest by the public and government on the question of Black wages.
1971 1 November   After a protracted trial the Anglican Dean of Johannesburg, the Very Rev. Gonville Aubie ffrench-Beytagh is found guilty on ten points of subversive activities against the state and is sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with a grant of leave to appeal. The sentence is followed by wide-spread criticism and protests, both within and without the country.
1971 3 November   Please ensure that the event is listed in such a way that is answers the questions WHO? WHAT? WHThe Cape Provincial Council approves the Local Authorities Voters’ Amendment Ordinance, removing the names of Coloured persons from the common voters rolls of municipal and divisional councils in the Cape Province, depriving them of tights enjoyed for over 100 years.ERE and if interpretation is included WHY? (eg. South Africans vote in the first democratic elections in South Africa).
1971 12 November   The biennial Congress of the United Party requests the government to hold a referendum before sovereign independence is granted to ‘homelands’. The party remains opposed to the separate development policy.

Signs amendments to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Accepts the accession of the Congo to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
1971 13 November - 14 November   The World Council of Churches meeting in Geneva states that the sentence against Rev. ffrench-Beytagh will stir up the world’s indignation against South Africa.
1971 16 November   Signs amendments to the Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
1971 24 November   Signs agreement with Portugal (for Mozambique) pertaining to rivers of mutual interest.
1971 26 November   Black Affairs Administration Act No 45:

Provided for black self-government in townships.
Commenced: 26 November 1971
Repealed by s 69 of the Black Communities Development Act No 4 of 1984.
1971 29 November   The United Nations General Assembly asks all world governments to apply a full-scale embargo on arms supplies to South Africa, condemns the establishment of Bantustans and asks national and international sports organizations to refuse any recognition to any sporting activity involving racial, religious or political discrimination.
1971 29 November   The General Assembly adopted resolution 2775 D (XXVI) calling for a boycott of sports teams selected in violation of the Olympic principle of non-discrimination. It also condemned the establishment of bantustans and forced removals of African people.
1971 December   The Durban Wages Commission begins printing Isisebenzi (The Workers), a newspaper for workers. They also publish the Bulletin of the Wages Commission which reports on strikes, the work of the Commission, and labour disputes.

At this time however, the morale of some students begins to wane. David Hemson becomes despondent about the lack of progress on the work of the Commission and considers withdrawing.
1971 2 December   Robert Sobukwe, former PAC leader, is finally refused permission to leave the country, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court dismisses his appeal against a lower court decision.
1971 4 December   The Defence Minister denies that South Africa has sent troops to Malawi to quell the security threat on Malawi’s southern border, but military equipment is being supplied.

Speaking at the installation of Prince Goodwill Zwelithini as Paramount Chief of the Zulu nation in Nongoma, the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development supports the traditional system of Chieftainship. His speech is resented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Zulu Territorial Authority, Chief Gatsha Buthelezi, who construes it as directed against himself.
1971 13 December   South Africa:Signs treaty with Australia concerning an international observer scheme for landbased whaling stations.
1972   The Black People’s Convention is formed to co-ordinate the Black Consciousness movement.
1972   Bophuthatswana, Ciskei and Lebowa are granted self-government status.
1972   Military conscription for white youths is extended to one year.
1972   Three important Black Consciousness Organisations are established:

1)The Black People\'s Convention (BPC)
2)Black Community Project (BPC)
3)South African Students\' Movement (SASM)

The Chatsworth train boycott, a public stance on foreign investment attracts more attention to the Black People\'s Convention (BPC) The Black Allied Workers\' Union is also launched.
1972 - 1977   Between 1972 and 1977, all the homelands were given self-government similar to that of the Transkei (Dugard 1978: 91). All enactments of the Legislative Assemblies of the homelands required the approval of the State President of the Republic of South Africa.
1972   Bophuthatswana, Ciskei and Lebowa proclaimed a self-governing territories.
1972   Marriage Act No 4:

Created a local marriage recognition regime, distinct from that of South Africa.
Commenced: 19 April 1973
1972   Lillian Ngoyi’s banning order lapses.
1972   Bernard “Dancing Shoes” Hartze (Cape Town Spurs, Federation Professional league) sets a South African record for a single season goal-scoring average: 35 goals in 16 matches.
1972 January   The campus wages survey at UND had yet to be completed. The problem is with the questionnaires, which though completed, have to be redone. It is decided that Black fieldworkers conduct interviews and that money should be budgeted for this purpose.

At this time Mike Murphy of the UNP is asked to take over the Wages Commission.

Also at this time several studies are published on the â€minimum needs’ debate. The South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) as well as the University of Port Elizabeth published findings on the PDL as well as the Minimum Effective Level (MEL).
1972 12 January   The Paramount Chief of the Zulus, Prince Goodwill Zwelethini, is officially removed as a member of the Zulu Legislative Assembly by an amendment to the Constitution. His position henceforth will be similar to that of the State President.
1972 27 January   Signs Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
1972 28 January   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that South Africa will not attend the African session of the United Nations Security Council in Addis Ababa. It is not a member and the circumstances are not exceptional enough to request permission to do so.
1972 2 February   An abridged version of the security report by Justice H.J. Potgieter’s Commission of Inquiry on State Security is submitted to the House of Assembly. The report finds that South Africa’s security is being threatened by numerous enemies in almost every sphere of society.
1972 4 February   At the United Nations Security Council’s Special Session on Colonialism and Racial Injustice in Southern Africa in Addis Ababa, a resolution is adopted condemning the government for its racial policies and calling for strict adherence by all states to the arms embargo.

The Prime Minister states in the House of Assembly in Cape Town that the United Nations General-Secretary, Dr. Waldheim, will be welcome and the government is willing to discuss with him, inter alia, black self-determination.
1972 4 February   The Security Council, meeting in Addis Ababa, adopted resolution 311 (1972) condemning apartheid; recognising the legitimacy of the struggle of the oppressed people of South Africa; calling upon South Africa to release all those imprisoned as a result of apartheid; calling upon all States to observe strictly the arms embargo against South Africa; urging governments and individuals to contribute to UN funds to assist victims of apartheid; and commending organisations and individuals assisting in the education and training of South Africans. The vote was 14 in favour and one abstention (France).
1972 10 February   The United Nations Secretary-General, Dr. Waldheim, announces in New York that he has received a formal invitation to visit South Africa for discussions without pre-conditions.
1972 11 February   The House of Assembly approves, by eighty-six votes to forty-three, a motion to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into and report upon the objects, organization, activities, financing and related matters of the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS), the South African Institute of Race Relations, the University Christian Movement (UCM), the Christian Institute of Southern Africa and their subordinate organizations.
1972 15 February   The Department of Bantu Development is planning for the consolidation of the ‘homelands’ by buying land in terms of the 1936 legislation.
1972 21 February   The Chairman of the South African Coloured Peoples Representative Council reports that the Prime Minister favours Coloureds gradually taking over all posts in the administration of coloured affairs.
1972 25 February   Signs extradition agreement with Malawi.
1972 29 February   Certificates of citizenship in the ‘homelands’ are to be issued by seven homeland authorities in their respective capitals in terms of the Bantu Homelands Citizenship Act of 1970.
1972 March   The United Nations Secretary-General, Dr. Kurt Waldheim, initiates discussions on the future of Namibia during a five-day visit to South Africa.
1972 March   Under the leadership of Murphy, the survey is completed. It finds that of the 59 unskilled African employees of the university, more than 70% earn wages below the PDL. Both the Durban and Pietermaritzburg Commissions recommend that the PDL be incorporated as the minimum wage level by January 1973. University authorities agreed to the recommendations only after students threaten to go to the press with their findings.
1972 4 March   Dr. Basil Moore, Johannesburg Methodist Minister, staff member of the Christian Institute and acting Secretary of the University Christian Movement, is restricted for five years under the Suppression of Communism Act,

The largest single construction work undertaken in South Africa, the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam on the Orange River, is officially opened by State President Fouché.

The United Party scores significant victories in municipal elections in Johannesburg and Randburg, continuing a noticeable swing against the National Party.
1972 6 March   The Democratic Party, formed by a splinter group from the National Party, indicates that it represents a coalition of the policies of the National, United and Progressive parties, and outlines its proposed reforms. These include granting the African population representation on municipal councils on the same basis as the white population.
1972 8 March   Suppression of Communism Amendment Act No 2:

Amended provisions regarding the participation of certain persons in the activities of certain organisations as well as ministerial powers regarding the registration of newspapers.
Commenced: 8 March 1972
Repealed by s 73(1) of the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982.
1972 16 March   The Head of the Security Police, General Venter, reports that nobody is still being held incommunicado under the Terrorism Act, and that all those people detained by the Security Police have now been released. However investigations continue.
1972 17 March - 24 March   President Fouché pays a state visit to Malawi and appeals for peaceful co-existence and cooperation between African states. An extradition agreement between the two countries is published in Pretoria on 24 March 1972.
1972 29 March   South Africa:Signs treaty with Brazil on the issue of avoiding double taxation on profits derived from shipping and aviation.
1972 April   A Legislative Assembly for Vendaland opens for the first time.
1972 April - June   Serious student unrest occurs at both black and white English-language universities leading to forceful police action against demonstrators in Cape Town, Johannesburg and elsewhere. Of the total 618 persons arrested in connection with student protests all those tried in court, for various alleged offences, are acquitted - except one student fined R50 for addressing a meeting.
1972 April   UCT students at the Wage Board sitting for the Mineral waters manufacturing industry point out that the government policy as stated in parliament earlier that year, is to reduce the historical wage gap between White and Black. Arguing that the gap had actually widened, the students question the role of the Board in preventing the position of Black workers from deteriorating further.
1972 1 April   The names of the four ‘homelands’ are changed: from Basotho ha Borwa (Southern Sotho) to Basotho-Qwaqwa; from Tswanaland to Bophuthatswana; from Machangana to Gazankulu; from Zululand to Kwazulu.

Under its new constitution Kwazulu Territorial Authority becomes Kwazulu Legislative Assembly. Its members undertake to honour and respect the State President and the Paramount Chief, but do not swear allegiance to the South African government and the Zulu royal family is denied executive powers.
1972 5 April   South Africa:Signs additional articles relevant to the constitution of the Universal Postal Union.
1972 6 April   In the Natal Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg, at the end of the longest trial of its kind in South Africa, thirteen defendants (nine Africans, two Indians and two Coloureds) are sentenced to imprisonment from five to eight years for contravening the Terrorism Act. They are found guilty of conspiring to overthrow the government by force.
1972 10 April   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of bacteriological and toxic weapons and their destruction.
1972 14 April   The appeal by the Anglican Dean, the Very Rev. Gonville Aubie ffrench-Beytagh, against his conviction and sentence under the Terrorism Act is upheld in the Appellate Division of the South African Supreme Court in Bloemfontein. The Dean thereupon leaves South Africa for Britain on the same day.
1972 19 April   The National Party increases its majority in the Oudtshoorn by-election. In the campaign heavy emphasis is placed on the dangers of the United Party race policies.
1972 3 May   Onkgopotse Abram Tiro is expelled from University of the North (Turfloop), student protests follow his expulsion. Click here to read Graduation Speech by Onkgopotse Tiro at the University of the North (Turfloop), 29 April 1972, which led to his expulsion
1972 4 May   The Foreign Minister announces that South Africa and Lesotho have decided to establish reciprocal consular representation.

The Transkei Legislative Assembly requests independence for the Transkei, subject to the inclusion of additional white areas.
1972 12 May   The South African Students Organisation (SASO) adopts the “Alice Declaration” at the federal Theological Seminary in the Eastern Cape. The Declaration resolves that students nationwide should close down Black institutions of higher education through lecture boycotts in support of the expelled, Onkgopotse Abram Tiro, from the University of the North (Turfloop)
1972 24 May   The Security Intelligence and State Security Council Bill is adopted defining the functions and duties of the Bureau of State Security (BOSS), and setting up a State Security Council, with the Prime Minister as Chairman, to advise government on national policy and strategy on security. It has the support of both opposition parties.

The first hijacking of a South African Airways plane takes place on a flight to Malawi. The two men responsible are subsequently apprehended and tried.
1972 June   A sixteen day inquest at the Regional Court in Johannesburg concludes that A.E. Timol, a political detainee who fell to his death from the tenth floor of a building while in police custody, committed suicide, and nobody is held accountable.
1972 June   At a meeting of textile and furniture workers in Bolton Hall, Hemson tables the idea of starting a union, but this is not pursued. Harriet Bolton puts forward the idea of a fund to collect subscriptions from workers and to administer funeral benefits, which is enthusiastically accepted by the meeting. The General Factory Workers Benefit Fund (GFWBF) is launched in Durban and the first members sign up in October at the Benefit Fund’s Pietermaritzburg office.
1972 1 June   Bophuthatswana is granted self government
South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on the conservation of Antarctic seals.
1972 1 June   The planned reopening of the University of the North (Turfloop) fails. Every major Black campus endorses strike action. Their grievances go beyond the Turfloop expulsions to reiterate long-standing student complaints about domination by White staff, biased curricula and demeaning campus conditions.
1972 2 June   Student protest erupts into violence outside St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. Force is used to dispel demonstrators.
1972 2 June   Admission of Persons to the Republic Regulation Act No 59:

Consolidated the laws relating to prohibited persons and to the admission of persons to the Republic or any of its provinces.
Commenced: 2 June 1972
Repealed by s 60 of the Abolition of Racially Based Land Measures Act No 108 of 1991.
1972 6 June   A proclamation is issued tinder the Riotous Assemblies Act banning political gatherings, processions, and protests for five weeks in the Cape, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and thirteen other places.
1972 7 June   The Chief Executive Councillor of Kwazulu, Chief Buthelezi, condemns plans to consolidate Zululand in terms of the 1936 Trust and Land Act.
1972 12 June   The Post Office Amendment Bill provides for the interception of mall and telephone and other communications where necessary in the interests of state security. Only the Progressive Party member, Helen Suzman, votes against it.
1972 14 June   Security Intelligence and State Security Council Act No 64:

Commenced: 14 June 1972
Repealed by s 7 of the National Strategic Intelligence Act No 39 of 1994.
1972 16 June   The resignation of the Minister of the Interior, Theo Gerdener, is announced and will take effect from 31 July 1972.

The government gives its details of its proposals to consolidate 157 ‘black spots’ and sixty eight Zulu areas into a homeland. Kwazulu will be consolidated as rapidly as possible. However, Chief Gatsha Buthelezi rejects these plans.
1972 23 June   The Malagasy Foreign Minister declares that his country is going to reconsider its policy of dialogue with South Africa.
1972 27 June   South Africa suspends any further dealing with the Malagasy government.
1972 July   The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) informs the non-racial South African Soccer Federation (SASF), led by Mr. Norman Middleton, that its application for membership arrived too late to be placed before the next congress of FIFA in August. FIFA also clarifies that the White Football Association of South Africa had not been suspended for contravening its rules but because of South African Government policy. Acceptance of FIFA would have meant expulsion of FASA (Football Association of South Africa).
1972 July   Under pressure from the Commission, the university administration allows a University of Natal Employee Association to be formed. Black workers at UNP and UND hold their first meetings. The first leader of the Durban Committee is Fidelis Ngobese. Issues raised at the first meeting are the use of the words â€boy’ and â€kaffir’ by White staff members, and the different wages paid to workers of different race.
1972 1 July   Gazankulu holds its first General Assembly.
1972 2 July - 9 July   Themba Sono is ousted as South African Student Organisation (SASO) President, in a General Student Council meeting held in Hammanskraal. Sono stands for close co-operation between SASO and some homeland leaders. Chief Gatsha Buthelezi is seen by as an undeniable force in South Africa politics. SASO advocates a radical approach towards the homeland leaders, calling them puppets of the Pretoria regime.
1972 12 July   A new black political party, the Black People’s Convention is formed after a three-day conference in Pietermaritzburg. The objective of the Convention is to unite South African blacks into a political organization seeking to realize their liberation and emancipation from both psychological and physical oppression. It is open only to black members.
1972 14 July   The Minister of Defence, P.W. Botha, announces that Coloureds are to have their own defence force units undergoing twelve months voluntary national service, to be called the South African State Corps Special Service Battalion.
1972 18 July - 19 July   Stevedores turn out in large numbers at the respective Wage Board sittings in Durban and Cape Town to argue their case for a minimum wage of R18, based on the PDL. Supported by evidence from the Commission, the workers are of the view that they have succeeded in obtaining their wage increases. The slow workings of the Wage Board are such that by October of that year, there is still no news on this.
1972 31 July   The Prime Minister announces that, following the resignation of five members of the Cabinet, he has reorganized his government.

South Africa:Signs amendment to the trade agreement of 20 August 1932 with Great Britain.
1972 August   The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) executive gives special permission to the Football Association of South Africa to have overseas teams participate in the South African Games in Pretoria in 1973, asking for assurance that Blacks would be allowed to watch the games. (South Africa has friends in the FIFA executive; its position in the FIFA Congress is weak. Congress approval was not necessary for the above special permission and the matter was not mentioned at the FIFA Congress in Paris.)
1972 1 August   The Ciskei is given self-government. Chief Justice Mabandla becomes Chief Minister, and the heads of the territory’s six departments become Ministers. The following day Mabandla makes a huge land claim asking for all the white-owned land between the Kei and the Fish Rivers in the Eastern Cape and between the coast and the Orange River
1972 5 August   The state-owned Atlas Aircraft Corporation is to build an advanced subsonic fighter to be airborne in 1974. Also during the next eighteen months the first Mirage F-I supersonic interceptors being built under licence from France will be in service with the South African Air Force.
1972 7 August   Chief Matanzima (Transkei) outlines proposals for the creation of Xhosaland a new black super-state to include the Transkei, Ciskei and white-owned land between the Fish and Kei Rivers, and East Griqualand.
1972 10 August   Naval Headquarters at Simonstown announce that the second series of joint British South African exercises off the Cape Coast will begin on 14 August 1972 and will continue for seven days.
1972 11 August   The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development declares that no more land will be allocated to the ‘homelands’ other than that stipulated in the 1936 Land Act.
1972 18 August   The first four Bantu Affairs Administration Boards are gazetted. They are intended to facilitate centralized administrative control and improved mobility of labour.
1972 25 August   Harry Schwarz wins the Transvaal party leadership of the United Party (UP) from Marais Steyn.
1972 12 September   Dr. H. Muller is elected as the National Party’s leader in the Transvaal, following the resignation of B. Schoeman. His election is considered to make him the successor-designate to John Vorster as Prime Minister.
1972 28 September   Proposals for the consolidation of ‘homelands’ in the Transvaal which will have the effect of reducing twenty six or twenty-seven specified areas to nine are announced. The purchase of white-owned land, involving a total of 310,000 hectares, for addition to black areas is a long and difficult task.
1972 - 1973 October - February   A wave of strikes by black workers begins in the autumn of 1972 and escalates dramatically in the first months of 1973, the main centre of unrest being Durban.
1972 October   As the new wages for dockworkers have not yet come into effect, stevedores in Cape Town and Durban embark on a strike. It ends when workers are given an ultimatum to return to work or face retrenchment.
1972 2 October   Lebowa, the Northern Sotho ‘homeland’, becomes the fourth ‘homeland, with Bheshego as its temporary capital. Under its new have constitution there will be a cabinet consisting of a Chief Minister and five other Ministers. External affairs, defence and communications will continue to be controlled by the South African government.
1972 20 October   Lebowa proclaimed a self-governing territory.
1972 25 October   The International Monetary Fund announces it has concurred in a proposal by the government for a change in the par value of the Rand representing a 4.202 percent devaluation in relation to gold but an effective appreciation of Great about 4 percent in comparison with the current market exchange of the Rand.
1972 1 November   At the end of a lengthy trial in the Supreme Court in Pretoria, four Indians Chief are convicted of conspiracy under the Terrorism Act and sentenced to a minimum of five years imprisonment. Their intention was the violent overthrow of the system of government.
1972 2 November   The first session of the newly elected Bophuthatswana Legislative Assembly is opened in Mafeking by President Fouché.
1972 15 November   The United Nations General Assembly passes six resolutions in plenary denouncing the government’s apartheid policy and various aspects of that policy. Each resolution is sponsored by some fifty African, Asian and Communist countries, the various resolutions receiving in every case over 100 votes in favour, being opposed by South Africa and Portugal and abstentions varying from one to twenty-one votes.
1972 15 November   In resolution 2923 E (XXVII), the General Assembly declared that \"the United Nations has a vital interest in securing the speedy elimination of apartheid\".
1972 15 November   In resolution 2923 E (XXVII), the General Assembly declared that \"the United Nations has a vital interest in securing the speedy elimination of apartheid\".
1972 23 November   Passports have been withdrawn from three white staff members of the joint Institute of Race Relations.
1972 December   The new wage determination from the Wage Board comes into effect. It is a R1 increase for stevedores, to a minimum wage of R9,50. This is just under 50% of the R18 PDL mooted by the workers in July. As a result, 2000 workers strike in Durban and 20 are dismissed. Concerned that Cape Town workers would face dismissal if they struck, students in the Commission there encourage workers to write to the Secretary of Labour, and to consider forming a trade union. Pamphlets giving workers advice on how to go about forming a union are distributed.
1972 1 December   South Africa:Signs treaty with Great Britain on air services (Hong Kong) via Seychelles.

South Africa:Signs amendment to an agreement regarding the establishment of civil air services with Great Britain.
1972 2 December   South Africa:Signs International Convention for Containers.
1972 3 December   Theo Gerdener resigns from the National Party on account of his involvement with Action South and Southern Africa (ACASA), an independent organization dedicated to better communication, which he ‘(UP) founded.
1972 5 December   It is announced that White, Coloured and Asian workers affiliated to the Trade Union Council of South Africa (TUCSA) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of extending full trade union rights to Africans. Minister of Labour Viljoen opposes it.
1972 8 December   South Africa:Signs treaty with Swaziland on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
1972 16 December   The Black People’s Convention (BPC) holds its first National Congress. Its Constitution declares it intends to preach and popularize the philosophy of Black Consciousness and black solidarity.
1972 16 December   The first national congress of the Black People’s Convention (BPC) is held in Hammanskraal.

Activist Mthuli Shezi, who inspired Black Consciousness ideas through his writings and plays, dies. He is pushed beneath a moving train at Germiston Station for standing up for the dignity of Black women who were being drenched with water by a White station cleaner.
1973   A massive strike begins in Durban.
1973   Under a delimitation carried out to take effect at the next elections the number of seats in the House of Assembly is increased from 166 to 171 generally of benefit to the ruling National Party.
1973   Wave of massive strikes in Natal.
1973   Venda and Gazankulu proclaimed a self-governing territories.

1973   Aliens Control Act No 40:

Exempted Indians from the need to obtain permits for travel between provinces. However, in terms of provincial legislation, Indians were not allowed to stay in the Orange Free State and parts of northern Natal for more than a brief period unless prior permission had been obtained (Dugard 1978: 73).
Repealed by s 60 of the Abolition of Racially Based Land Measures Act No 108 of 1991.
1973   Black Labour Relations Regulation Amendment Act 70:

This Act was passed in response to a wave of strikes in 1972 and 1973 (Bendix 1989: 302) and included a limited right to strike. Previously black workers had been completely prohibited from striking.
Repealed by s 63 of the Labour Relation Amendment Act No 57 of 1981.
1973   Gazankulu proclaimed a self-governing territory.
1973   Phyllis qualifies as a lawyer but cannot practice because she is banned.
1973 - 1974   Thabo Mbeki is in Botswana having talks with the Botswana Government about the opening of the African National Congress Offices.
1973 January - February   Durban is swept by a wave of spontaneous strikes by Black workers. This prompts reserved acknowledgment from industry, and attracts worldwide publicity. Though none of the Black organisations can claim credit for the strikes, nonetheless the strikes demonstrate the potential for successful industrial action. Many Black radicals consider the possibility of forming a student-worker alliance. The Black People’s Convention (BPC) give their support to the Durban strikers.
1973 1 January   Gazankulu: Education Act No 7:
Commenced: 1 January 1974
1973 9 January   Workers at the Coronation Brick & Tile factory in Durban down tools and demand first R20, and then R30 per week. This strike sparks off a chain of strikes throughout Durban which, by early February, see almost 30 000 workers on strike throughout Durban.

Students of the Wages Commission are seen in some quarters, particularly by government, to have been â€agitators’. Subsequent interviews with workers play down the role of the Wages Commission in the 73 strikes, citing their â€disgusting’ low wages as the main reason for the strikes.
1973 12 January   A notice providing for compulsory education for Indians is gazetted.
1973 18 January   The Kwazulu government issues a document signed by all six Executive Councillors inviting the South African government to test its consolidation plan for the homeland by holding a referendum among all race groups in Natal and Kwazulu.
1973 19 January   Prime Minister Vorster, confirms that the government has not been Earl consulted over Rhodesia’s closure of its border with Zambia, but that the government will assist in opposing terrorism.
1973 23 January   The Prime Minister announces that a first-ever multi-racial commission will investigate the political and socio-economic future of the Coloured community.
1973 24 January   Premier Vorster, decrees that in the future the ‘homelands’ will be allowed to accept direct foreign financial aid.
1973 25 January   South Africa:Signs a treaty with the Federal Republic of Germany on double taxation.
1973 26 January   The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) announced, after a postal ballot of the executive committee, to allow foreign teams to go to South Africa to participate in the South African Games in March.
1973 27 January   Chief Matanzima of the Transkei suggests that a federation between blacks and whites would save South Africa from destruction.
1973 February - April   The government’s reaction to the strikes is a revision of wage levels for unskilled workers; training facilities for blacks; an improvement of communication between black labour and employers.

Widespread industrial unrest among black workers is experienced. The underlying cause is identified as the fact that black workers have assumed increasing importance in the country’s economy, yet they are denied the right to strike or bargain collectively and their trade union is not officially
recognized.
1973 February   Rick Turner (UND Lecturer), Neville Curtis, Halton Cheadle, Paula Ensor, David Hemson and David Davis are all served with banning orders. There is a subsequent slump in both Wages Commission and union activities.
1973 1 February   The government grants internal self-government to two further ‘homelands’, namely to Venda and Gazankulu territories.
1973 11 February   The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) withdraws the special permission it had given to amateur football teams to take part in the South African Games to be held in Pretoria in March-April 1973, when it becomes clear that FASA is planning separate teams for different ethnic groups. FIFA had temporarily lifted suspension on the Football Association of South Africa (FASA) on the understanding that the Games would be multi-racial.
1973 12 February   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty and operating agreement relating to the Intelsat.
1973 19 February   Unrest among black workers over wage improvement continues. Police arrest 244 African workers, of whom 169 are subsequently charged.
1973 20 February   The Minister of Labour announces instructions to the Wage Board to revise certain determinations applying to unskilled labourers in major centres. Minimum wages rise by over thirty per cent.
1973 21 February   The first general elections to the Ciskei’s Legislative Assembly are held in the territory’s nine districts. There are no political parties; the candidates are elected to the twenty elective seats in their individual capacity, the remaining thirty seats are filled by Chiefs appointed ex officio.
1973 27 February   The Commission of Inquiry, appointed by the Prime Minister, to investigate the activities of four organizations, among them the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) submits a detailed interim report on NUSAS to the Assembly, recommending action against eight NUSAS leaders. The Commission, under the chairmanship of AL. Schlebush, comprises five other National Party MPs and four opposition United Party MPs. The approval of the report by its four UP members is widely criticized.

On the same day banning orders under the Suppression of Communism Act of 1950 are served on eight NUSAS leaders. On the following day violent student clashes take place in Johannesburg.
1973 March   Early March:The Portuguese Foreign Minister, Dr. Rul Patricio, pays a five-day official visit to South Africa. He declares, on 6 March 1973, that there are no plans for a military alliance between Portugal, South Africa and Rhodesia.
1973 March   Initially the government views the Black Consciousness movement as apparently supportive of their \'separate development\' ideology, and thus tolerates them. Later clamp-downs see bannings of South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) and Black People\'s Convention (BPC) leaders Steve Biko, Barney Pityana and six others.
1973 2 March   It is announced in Johannesburg that restriction orders have been issued against six leaders of the South African Students Organization (SASO) and against two men closely associated with the Black People’s Convention (BPC).
1973 3 March   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna.
1973 4 March   In the British House of Commons the Trade and Industry Sub-Committee of the Select Committee on Expenditure proposes an inquiry ‘To investigate how far wages and conditions of employment of African workers employed by British companies in South Africa represent a factor affecting investment prospects, export performance, and the reputation abroad of British industry’. The proposal is accepted.
1973 8 March   The Minister of Justice defends the banning orders on eight black leaders on the grounds that he is preventing acts of terrorism worse than any previously experienced. The opposition queries why, in such a case, the leaders are not taken to court.

The Prime Minister, B.J. Vorster, officially opens the South African Navy’s R15m. Maritime Operational and Communications Headquarters at Silvermine, near Simonstown.
1973 12 March   In the wake of strikes in Natal in February, The Guardian publishes a documented report on the low wages paid to black workers in South Africa by companies with British connections.
1973 14 March   The Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) asks the national Olympic committees of Belgium, Great Britain, Japan, the Netherlands and West Germany, to do everything in their power to prevent members of their respective countries from participating in the Pretoria Games from 23 March to 7 April 1973.
1973 20 March   Sports Minister, Dr. P. Koornhof, says the government will not allow organizations inside or outside the country to disrupt the South African games.

Evidence of guerrilla training in the Soviet Union and Tanzania is given in the trial of six people, on nineteen charges under the Terrorism Act, appearing before Justice Boshoff in Pretoria.
1973 21 March   The banning orders on NUSAS leaders are discussed by the Principals of four English language universities with the Prime Minister, who is unsympathetic. Extra-Parliamentary action to bring about change in the form of government in South Africa will not be tolerated.
1973 21 March   Black Laws Amendment Act No 7:

Designed to speed up the planning for partial consolidation of homelands. The 1927 Black Administration Act was amended so that ‘a removal order might be served on a Bantu Community as well as on a tribe or portion thereof’ (Horrell 1978: 205). If a tribe refused to move, and Parliament approved the plan, the tribe was unable to appeal to Parliament.
Commenced: 21 March 1973
Repealed by the Abolition of Influx Control Act No 68 of 1986.
1973 27 March   A major detailed Administration statement is made by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, David Newsom, to the African Sub-Committee of the House of Representatives, chaired by Congressman Charles Diggs concerning American business involvement in South Africa. It stresses that peaceful change in South Africa can be fostered if American firms promote better conditions for blacks.
1973 29 March   The British government publishes in Trade and Industry, guidelines for British companies operating in South Africa.
1973 3 April   Chief Kaiser Matanzima (Transkei) calls for a federation of white and black states in South Africa. His party stands for a policy of separation of races on an equal and parallel basis, rejecting racial discrimination and white dominance.
1973 9 April   The International Commission of Jurists condemns the bannings of black leaders.

The New Zealand Prime Minister announces that the invitation to an all-white South African rugby team had to be withdrawn because of its racial selection.
1973 9 April - 14 April   International Conference of Experts for Support of Victims of Colonialism and Apartheid in Southern Africa, Oslo.
1973 9 April - 14 April   International Conference of Experts for Support of Victims of Colonialism and Apartheid in Southern Africa, Oslo.
1973 10 April   Minister of Defence, P.W. Botha, defines South Africa’s defence policy in a White Paper tabled in the House of Assembly. While primarily defensive, the policy must also include a significant retaliatory capability.
1973 11 April   Forty members are elected to Lebowa’s Legislative Assembly, the remaining sixty seats being allocated to nominated chiefs. Cedric Phatudi becomes is Chief Minister.
1973 14 April   The Bophuthatswana government rejects the South African government’s consolidation proposals and, in return, claims large portions of North Western and Western Transvaal and sizeable areas of the Northern Cape and the Free State.

Signs multilateral treaty on the issue of telegraph and telephone regulations.
1973 20 April   The South African Police Force stationed in the Caprivi Strip, bordering Zambia, suffer casualties in clashes with ‘terrorists’.
1973 24 April   The ambush and killing of policemen by Zambian based terrorists is reported from the Caprivi Strip. Zambia denies that it harbours freedom fighters’.
1973 25 April   Prime Minister Vorster, confirms in the House of Assembly that the blacks would receive all the land provided for in the 1936 Native Trust and Land Act.

The Schlebusb Commission of Inquiry issues its third interim report, focusing on the Wilgespruit Fellowship Centre, an institution stated to be working towards radical social and political change and employing procedures counter to accepted religion and religious practice. The Prime Minister gives its controlling body, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) three weeks to clear it up.
1973 27 April   Details of the government’s final consolidation proposals for the ‘homelands’ involving land in the provinces of Natal and Transvaal are given at a press conference by the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development, M.C. Botha. They are tabled in Parliament and approved on.
1973 29 April   The Prime Minister indicates that the ‘homelands’ will be perfectly free to form a federation among themselves, once they have achieved hill independence. However he is not prepared to share the sovereignty of the white people with any other national group.
1973 4 May   The Minister for Bantu Administration and Development hands over the symbols of authority to the Kwazulu Legislative Authority.
1973 12 May   A Bill prohibiting demonstrations near the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town is passed with the support of the opposition United Party.
1973 15 May - 11 July   The British Trade and Industry Sub-Committe holds eighteen public sittings; twenty eight companies give oral evidence, 100 others written evidence. Most state they have given unscheduled wage increases to black workers in the period before and during the House of Commons inquiry.
1973 16 May   The Minister of Justice banns all protest meetings in the centre of Cape Town, following student protests. Several arrests are made.
1973 18 May   Signs multilateral treaty on the issue of the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures.
1973 21 May   The Bantu Labour Relations Regulation Amendment Bill is read for the first time in the House of Assembly. It creates more effective machinery for communication between employers and African workers and gives the Minister of Labour wide powers to stimulate improvements in working conditions. Africans are given a more direct role in wage negotiations.
1973 24 May   In connection with the uranium enrichment programme, disclosed by the Prime Minister in July 1970, his announced in the House of Assembly that the government has decided to make funds available for preparatory work for establishing a full-scale prototype plant for the economic enrichment of uranium.
1973 25 May   Final land consolidation proposals for Bophuthatswana are announced. They involve moving more than 120,000 Tswana people from their present lands.
1973 25 May   The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Dr. P.G.J. Koornhof, announces in the House of Assembly that the Government had given approval “for the staging in 1974 of an open national soccer tournament in which the different South African nations can participate on a multinational basis. This is that a South African representative white team, a South African representative Coloured team, a South African representative Indian team and a South African representative Zulu, Xhosa or any other Bantu (sic) national team can compete in the tournament.”

A Whites-only team beats a Blacks-only team twice in the “multi-national” South African Games (4-0; 3-1) at the Rand Stadium, Johannesburg.
1973 26 May   A comprehensive policy statement on South Africa’s new multi-national sports concessions is made by Sports Minister Dr. P. Koornhof in the House of Assembly. Separate participation will be maintained at club, provincial and national levels. Mixed competition will be only at international level.
1973 6 June   Resettlement of 363,000 Africans is expected to result. Gatsha Buthelezi protests over the limited concessions and threatens non-cooperation.
1973 15 June - 16 June   International Trade Union Conference against Apartheid - organised by the Workers\' Group of the ILO Governing Body, in cooperation with the UN Special Committee against Apartheid, at Palais des Nations, Geneva.
1973 15 June - 16 June   International Trade Union Conference against Apartheid - organised by the Workers\' Group of the ILO Governing Body, in cooperation with the UN Special Committee against Apartheid, Palais des Nations, Geneva.
1973 20 June   Prison sentences ranging from five to fifteen years are imposed by Justice W.G. Boshoff in Pretoria on six defendants convicted under the Terrorism Act. They are found guilty of various charges including conspiring in South Africa, the Soviet Union, Somalia and Britian with the ANC, to overthrow the South African government by force and preparing for violent revolution.

The Minister of Defence denies that South African troops are supporting Portuguese armed forces in Mozambique, as alleged by FREL1MO.
1973 July - September   ‘Homeland’ leaders Chief Buthelezi, Professor Ntsanwisi, and TM. Molahlawa warn the South African government of worsening race relations.
1973 4 July   The Bantu Labour Regulations Amendment Bill becomes operative. The conditions under which Africans - for the first time - have the legal right to strike, the procedures to be followed, and the exclusion from it of certain essential services categories of workers are laid down.
1973 20 July   The Minister of Coloured Affairs announces that the government has decided to appoint a judicial commission to investigate student grievances and conduct at the University of the Western Cape, closed between 11 June and 15 July 1973, following various demands and protests.
1973 28 July   The Deputy Minister of Bantu Administration and Education, Punt Janson, invites guidance in humanizing the pass laws and influx control measures by which African mobility is regulated, in the interests of the communities.
1973 30 July   The former Minister of the Interior, Theo Gerdener, announces details of his scheme for a new political organization whose aim will be to work for two separate states in South Africa, one for Africans and the other for White, Indian and Coloured peoples with equality for all.
1973 August   Banning orders continue. Passports are refused, or withdrawn.
1973 1 August   A High Court is established in Umtata, capital of the Transkei. The first Chief Justice sworn in is a white South African.
1973 7 August   Students strike at the University of Fort Hare. The Students Organization (SASO) is held responsible for the agitation. Further violence erupts on the campus on 28 August 1973.
1973 15 August - 16 August   Elections are held in Venda. Traditionalist Chief Patrick R. Mphephu is returned to power despite electoral victory for the opposition Vendaland Independent People’s Party, additional seats being filled by nominated headmen.
1973 24 August   South Africa:Signs treaty with Lesotho relating to the establishment of an office for a Lesotho government labour representative in South Africa.

South Africa:Signs boundary treaty with Botswana.
1973 24 August   Legal Aid Act No 2:

Provided legal aid for blacks, which was absent in the South African setting.
Commenced: 24 August 1973
1973 25 August   The Prime Minister warns the opposition parties, the United Party and Progressive Party, that his government may have to end interference by whites in the political affairs of Africans and vice-versa. He is particularly opposed to representatives of black and Coloured communities being invited to speak at their congresses which can only heighten friction between racial groups.
1973 29 August   Signs treaty with Brazil regarding the exemption from customs duties to consuls and consulates of both states.
1973 September   The Premier of West German Schleswig-Holstein says during a visit to South Africa that more German entrepreneurs should be attracted to the ‘homelands’.
1973 11 September   Eleven rioting miners are shot by police and twenty-seven injured at the Western Deep Levels mine, Carltonville in a confrontation arising from a pay dispute. The incident arouses international concern.
1973 13 September   Chief Gatsha Buthelezi, the Chief Councillor, announces that the South African government has agreed that members of the Kwazulu Executive Council should be allowed to possess firearms.
1973 20 September   The United States House of Representatives Judiciary Sub-Committee opens an inquiry into the South African operations of 320 American firms, with a view to determining whether they follow fair employment practices.
1973 24 September   Gazankulu: Social Pensions Act No 7:
Commenced: 24 September 1976
1973 25 September   The New Zealand government announces that it terminates all tariff preferences previous granted to South Africa, as from 1 January 1974.
1973 October   A plan is launched by the government and leading blacks, for the formation of twenty-two councils to represent the country’s 6,000,000 urban Africans.
1973 3 October   Prime Minister Vorster indicates that there is nothing to prevent employers taking the necessary steps to bring about improvements in the productive use of black labour. The government will not obstruct changes in the country’s traditional work patterns.
1973 5 October   The Minister of Labour exercises his power under the Bantu Labour Relations Regulation Bill to order minimum wage increases of between fifty and ninety per cent for a large proportion of the more than 100,000 Africans employed in the civil engineering and road-making industries in main urban areas.

The United Nations General Assembly rejects South Africa’s credentials. The Assembly President rules, however, that the measure does not affect the delegations right to participate, and the Prime Minister affirms South Africa’s intention to remain in the United Nations despite mounting opposition.

A State Presidential Proclamation, widening powers of the Group Areas Act, is published in a bid to prevent multi-racial matches at Pietermaritzburg’s Aurora Cricket Club.
1973 7 October - 20 October   A delegation of British Trade Union leaders carry out an intensive programme of visits and talks, investigating trade union conditions and meeting the Prime Minister and several other government ministers. Their leader, Victor Feather, President of the European Trade Union Confederation, outlines a six point plan for industrial prosperity and black workers advancement. The government rejects it.
1973 12 October   The Minister of Labour says that the government will neither abolish job reservation nor recognize black trade unions.
1973 16 October   Signs treaty with Spain for the prevention of double taxation on income derived from the operation of ships or aircraft in international traffic.
1973 16 October - 17 October   Elections are held in Gazankulu. Professor Hudson Ntsanwisi is unanimously re-elected leader of the Gazankulu Legislative Assembly.
1973 19 October   KwaZulu: Medium of Instruction and Language Act No 5:
Commenced: 19 October 1973
1973 21 October   It is reported that the government has banned twenty black leaders of black organizations, including the South African Students’ Organization (SASO), the Black People’s Convention (BPC) the Black Community Programme (BCP), the Black Allied Workers’ Union and the Black Workers’ Project. Members of the South African Black Scholars’ Association (SABSA) are interrogated security police.
1973 24 October   In the elections the Transkei National Independence Party wins twenty-five seats, the Democratic Party ten, Independents eight. Another sixty-four Assembly seats are filled by chiefs appointed ex officio by the government.
1973 27 October   The Carltonville inquests exonerates the police from any blame for the shootings at the Western Deep Levels on 11 September 1973, in which eleven black miners were killed and which caused an international outcry.
1973 8 November   A meeting convened by Chief Lucas Mangope, Chief Minister of Bophuthatswana, held in Umtata in camera and attended by eight ‘homeland’ leaders to work out a common approach to the. government, lay emphasis on the concept of one black nation. Resolutions are passed for the establishment of a black bank, abolition of influx control and consolidation of ‘homelands’ into single units.
1973 9 November   At its Biennial Congress in Bloemfontein the United Party adopts a new six-point declaration of principles, and ratifies a new federal plan committed to a federal constitution.
1973 9 November - 11 November   The Progressive Party supports the idea of a federation of autonomous states in Southern Africa.
1973 16 November   Dr. Beyers Naudé, Director of the Christian Institute is found guilty by a Pretoria regional court of refusing to testify before the Schlebusch Commission, because its hearings were held in secret.
1973 17 November   The Democratic Party officially comes into being at a one-day conference in Johannesburg attended by some 200 delegates from the four provinces. Theo Gerdener is unanimously elected leader of the party.
1973 28 November   An Arab oil embargo against South Africa, brings the prospects of rationing and the extension of conservation measures.
1973 30 November   The United Nations General Assembly adopts, by ninety one votes to four, the Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. To become international law its ratification by twenty countries is still required.
1973 30 November   International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid approved by the General Assembly [Resolution 3068(XXVIII)].
1973 30 November   International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid approved by the General Assembly [Resolution 3068(XXVIII)].

1973 4 December   Following the placing of an embargo on the supply of oil to South Africa from Arab countries, the Prime Minister announces restricted trading hours, but states that petrol rationing is not as yet being introduced.
1973 7 December   Further bannings are gazetted, including that of the former leader of the South African Indian Congress, Yusuf Cachalia who has already spent twenty years under restriction.
1973 11 December   Land consolidation proposals for the Transkei and Ciskei are announced, involving black acquisition of Port St Johns and Indwe.
1973 14 December   The United Nations adopts a resolution declaring that the South African government has no right to represent the people of that country and that representation should instead be vested in the African national liberation movements.
1973 14 December   The General Assembly declared that the South African regime has \"no right to represent the people of South Africa\" and that the liberation movements recognised by the OAU are \"the authentic representatives of the overwhelming majority of the South African people\". [Resolution 3151 G (XXVIII)]
1973 15 December   The British Trade Union Congress (TUC) publishes a report on black labour conditions. Among the major recommendations it advocates is the organization of black workers into trade unions.
1973 19 December   South Africa;Signs International Sugar Agreement.
1973 24 December   Signs agreement with Botswana relating to the establishment of a Botswana government labour representative in South Africa.
1974   The United Nations General Assembly (under the chairpersonship of the Algerian Foreign Minister) refuses to recognise the credentials of the South African delegation, a significant victory for the ANC.
1974   Fietas, Johannesburg: The Oriental Plaza is established, but stands virtually empty until 1976 when unwilling traders are forcibly removed from their shops in Pageview.
1974   The performance of Black drama and music by mushrooming township cultural groups becomes a significant factor in the dispersal of Black Consciousness philosophy.
1974   QwaQwa proclaimed a self-governing territory.
1974   Prisons Act No 6:

Set out prison services in Transkei.
Commenced: 1 August 1975
1974   Lebowa: Education Act No 6:
Commenced: 24 January 1975
1974   Baleka Kgositsile is active in the Black Consciousness Movement and the ANC underground.

Mamphela Ramphele is charged under the Suppression of Communism Act for being in possession of banned literature.
1974   When 11 and in Std. 3 (Grade 5), Robert McBride\'s father makes him read \"Coloured: A profile of 2 million South Africans\" by Al J. Venter, an unusually progressive book for its time. The book draws attention to the contribution of Coloured people in the struggle against apartheid, some of whom went into exile and chose violent resistance. It introduces McBride to Coloured political activists such as James April, Don Mattera, Jakes Gerwel, Basil February and his own uncle, Rev. Clive McBride. Discussions that Robert has with his father around these issues create a lasting impression in him.
1974 - 1975   Through a childhood friend, Andre Koopman, Robert McBride is further politicized. Andre is influenced by an elder friend, Ashley, a medical student at Natal University\'s Alan Taylor Residence right next door to Wentworth, Robert\'s home.

Through Ashley, Robert is introduced to the politics of the regenerating trade union movement, Black Consciousness (including the writing of Steve Biko) and the Frelimo independence movement in Mozambique.
1974   (edit) Winnie and Peter Magubane lose their appeals and each begin their six months jail sentence for communicating with each other when prohibited from doing so. Winnie is cited women of the year by British women.
1974   A Whites-only team defeats a Blacks-only team (2-0) in the Embassy Multinational Series at the Rand Stadium.
1974   Thabo Mbeki begins to train South African Students who escapes from South Africa to join the African National Congress in exile. After training them they are sent to African National Congress camps in Mozambique and Zambia.
1974 1 January   With effect from this date the New Zealand government terminates all tariff preferences previously granted to South Africa.
1974 4 January   The leader of the United Party in the Transvaal, Harry Swartz, signs a five-point ‘declaration of faith’ with Chief Gatsha Buthelezi of Kwazulu. Its purpose is to provide a blueprint for government by consent and racial peace in a multi-racial society, stressing opportunity for all, consultation, the federal concept, and a Bill of Rights.
1974 30 January   The United Party controlled Johannesburg City Council announces the dismantling of petty apartheid practices.
1974 February   The report of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into the University of the Western Cape by Justice IT. van Wyk urges that disruption and incitement at all South African universities be made a legally punishable offence.
1974 1 February   Abraham Tiro, a leader of the South African Students’ Organization, who after his expulsion from Turfloop University in 1972 had fled the country in September 1973, is killed by a parcel bomb near Gaborone, Botswana.
1974 1 February   The assassination of Onkgopotse Abram Tiro occurs. A Bureau of State Security (BOSS) hit squad, also known as the Z-Squad, is responsible for sending him a parcel bomb. As a result, Black students boycott lectures and their institutions are forced to shut down. Click here to read a speech which was delivered at a commemoration of the life of Onkgopotse Abram Tiro.
1974 4 February   The Prime Minister announces the holding of early elections. The National Party bases its election campaign on its record in office over the previous twenty-six years and on the need for a strong government.
1974 8 February   The Prime Minister warns that the government will not hesitate to intervene, should campaigns by City Councils - led by Johannesburg - to eliminate petty apartheid measures cause friction, or disturb the peace.

The Minister of Justice, P.C. Pelser discloses in Parliament that during 1973 a total of sixty-seven people were banned by the government for political reasons. Of these sixteen were prosecuted and eleven convicted for not complying with their restriction orders.
1974 9 February   The Publications and Entertainments Bill placed by the government before the House of Assembly incorporated the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry chaired by Jimmy Kruger, Deputy Minister of the Interior. The most controversial section abolishes the existing right of appeal from the Publications Control Board decisions to the Supreme Court - regarded by the opposition United Party as a damaging blow to the rule of law.
1974 18 February   The Lebanese government decides to break off diplomatic relations with South Africa.
1974 23 February   The Prime Minister condemns, in the strongest terms, a gift of $450,000 announced by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to Southern African liberation movements.
1974 March   Harri Singh goes on a trip to Europe to raise funds for the Black People\'s Convention (BPC) without any success.
1974 6 March   The British Parliamentary Report on Black Labour Conditions indicate that sixty-three of 141 British companies investigated have been paying African workers below the relevant poverty line. Three main recommendations are made the British government should initiate a new code of practice for British finns operating in South Africa; British companies should pay African workers not less than the minimum effective level and should encourage the lawful development of collective bargaining.

What is officially described as the first meeting of its kind, the Prime Minister holds a one-day conference with the black ‘homeland’ leaders to discuss mainly economic and urbanization questions.
1974 14 March   Chief Matanzima calls upon the South African government to grant full independence to the Transkei within five years. The Prime Minister states that he is prepared to negotiate.
1974 15 March   The creation of a community of separate and sovereign states is laid down as the official policy of the National Party in its election manifesto. Simultaneously it rejects absolutely a federal system.

Two Bills conferring wide new security powers on the government are passed by Parliament. The Affected Organizations Act is intended to prevent such organizations from receiving financial support from overseas sources to achieve political objectives in South Africa. The Riotous Assemblies Amendment Act empowers the authorities to prohibit any public or private gathering of more than one person, whether lawful or unlawful, if it is thought to pose a threat to law and order. Both Acts are strongly opposed by the United Party and the Progressive Party.
1974 15 March   Riotous Assemblies Amendment Act No 30:

Redefined ‘gathering’ and removed the reference to ‘public’. A gathering could comprise any number of persons.
Commenced: 15 March 1974
Sections 1-8 and 11 repealed by the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982.
IN FORCE: Sections 9 and 10 (dealing with ss 16-18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act No 17 of 1956): CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE.
1974 15 March   Affected Organisations Act No 31:

Provided for the declaration of Affected Organisations. Such organisations could not solicit foreign funds.
Commenced: 15 March 1974
Repealed by s 7 of the Abolition of Restrictions on Free Political Activity Act No 206 of 1993.
1974 18 March   At the close of nominations for the 1974 elections a total of 334 candidates have been nominated for 171 seats: National Party 137, United Party 110, Herstigte Nasionale Party 46, Progressive Party 23, Democratic Party 7 and others 11.

The Minister of the Interior, Connie Mulder, announces that senior officials of the World Council of Churches (WCC) have been banned from South Africa. Entry will be refused to any member of the Council’s Executive or Central Committee.
1974 20 March   Responding to the British Labour government’s re-imposition of an embargo on arms sales to South Africa, John Vorster tells Britain that South Africa does not depend on British arms.

Signs agreement with Swaziland on the issue of notes and coin.
1974 25 March   South Africa:Signs amendment with Great Britain to the agreement on civil air services signed on 26 October 1945.
1974 29 March   Chief Minister Cedric Phatudi of Lebowa signs the ‘Seshego Declaration’ with the United Party Transvaal leader, Harry Schwarz and the United Party M.P. for Durban North aiming at peaceful change, a federal system –and a stake in society for blacks.
1974 April   The President of Paraguay, A. Stroessner, pays a five-day State visit to South Africa. Paraguay is given a $20m. loan for agricultural development. Agreements are signed on economic cooperation.
1974 2 April   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on the extension of the Wheat Trade Convention, 1971.
1974 3 April   South Africa:Signs treaty with Paraguay on cultural exchanges and cooperation in science and technology.
1974 4 April   Following the aircrash death of over seventy miners, President Banda unilaterally suspends labour recruitment to South Africa. The move leads to protracted, but inconclusive negotiations for better conditions for migrant workers.
1974 8 April   The Prime Ministers of Lesotho and South Africa meet to clear up certain misunderstandings and reaffirm their belief and determination that both countries base their relations on the principle of good neighbourliness.
1974 24 April   The general elections result in the return of the National Party for the seventh consecutive time since 1948. While the United Party suffers a setback the Progressive Party increases its representation from one seat to six. The newly created Democratic Party has no success and the Herstigte Nasionale Party meets with resounding defeat.
1974 25 April   The World Council of Churches (WCC) calls for an end to multi-million pound investment in South Africa by international banks, to help bring about the collapse of the economy and the end of apartheid. The report, commissioned by the council, is released simultaneously in London, Geneva, Frankfurt and New York.
1974 26 April   The Minister of Defence, P.W. Botha, announces an expansion programme for the naval base at Simonstown.
1974 29 April   A number of Cabinet changes are announced by the Prime Minister.
1974 30 April   The claims of the government of Lebowa to more than one third of the total area of the Transvaal are set out in a report of the Select Committee of Inquiry into the Consolidation of Lebowa, tabled in the Lebowa Legislative Assembly by the Minister of the Interior, C. Ramusi.

The new government decides that the Senate will be dissolved by the Stale President and replaced by an enlarged Upper House at the end of May.
1974 6 May   The British Lions rugby team leave London to begin a controversial twenty-two match tour of South Africa and Rhodesia, ignoring threats by the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA). Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda sever all sporting links with Britain.
1974 17 May   After a two-hour discussion, the Transkei and South African governments agree to appoint a committee of experts to prepare the way for Transkei independence. An assurance is given by Chief Kaiser Matanzima that the Transkei will continue as a democratic multi-party system after its independence.
1974 21 May   The British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, states in the House of Commons that the export license for a Westland Wasp helicopter to South Africa will be revoked.
1974 22 May   The South African Olympic and National Games Association (SAONGA) reports that all South Africa’s attempts to secure re-admission to the Olympic Games have failed, despite the tremendous strides made to comply with the demands of the IOC.

Signs an amendment to the agreement on civil uses of atomic energy with the United States.
1974 29 May   After joint talks with Ian Smith of Rhodesia, the Prime Minister B.J. Vorster commits South Africa to co-operative coexistence with, and non-interference in the internal affairs of a black-ruled Mozambique. A reciprocal pledge is forthcoming from FRELIMO’s Joachim Chissano on 17 September 1974.
1974 30 May   Following the elections, ten new senators are chosen and appointed by the Prime Minister, on the same day that the electoral colleges elect their forty-four Provincial Senators.

South Africa tells Britain that unless the Wasp helicopter is delivered the Simonstown Agreement on naval cooperation will have to be reviewed.
1974 3 June   Mr. Norman Middleton, president of the South African Soccer Federation, is refused a passport to attend a meeting of the International Football Federation (FINA) in Frankfurt on 11 June. He had refused to give an undertaking to the Minister of the Interior that he would do nothing to harm South African sport at the Frankfurt meeting. He said he considered the issue of a conditional passport to be “blackmail.”
1974 5 June   The Japanese government announces that South Africans will no longer be granted visas to enter Japan, to take part in sporting, cultural or educational activities. The ban comes into effect on 15 June 1974.
1974 15 June   Minister of Defence P.W. Botha, announces during a press visit to the Caprivi Strip that the Defence Force has taken over protection of the country’s northern borders as a full military operation, replacing the police in the area. Zambia protests over this change. It becomes clear that South Africa is recruiting, arming and training blacks for its army anti-terrorists units to repel a possible guerrilla onslaught on its northern border.
1974 20 June   South Africa:Signs amendment to multilateral agreement of 26 July 1967 for the application of safeguards (IAEA/SA/USA).
1974 21 June   The Minister of Finance announces a change in the South African exchange rate practice. Henceforward the Rand is tied strictly to the U.S. dollar.
1974 30 June   Cooperation with Iran in the fields of nuclear energy, petroleum, mining and trade is announced.
1974 July   The leader of the opposition party, Cohn Eghin, together with F. van Zyl Slabbert, undertakes a fact-finding tour of several African countries, including Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia.

Removals of thousands of Africans are taking place near Middleburg in the Eastern Transvaal, and more are planned for the Eastern Cape Albany district.
1974 7 July   New Zealand imposes a blanket ban on virtually all visits by sports teams from South Africa.
1974 11 July   Strikes in Durban, common since January 1973, continue as white mechanics and engineers join the ranks of some 400 black and coloured workers.
1974 22 July   The Deputy Chairman of the Coloured Representative Council, JA. Rabie, calls for full citizenship for Coloured people, and urges a separate voters roll to elect sixty Coloured representatives to Parliament and the Provincial Councils.
1974 23 July   Following criticism of the press, particularly the English press, by the Prime Minister, a code of conduct is adopted by the National Press Union which is criticised by newspaper editors and certain academics.
1974 24 July   Dissatisfaction with the Coloured Persons Representative Council (CPRC) climaxes with a motion of no confidence in separate development. This is followed, on 29 July, by a walkout of the Federal Party after its third defeat in three days by the Labour Party, led by Sonny Leon.
1974 30 July   The Cabinet meets to discuss the crisis in the government policy towards the coloured community, following the capture of the Coloured Representative Council (CRC) by the anti-Apartheid Labour Party. The government has prorogued the Council until further notice.
1974 31 July   In a by-election held in Natal the United Party candidate wins a seat against the Democratic Party candidate. The ruling National Party did not contest the seat.
1974 31 July - 1 August   The South African Council of Churches adopts a resolution, at its national conference, that a just war cannot be fought in defence of a basically unjust society.
1974 1 August   Signs treaty with the Federal Republic of Germany relating to the visit of the German nuclear-powered vessel Otto Hahn.

It is officially announced that the police’s counter-insurgency potential will be increased by the establishment of a long-service volunteer unit to fight ‘terrorists’ in Rhodesia.

The government expands its defence potential by enrolling blacks for defence services. This policy has the support of ‘homeland’ leaders.
1974 12 August   The Commission of Inquiry into Certain Organizations submits its final report on NUSAS to Parliament. It finds that its leaders are traitors, guilty of providing terrorist groups and the like. The Commission reconunends that the application of students to NUSAS should end and that NUSAS should not be allowed to accept funds from overseas.
1974 14 August   A sharp increase in defence expenditure is announced. This follows the White Paper tabled on 10 April 1973, by the Minister of Defence. This demand was necessary for the strengthening of the defence force on the borders of the Caprivi Strip with Angola and Zambia.
1974 19 August   The Prime Minister meets for four hours in Cape Town with a delegation of politicians from the Coloured Representative Council (CRC), led by Sonny Leon. He informs them that the government cannot meet their demands.
1974 26 August   A Defence Bill is passed laying down penalties for any person or organization inciting anyone to avoid military service.
1974 1 September   KwaZulu: Labour Amendment Act No 11:
Commenced: 1 September 1975
1974 3 September   Joint routine exercises are held between the British Royal Navy and the South African Navy, under the Simonstown Agreement, and again from 14 October 1974.
1974 5 September   The Prime Minister again meets Coloured leaders in Cape Town in an attempt to resolve the crisis in the government’s Coloured policy.
1974 9 September   The U.K. Department of Trade confirms that all arms sales to South Africa are halted.
1974 10 September   The Minister of Defence states that South Africa will provide bases and communication facilities to the maritime forces of Western nations interested in the defence of the Cape route.
1974 11 September   The government is empowered to set up a Publications Board which would endeavour to present and uphold the Christian view of life.
1974 13 September   The Minister of Justice officially announces that NUSAS has been declared an ‘affected organization’ under the Affected Organizations Act and will not be allowed to retain any funds obtained from overseas.
1974 16 September   The United States decides to sell helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft to South Africa.

The Minister of Defence announces that South Africa will soon build its own tanks.
1974 19 September   The Prime Minister wishes the new Mozambique government well, but warns that South Africa will have to act in self-defence if Mozambique makes its territory available to guerrilla forces as a base for direct attacks against South Africa.
1974 21 September   Prime Minister Vorster made secret visit to Ivory Coast for talks with President Houphouet-Boigny.
1974 22 September - 23 September   The Prime Minister pays a secret visit to the Ivory Coast in pursuit of his policy of seeking dialogue with black African states.
1974 23 September   The United States government officially advises American companies operating in South Africa to negogiate with (unregistered) African trade unions.
1974 24 September   KwaZulu: Chiefs and Headmen Act No 8:
Commenced: 20 September 1974
1974 25 September   The New Zealand government announces that it terminates all tariff preferences previously granted to South Africa, as from 1 January 1974.
1974 25 September   \"Viva Frelimo\' Rallies are held by the Black People\'s Convention (BPC) and South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) to celebrate the fall of the Portuguese government in Mozambique. The police subsequently suppress the rallies by means of bans and detentions. The \"South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) Nine\", are charged under the Terrorism Act for encouraging disorder at the time of the Frelimo support rallies. Rather than contributing to the suppression of Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) ideology as the government hoped to achieve, the seventeen month long trial merely serves to disseminate the ideology even more widely, giving the accused a continuous public platform through the press.
1974 26 September   The United Nations General Assembly’s Political Committee decides to grant observer status to the ANC and the PAC. The South African delegation is subsequently withdrawn from the Political Committee.
1974 30 September   The United Nations General Assembly asks the Security Council to review the relationship between the United Nations and South Africa in the light of the constant violation by South Africa of the principles of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
1974 30 September   The General Assembly decided - by 98 votes to 23, with 14 abstentions - not to accept the credentials of the representatives of South Africa.
At the same meeting, the Assembly adopted - by 125 votes to 1, with 9 abstentions - a resolution calling upon the Security Council \"to review the relationship between the United Nations and South Africa in the light of the constant violation by South Africa of the principles of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.\" [Resolution 3207 (XXIX)]
1974 30 September   The General Assembly decided - by 98 votes to 23, with 14 abstentions - not to accept the credentials of the representatives of South Africa.
At the same meeting, the Assembly adopted - by 125 votes to 1, with 9 abstentions - a resolution calling upon the Security Council \"to review the relationship between the United Nations and South Africa in the light of the constant violation by South Africa of the principles of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.\" (resolution 3207 (XXIX).
1974 7 October   South Africa:Signs regional agreement on low frequency and medium frequency broadcasting in ITU regions 1 and 3.
1974 8 October   The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development states that, in 1973, 475,387 foreign Africans were working in South Africa. Of these 36,480 were from Botswana, 148,856 from Lesotho. 139,714 from Malawi, 129,198 from Mozambique, 3,249 from Rhodesia, 10,032 from Swaziland and the remainder from other African territories.
1974 9 October   The Publications Act replaces the Publications Control Board with an entirely new censorship machine operative at three different levels. A fundamental change is the specific exclusion of appeal to the courts.
1974 12 October   Fourteen people, including leading members of the South African Students Organization (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC) are arrested and held under the Terrorism Act, following the pro-FRELIMO rally in Durban on 25 September 1974. Their arrest is the signal for widespread unrest at the University of the North, Turfloop.
1974 14 October   The Minister of Sport, Piet Koornhof, announces a relaxation of apartheid rules for sport and declares the government is working towards eliminating racial discrimination in the selection of contestants for international events.
1974 14 October   The Minister of Sport, Dr. Piet Koornhof, says in the House of Assembly that the Government’s aim is to move away from discrimination in sport, disclosing that a “champion of champions” soccer tournament would be held, probably in February: “White and non-White clubs could take part”. Further, he invites the major cricketing bodies for round table talks on their problems. He confirms that a Black boxer would meet a White boxer for the South African championship. Under specific questioning, he replied that the Coloured Proteas could play against the Rugby Springboks any time.
1974 15 October   A Second General Law Amendment Bill is introduced by the Minister of Justice, J.T. Kruger, involving the repeal of the ‘Masters and Servants’ laws governing the employment of labourers on farms, in mines, and of domestic workers. The Bill is passed late in October with the support of the opposition.

The United Nations Secretary-General accepts the credentials of the South African delegation led by ‘Pik Botha and including, for the first time, three black delegates, Chief Kaiser Matanzima (Transkei), Dr. M.B. Naidoo (South African Indian Council), and Dan Ulster (Coloured People’s Representative Council.
1974 18 October - 30 October   The Security Council considered the relationship between the United Nations and South Africa, and received a proposal to recommend to the General Assembly the immediate expulsion of South Africa from the United Nations in compliance with Article 6 of the Charter. The proposal received 10 votes in favour, but was not adopted because of the negative votes of three permanent members - France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
1974 18 October - 30 October   The Security Council considered the relationship between the United Nations and South Africa, and received a proposal to recommend to the General Assembly the immediate expulsion of South Africa from the United Nations in compliance with Article 6 of the Charter. The proposal received 10 votes in favour, but was not adopted because of the negative votes of three permanent members - France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
1974 23 October   The Prime Minister makes a major policy speech in the Senate, promising that South Africa will contribute its share to order, development and technical and monetary aid to African countries, particularly to close neighbours.
1974 24 October   In the United Nations Security Council ‘Pik’ Botha says that South Africa will do everything in its power to move away from discrimination based on race or colour.
1974 25 October   Cameroon, Kenya, Mauritania and Iraq call for the expulsion of South Africa from the United Nations. The proposition is vetoed by Britain, France and the United States. The vote on South Africa’s expulsion constitutes the first on the specific question of expelling a member country and also the first in which there is a triple veto.
1974 30 October   The main report of the Van Wyk de Vries Commission of Inquiry into Universities is tabled. It advances some positive recommendations, while in a minority report, G.R. Bozzoli, Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand, warns that certain chapters represent an attack on the English-language universities.
1974 1 November   A seventh black ‘homeland’, Qwa-Qwa, becomes self-governing.

Signs multilateral treaty on safety of life at sea.
1974 1 November   QwaQwa proclaimed a self-governing territory.
1974 4 November   The Chamber of Mines secures the Rbodesian government’s approval for the recruitment of black labour from Rhodesia.
1974 5 November   In a major policy speech, the Prime Minister talks of peace with black Africa, and of close economic ties in Southern Africa. He asks for six months’ grace for South Africa, and requests political commentators to ‘give South Africa a chance’.
1974 6 November   At the National Party’s Cape Province Congress, four Cabinet Ministers call for changes and the removal of unnecessary irritating legislation.

The South African Indian Council ceases to be totally government-appointed when half of its thirty seats are filled by election.
1974 6 November   The executive committee of the International Football Federation (FIFA) rejects an Ethiopian proposal to expel South Africa. It decides that the matter can be dealt with only at the next congress, during the Olympic Games in Montreal, in 1976. South Africa remains suspended, meaning that foreign players, not teams, can still be imported to South Africa. FIFA decides to send a delegation to South Africa early in 1975 to investigate conditions.
1974 8 November   The Prime Minister’s major proposal for the Coloured people is the creation of a consultative cabinet with equal numbers of white ministers and Council representatives meeting under his chairmanship. This ‘new deal’ is rejected by leaders of the Coloured community, by the leader of the Labour Party and by the Opposition parties.
1974 12 November   At a request made by the Permanent Representative of Tanzania, representing the African Group of the United Nations, the South African Delegation is refused participation in the Session of the UN General Assembly.
1974 12 November   Asked for an interpretation of the decision not to accept the credentials of the South African delegation, the President of the General Assembly, Abdelaziz Bouteflika (Algeria) said that the consistency with which the Assembly had refused to accept the credentials of the South African delegation was tantamount to saying in explicit terms that the General Assembly refused to allow the South African delegation to participate in its work. The President\' ruling was challenged and upheld by a vote of 91 to 22, with 19 abstentions.
1974 12 November   Asked for an interpretation of the decision not to accept the credentials of the South African delegation, the President of the General Assembly, Abdelaziz Bouteflika (Algeria) said that the consistency with which the Assembly had refused to accept the credentials of the South African delegation was tantamount to saying in explicit terms that the General Assembly refused to allow the South African delegation to participate in its work. The President\' ruling was challenged and upheld by a vote of 91 to 22, with 19 abstentions.
1974 16 November   Six of the eight ‘homeland’ leaders meet United Party leaders and issue a statement supporting federation as the solution for South Africa’s race problem. All eight leaders question the Prime Minister’s offer of independence.

The Prime Minister tells black ‘homeland’ leaders that one-man-one-vote in a Parliament for whites and blacks will never come about. Black majority rule in the ‘homelands’ will prevail and the whites will govern South Africa. The six months grace period was not intended ‘to turn South Africa upside-down’.
1974 20 November   The Masters and Servants Act and sections of the Bantu Labour Act are repealed. The repealing Act, the Second General Laws Amendment Act, makes it an offence to cause hostility between sections of the population and prohibits the furnishing of information, without ministerial permission, about business matters in response to any order, direction or request emanating outside the Republic.
1974 20 November   Second General Law Amendment Act No 94

(as amended by Acts No 87 of 1977, No 99 of 1978, No 74 of 1982, No 110 of 1983, Nos 84 & 95 of 1986 and No 101 of 1987):
Repealed the Masters and Servants Acts (1856-1910). Section 1 of this Act prohibits any words or acts intended to cause feelings of hostility between different population groups of the Republic. Section 2 prohibits the furnishing of information about business carried on in or outside the Republic to any person outside the Republic without the permission of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Commenced: 20 November 1974.
1974 21 November   An agreement is signed in Blantyre by which South Africa undertakes to lend Malawi R19m. to build a railway line between Lilongwe, the capital, and the Zambian border.
1974 23 November   Thabo Mbeki marries Zanele Dlamini in London.
1974 27 November   In a by-election at Wonderboom (Pretoria) the National Party candidate retains the seat by 5,745 votes against 1,077 cast for the Herstigte Nasionale Party.
1974 5 December   A comprehensive monetary agreement is signed between South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.
1974 7 December   International Monetary Fund announces the termination of South Africa’s request of the 1969 arrangements for the sale of South African gold.
1974 13 December   South Africa:Signs an amendment to the trade agreement of 13 March 1967 with Malawi.
1974 16 December   The General Assembly, in resolution 3324 E (XXIX) recommended that \"the South African regime should be totally excluded from participation in all international organisations and conferences under the auspices of the United Nations so long as it continues to practice apartheid and fails to abide by United Nations resolutions concerning Namibia and Southern Rhodesia.\"
1974 17 December   A three-day Black Renaissance Convention ended at St. Peter\'s Seminary, Hammanskraal. It was sponsored by the Christian Institute, the South African Council of Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, IDAMSA, ASSECA etc. It called for Black Solidarity.

In a declaration, it rejected the policy of separate development and all its institutions and all forms of racism.
1974 22 December   The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. Muller, defines the government’s policy of ending discrimination inside South Africa and of detente in external relations.
1975 - 1976   Sisulu\'s son Zwelakhe joined Rand Daily Mail as cadet.
1975   The People’s Republic of Angola is born.
1975   The Black Women\\\'s Federation is formed. It draws heavily on the Women\\\'s Charter.

Lillian Ngoyi’s banning order is renewed for five years.

Ela Gandhi is banned.

Mamphela Ramphele founds Zanempilo Community Health Centre in Zinyoka, outside King William’s Town.

Lindiwe Sisulu is detained. After her release she joins MK and works underground. She undergoes military training and specializes in Intelligence.

The Women\\\'s Committee at Crossroads plays a central role in resisting threats of eviction and pass raids.

1975   In the Pretoria Supreme Court, South African Students\' Organisation (SASO) and Black People\'s Convention (BPC) leaders accused of promoting anti-White\' feelings, of encouraging racial hostility and preparing for violent revolution, are convicted under the Terrorism Act.
1975   Aged about 12, Robert McBride is taught martial arts by his father. This follows a beating Robert received by a much older boy, in a tough neighbourhood with many gangs. He becomes more aggressive and involved in literally hundreds of fights. Despite this, Robert never joined any gangs, largely because of the discipline of his parents.

Robert and a childhood friend Andre play rugby and do karate training together at a local gym opposite the police station. Their trainer is a Black man named Enoch Blood.
1975   Cape Town-based Hellenic (White) claim the Chevrolet Champion of Champions by defeating Kaizer Chiefs (5-2 on aggregate).
1975   Thabo Mbeki is appointed acting African national Congress representative in Swaziland.

Thabo Mbeki is appointed to the National Executive of the African National Congress.

Thabo Mbeki is appointed acting Chief representative of the African National Congress in Swaziland.
1975 January - February   A number of measures are taken at government, provincial and municipal level to liberalize the applications of apartheid rules. Attempts to organize sports on a multi-racial basis are, however, blocked by cabinet ministers.
1975 5 January   The British Foreign Minister, James Callaghan, arrives in Port Elizabeth for a three-hour meeting with Prime Minister Vorster. Talks focus on the Rhodesian situation and the possibilities for political settlement.
1975 16 January   Congressman Charles C. Diggs, Jr. disclosed that he had been refused a visa to visit South Africa.
1975 22 January   At a meeting between John Vorster and eight ‘homelands’ leaders, strong representations are made to the Prime Minister on the disabilities of Africans in urban areas. The meeting produces some concessions but falls short of African demands.
1975 23 January   At a meeting between the Prime Minister and a liaison committee of the Coloured Representative Council (CRC), important decisions include reaffirmation in principle of parity in salaries for Coloureds and Coloured representation on statutory bodies.
1975 30 January   Dr. Nicolaas Diederichs, Minister of Finance, is elected as the National Party’s candidate to succeed .1.1. Fouché as State President at the end of his term of office on 9 April 1975.
1975 31 January   New Cabinet appointments are announced: Senator Owen P.F. Horwood - Finance; 1. Chris Heunis - Economic Affairs; Si. Marais Steyn – Indian Affairs and Tourism. P.W. Botha, the Minister of Defence, becomes Leader of the Assembly.
1975 February   Differences over the role to be played by the Parliamentary Opposition lead to a spate of expulsions and defections from the United Party.
1975 10 February   It is confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Foreign Minister, Dr. H. Muller, visited Lusaka for talks with the foreign ministers of Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana and with leaders of the Rhodesian ANC.
1975 11 February   A Rhodesian government spokesman announces that elements of the South African police were withdrawing from certain forward positions on the Zambezi River, a move made after undertakings from the Zambian government about guerrilla infiltrations there.

A new Reform Party is founded.

A second report by the Commission of Inquiry, under the chairmanship of Justice Van Wyk de Vries, appointed in 1968 to investigate the activities of South Africa’s white universities and the University of South Africa (UNISA) is submitted to Parliament. The report, completed in 1972, recommends that the Minister of Education be empowered to declare any inter-university or student organization undesirable, if it is engaged in political activities. NUSAS is particularly targeted.
1975 11 February - 12 February   Prime Minister Vorster visits Liberia for talks with President Tolbert. It is confirmed that the government’s ‘homelands’ policy is explained and discussed.
1975 17 February   The Prime Minister confirms his visit to Liberia and describes the talks as long and fruitful.
1975 18 February   All activities of the South African Students’ Organization (SASO) are suspended until further notice. The announcement is made at the University of the North at Turfloop, Transvaal.
1975 21 February   Dr Diederichs receives the unanimous vote of the Electoral College, consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, to become State President
1975 26 February   South Africa:Signs trade agreement with Taiwan.
1975 5 March   A sharp indictment of apartheid is published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
1975 8 March   The Commission for the Programme against Racism of the World Council 8 of Churches (WCC) calls for actions to discourage tourism and visits by churchmen, political figures and sportsmen to South Africa and condemns Prime Minister Vorster’s detente policy.
1975 10 March   All South African policemen in Rhodesia are being confined to camps. South Africa is slowly disengaging from the settlement situation in Rhodesia.
1975 11 March   The Liberian legislature expresses support for President Tolbert’s policy of contact with South Africa.
1975 16 March   Brain Fischer is released from prison, following widespread appeals on his behalf, on health grounds, by the United Nations Secretary-General, Dr Kurt Waldheim, by the British Labour Party and by liberal Members of Parliament, as well as by many prominent South Africans.
1975 17 March - 18 March   Meetings are held in Cape Town between Prime Ministers Vorster and Ian Smith, with discussions focussing on the détente policy and the future of Rhodesia.
1975 18 March   Herbert Chitepo, 52, ZANU leader, killed in Lusaka when his car blew up in an explosion.
1975 19 March   The second elections to the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council result in thirty-one of the Council’s forty elective seats being won by the anti-apartheid Labour Party, which now has an absolute majority in the Council. Its leader, Sonny Leon, states that his party’s minimum demand is full equality with whites - complete economic and political freedom.

On the day of the elections the Minister of Coloured Relations gives notice of a Bill enabling him to exercise the powers and functions of the Council in certain circumstances.
1975 19 March - 21 March   The first elections of twenty members of the Legislative Assembly take place in Qwaqwa.
1975 25 March   South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty for the modification and further extension of the Wheat Trade Convention.
1975 26 March   Senator Owen Horwood announces a 36% rise in proposed defence expenditure, the defence budget being raised to R948, 122,000. The White Paper following the Budget announces plans for an expansion and reorganization of the Defence Forces.
1975 27 March   The government’s final proposals for the consolidation of the ‘homelands’ are announced. The total number of separate homeland areas will be reduced from 113 to thirty-six.

Minister of Defence P.W. Botha, presents a White Paper outlining defence policy and justifying the increased expenditure which now accounts for one-fifth of the country’s revenue budget.
1975 7 April   The Prime Minister announces that a pilot plant for the manufacture of enriched uranium has gone into production. The overall production cost is expected to be between 25% and 35% lower than that of enrichment methods in other countries.
1975 8 April   The government registers a strong protest after a South African Airways plane is hit by bullets as it lands in Luanda, Angola. Until an investigation is completed, SAA will not use Luanda as a stopover.
1975 9 April   President Fouché ends his seven-year term of office.
1975 10 April   Chief Kaiser Matanzima announces that the government has agreed to assist the Transkei in setting up its own army. Training of recruits will begin within a few months.
1975 12 April   Atlas Corporation completes deliveries to the South African Air Force (SAAF) of a first series of Impala MK-2 jet fighters.
1975 14 April   Despite opposition, the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council Amendment Bill is approved.
1975 19 April   Dr. Nicholaas Diederichs, former Finance Minister, is inaugurated as South Africa’s third State President.
1975 20 April   The names of the nominated members of the Coloured Persons Representative Council are announced. They include four Labour Party members, giving that party a total of thirty-five of the Council’s sixty seats. It is accepted that Sonny Leon will be Chairman of the Council’s Executive Committee.
1975 24 April   Under an amendment to the Defence Act the definition of superior officer is changed with the effect that white and black members of the Defence Force will have equal status.
1975 25 April   The Foreign Minister announces that South Africa will begin recruiting blacks for its diplomatic service in the near future.
1975 29 April   Proclamation No 86:

Provided that the Legislative Assembly could, by petition, request the State President to remove a minister from office and order the appointment of another.
Commenced: 29 April 1975
1975 30 April   The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) decides at its seventh Congress in Geneva to suspend South Africa from membership until it renounces racial discrimination.
1975 1 May   The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development announces that the government has decided on far-reaching concessions for urban Africans involving home ownership and trading rights.
1975 6 May   The government announces that its aim is to provide all black children with free and compulsory education as soon as possible.
1975 7 May   Prime Minister Vorster emphasizes the need for continuing his policy of increasing détente in Southern Africa.
1975 8 May   - Bram Fischer dies in prison.
1975 8 May   Former advocate Brain Fischer, sentenced to life imprisonment for communist activities, dies in Bloemfontein.
1975 8 May   Death of Bram Fischer. 2 Entries for same event. Spelling of name in 2nd entry is wrong. DONE!
1975 8 May   Bram Fischer\\\\\\\'s death. (SPELLING!)
He was transferred from prison to a hospital in Bloemfontein where he was nursed by his brother, Dr Paul Fischer. Only his closest relatives were allowed to visit him. DONE!
1975 14 May   Prime Minister Vorster gives the first official confirmation of his two-day meeting with President Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivory Coast on 22-23 September 1974. Discussions focussed on the improvement of relations between African states.
1975 18 May   It is disclosed that John Vorster has invited the Presidents of the Ivory Coast and Liberia to visit South Africa.
1975 20 May   The Foreign Minister, Dr. Muller, confirms that the government will continue to co-operate with Rhodesia, whatever solution is found to the political problems there and that South Africa will not apply economic sanctions.
1975 28 May   In its report submitted to Parliament, the Le Grange (formerly Schlebusch) Commission, declares that certain activities of the Christian Institute of Southern Africa are a danger to the State. The Commissions findings are rejected by the Institute, by other South African churchmen and by the South African Council of Churches (SACC).
1975 30 May   The Minister of Justice announces that the Christian Institute has been declared an affected organization under the Affected Organization’s Act of 1974.
1975 June - September   People arrested include lecturers at the Universities of Cape Town and Natal, leaders of NUSAS, an assistant to Dr. Beyers Naudé and the Afrikaans author Breyten Breytenbach. Most are detained under the Terrorism Act.
1975 2 June   Under an amendment to the Suppression of Communism Act, approved without objection, it ceases to be automatically an offence to quote banned persons after their restriction order has been withdrawn, or has lapsed.
1975 5 June   The Cape Supreme Court, sitting in Port Elizabeth, sets aside the 1973 election of Lennox Sebe and three other members of the Ciskei Legislative Assembly on the grounds of irregularities at the capital, Zwelitsha. Lennox Sebe is accordingly ineligible for the office of Chief Minister.
1975 6 June   A proclamation is published in the Government Gazette providing for the detention of offenders for up to three years in rehabilitation centres to be set up in the homelands’. The regulations are strongly attacked in the English press and controversy continues into July 1975.
1975 9 June   The final report of the Le Grange Commission, dealing with the University Christian Movement (UCM), defunct since 1972, is submitted to Parliament. The Commission finds that the UCM, as a multi-racial body, has engaged in dangerous activities aimed at propagating violent resolution
1975 12 June   The Minister of Indian Affairs announces that South African Indians will be free to move from one province to another without prior permission, with the exception of the Orange Free State.
1975 13 June   Robert Sobukwe, former leader of the banned Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), although still under a banning order, is admitted to practice as an attorney in Kimberley.
1975 16 June   The British Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, James Callaghan, announces in the House of Commons that the Simonstown Agreement with South Africa has been terminated. There will be no further joint exercises between the Royal and South African navies. The facilities will remain available to countries of the free world wishing to co-operate in the defence of the Cape Sea Route.

The Minister of Economic Affairs. J.C. Heunis, announces that the government has agreed to increase the education and industrial training of Africans in white areas.
1975 17 June   The British Minister of State for Defence says that the ending of the Simonstown Agreements means an end to all the military co-operation between Britain and South Africa associated with them. In South Africa P.W. Botha sees the ending of the agreements as a challenge and the government will continue to improve and develop Simonstown’s facilities.
1975 19 June   Lennox Sebe is appointed general and economic adviser to the Ciskei Cabinet.

Signs multilateral treaty on the civil liability for oil pollution damage.
1975 25 June   Mozambican Independence is obtained under the leadership of Frelimo.
1975 6 July   It is reported that Israel and South Africa are increasing their cooperation and contacts in the military sphere, and negotiating joint economic ventures, including the construction of a major new railway in Israel, and the building of a desalination plant in South Africa.
1975 23 July   The South African Council of Churches (SACC) warns the government that unless the country’s racial policies are reversed it will not be possible to achieve peace.

Signs multilateral treaty with GATT on the extension of the provisional accession of Colombia.
1975 25 July   Congresses of both the Progressive and the Reform parties, held simultaneously in Johannesburg, unanimously approve the merger of the two parties under the name of South African Progressive Reform Party (PRP). The new party’s leader is Cohn Eghin. It has eleven seats in the 171-member House of Assembly.
1975 1 August   An order has been issued withdrawing the remaining South African Police from Rhodesia.
1975 6 August   In a by-election in Caledon, Cape Province, the National Party makes substantial gains at the expense of the United Party.
1975 8 August   Signs single treaty on narcotic drugs, 1961, as amended by the Protocol of 25 March 1972.
1975 9 August   Moses Kotane is awarded the Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe.
1975 9 August   French government has decided to supply no further continental (ground or air) armaments to South Africa. This political decision does not affect naval armaments or existing contracts.
1975 11 August   Decisions on the future~ constitution of the Transkei are agreed upon at a meeting of a Cabinet committee of the South African and Transkei governments, presided over by John Vorster in Pretoria.
1975 12 August   A statement issued simultaneously is Lusaka and Salisbury, gives details of proposals agreed to after two days of talks between John Vorster and Ian Smith, which could lead to a settlement of the Rhodesian constitutional problem.
1975 13 August - 18 August   During a visit to Paraguay by the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, four agreements on South African aid to Paraguay are signed in Asuncion.
1975 19 August - 29 August   A number of new arrests are made under the Terrorism Act.
1975 22 August   Prime Minister Vorster officially opens the Orange-Fish River Tunnel, believed to be the world’s longest continuous tunnel (c.50 mhes), constructed at a cost of 76,400,000 Pounds Sterling.

Signs treaty with Swaziland on the establishment of an office for the Swaziland government labour representative in South Africa.
1975 25 August   Meeting of Prime Minister Vorster and President Kaunda at Victoria Falls.
1975 11 September - 20 September   At the invitation of Dr. Connie Mulder, the Ivory Coast’s Minister of Information, M.L. Dona-Fologo, visits South Africa on a fact finding tour. It is described as the first visit to South Africa by a West African minister.
1975 12 September   The Coloured Persons Representative Council (CRC) adjourns without passing its budget and urges the government to meet its demands for Parliamentary representation and full rights as citizens.

Signs commercial agreement with Greece on air services.
1975 16 September   South Africa fails to return for the 30th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Its relations with the United Nations are said to be under review.
1975 19 September   While officially opening the Biennial Congress of the Coordinating Council of South African Trade Unions in Pretoria, the Minister of Labour announces government plans to establish black industrial committees which will have direct bargaining powers with employers.
1975 26 September   The Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) condemns the South African government’s plan for black works councils.
1975 30 September   Winnie Mandela is released from her banning order and house arrest.
1975 2 October   Chief Kaiser Matanzima announces in Umtata that the Transkei will become fully independent on 26 October 1976.
1975 5 October   Winnie Mandela ends thirteen years of enforced silence with a strong attack on the country’s Terrorism Act.
1975 20 October   The Prime Minister holds discussions on constitutional developments with the chairman and other members of the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council, and makes various proposals. These are rejected and an immediate referendum among white voters on the issue of full citizen rights for Coloured people is called for.
1975 27 October   South Africa:Signs an amendment to a customs union agreement of 11 September 1969 with Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.
1975 4 November   Lennox Sebe again becomes Chief Minister of the Ciskei, having won a by-election on 24 October 1975.
1975 11 November   State President, Dr. N. Diederichs, summarily dismisses Sonny Leon as Executive Chairman of the Coloured people’s Representative Council (CPRC), following his refusal to sign a government-approved budget for the Coloured community and his total rejection of apartheid and its laws.
1975 12 November   Four other members of the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council resign. This is seen as the first step in the destruction of the CPRC.
1975 18 November   Signs multilateral treaty on the extension of the International Sugar Agreement, 1973.
1975 18 November   General Assembly adopted resolution 3411 C (XXX) proclaiming \"that the United Nations and the international community have a special responsibility towards the oppressed people of South Africa and their liberation movements, and towards those imprisoned, restricted or exiled for their struggle against apartheid.\"
1975 19 November   Chief Lucas Mangope of the Bophuthatswana homeland, receives a mandate from his Democratic Party to begin negotiations for the independence of that territory.
1975 20 November   The Bophuthatswana Legislative Assembly concludes a two-day Special Session during which it formally votes to open negotiations with South Africa for independence.
1975 23 November   A newly formed extreme right-wing organization, the Afrikaner Resistance Movement, is being investigated by the authorities.
1975 26 November   The Afrikaans writer Breyten Breytenbach is sentenced in the Pretoria Supreme Court to nine years imprisonment for offences under the Terrorism Act. He has pleaded guilty to entering South Africa to start an organization, Atlas or Okhela, intended to be the white wing of the ANC.
1975 27 November   At a meeting in Durban, between S. Leon and several Indian and African leaders, a call is made for the formation of an alliance of black and brown people. It receives some support but is opposed by the Federal Party.
1975 5 December   KwaZulu: Public Services Act No 7:
Commenced: 5 December 1975
1975 12 December   The Christian Institute appeals to the Prime Minister, John Vorster, asking him to reconsider the withdrawal or confiscation of the passport of six of their leaders, including that of Dr. Beyers Naude.
1975 15 December   South Africa:Signs a visa agreement with Uruguay.
1975 16 December   The United Nations General Assembly approves a series of resolutions demanding sanctions against South Africa.
1975 18 December   South Africa:Signs multilateral customs agreement on the temporary importation of pedagogic material.

South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on customs - the ATA Carnet for the temporary admission of goods with annex.
1976   South African Arm defeated by Angolan People’s Army.
1976   Many Soweto student leaders were influenced by the ideas of black consciousness. The South African Students Movement (SASM), one of the first organisations of black high school students, played an important role in the 1976 uprising. There were also small groups of student activists who were linked to old ANC members and the ANC underground. ANC underground structures issued pamphlets calling on the community to support students and linking the student struggle to the struggle for national liberation.
1976   Fietas, Johannesburg: Major removals in Pageview begin.

The Department of Community Development lists 4988 housing units administered by itself in Lenasia.
1976   Inter-Cabinet Council formed by the Prime Minister with members drawn from the Coloured Persons Council and the Indian Council and the white cabinet. First meeting boycotted by the Coloured Labour Party (Dugard 1978: 101).
1976   Bantu Administration Amendment Act No 2:

This Act was similar to the 1927 Black Administration Act [SA], with a few amendments.
1976   Population Registration Act No 24:

Provided for census and citizenship rights in Transkei and for the compilation of a population register.
Commenced: 4 March 1977
1976   Citizenship of Transkei Act No 26:

Set out requirements for citizenship.
Commenced: 4 March 1977
1976   Tennyson Makiwane, Alfred Kgokong and other \"African Nationalists\" expelled from ANC.
1976   According to the government-appointed Cillie Commission of Enquiry 575 people died. Police action resulted in 451 deaths.

3 907 people were injured. The police were responsible for 2 389 injuries.

Both the death and inquiry figures were disputed by various sources as being too low.

5 980 were arrested for offences related to the resistance in the townships.

Within four months of the Soweto revolt 160 African communities all over the country were involved in resistance. It was estimated that at least 250 000 people in Soweto were actively involved in the resistance. Resistance in the various communities were located in all four provinces and the homelands.

A police witness said to the Cillie Commission that at least 46 incidents of arson, strikes and disturbances occurred in Venda, Lebowa and Gazankulu.

The Internal Security Amendment Act replaced the Suppression of Communism Act. The new act enhanced the powers of the Minister of Justice and included the declaration of unlawful organisations, prohibition of publications, prohibition of attendance at gatherings, the restriction of persons to certain areas, detention of persons in custody and witnesses.
1976   Large numbers of students left the country and went into exile.
1976   South African troops invaded Angola in support of the Unita and FNLA alliance. They penetrated up to 900 km into Angola.
1976   Thandi Modise, student in Soweto, is jailed for ten years.

Mamphela Ramphele detained under Section 10 of Terrorism Act.

Winnie Mandela establishes the Black Women’s Federation and Black Parents’ Association during the Soweto uprisings. She is detained under the Internal Security Act.

Fatima Meer’s home is petrol bombed.

Gill Marcus, becomes editor of the ANC’s weekly bulletin
1976   Phyllis’ banning order ends
1976   Phyllis sets up her own practice and defends Harry Gwala and others. She also helps those released from Robben Island to find jobs.

1976   With Shadrack Maphumulo, Phyllis establishes a new escape route to Swaziland, after the kidnapping of Joseph Nduli and Cleopas Ndlovu.

1976   Robert McBride, aged 13, is arrested while challenging the beating by police of a youth in their charge office.
1976   South Africa is formally expelled from FIFA. The Football Council of South Africa is formed, chaired by George Thabe.
1976   Thabo Mbeki together with Jacob Zuma and Albert Dlhomo are placed under protective custody by the Swazi authorities. This is because of the growing threat from the South African authorities wanting to capture the three ANC officials.
1976 1 January   The Centre against Apartheid was established in the United Nations Secretariat, with E. S. Reddy, Chief of Section for African Affairs, as director.
1976 5 January   A full-scale television service is officially opened by the Prime Minister. He issues a warning against slanted news and unbalanced presentations.
1976 5 January   The Meadowlands Tswana School Board meets with the local inspector of the Bantu Education Department to discuss the conflict that has been escalating in Soweto schools since the beginning of the school year.
1976 22 January   A government reshuffle, including the appointment of three new ministers and two new deputy ministers is announced on the eve of the opening of the 1976 Parliamentary session. The most significant change is the appointment of Dr. Andries Treurnicht, the conservative former chairman of the Afrikaner Broederbond, as Deputy Minister of Bantu Administration and Bantu Education.
1976 27 January   Signs treaty with Uruguay on the exchange of postal parcels.
1976 30 January   A Parliamentary Internal Security Bill provides for the establishment of a Commission of ten members of Parliament, to investigate internal security matters, in secret, referred to it by the State President and drastic penalties will be imposed on those refusing to testify before it. Its reports will have to be submitted to Parliament, although all or part of them can be kept gar secret, if it is ‘not in the public interest’ to disclose their contents. It is strongly opposed by the Progressive Reform Party and the Herstigte Nasionale Party. The United Party refuses to sit on the Commission.
1976 2 February   South Africa:Signs second additional treaty to the constitution of the Universal Postal Union of 10 July 1964.
1976 5 February   The Defence Amendment Bill, making provision for the employment of South African conscripted troops anywhere outside South Africa, is approved. The Defence Force may now, at all times, be deployed to prevent or suppress any armed conflict outside the Republic which is, or may be, a threat to the Republic.
1976 7 February   The Minister of Justice announces that apartheid laws will be done away with in sixteen hotels, allowing them to cater for all races. International status will be granted as from 16 February 1976.
1976 12 February   The report of the Snyman Commission into the disturbances on the campus of the University of the North at Turfloop, finds that the South African Students Organization (SASO) was responsible for the unrest at Turfloop and other black campuses, and was aimed at overthrowing the political system in South Africa.
1976 24 February   The first indications of protest over schooling in Afrikaans appears in Soweto schools.
1976 4 March   In the House of Assembly, the Prime Minister criticizes Mozambique’s action of closing its border with Rhodesia. He warns of the dangers inherent in the situation and of the aggravating factor presented by the Russian and Cuban involvements in Southern Africa.
1976 4 March   The Black People\'s Convention, the South African Students Organisation and the South African Students Movement become active in Soweto schools over the issue of schooling in Afrikaans
1976 12 March   It is announced that all South African troops have been withdrawn from Angola except those guarding the Cunene River hydro-electric projects.
1976 14 March   Chief Gatsha Buthelezi makes a major policy statement in Soweto, before an audience of 10,000 people, denouncing the government’s homelands policy and indicating that the country must move towards majority rule. He calls for a series of black national conventions to discuss foreign investments, homelands independence and foreign policy, particularly détente with black Africa.
1976 20 March   The Roman Catholic Church decides in principle to open its 192 all-white schools to black pupils. Legal questions relating to this will be discussed with the government.
1976 22 March - 24 March   The Minister of Information and the Interior, Dr. Connie Mulder, pays a three-day official visit to the Ivory Coast. Talks are held on Communist penetration in Africa.
1976 27 March   Remaining troops are withdrawn from the Angolan border after the MPLA government has undertaken through Soviet and British good offices, and the mediation of the United Nations Secretary-General to respect the border, and assure the safety of the project and their personnel.
1976 29 March   Opposition amendments to the Parliamentary Internal Security Commission Bill are defeated in the House of Assembly, where it is given its third reading. The Prime Minister declares that the government believes Parliament, and not the courts, should combat subversion.
1976 31 March   In the 1976-77 budget, defence expenditure is raised to R1,350 m, or 17.2 percent of the total expenditure.
1976 5 April   Signs multilateral treaty modifying and further extending the Wheat Trade Convention, 1971.
1976 9 April - 12 April   Prime Minister Vorster, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Dr. Muller, visits Israel. A joint Ministerial Committee will meet at least once a year to review economic relations and to discuss, inter alia, scientific and industrial cooperation.
1976 19 April   Baleka Kgositsile goes into exile and works for the ANC in Swaziland.
1976 23 April   A draft constitution for the Transkei is published in Umtata.
1976 27 April   South Africa’s diplomatic representation in Taiwan has been raised from Consulate-General to full ambassadorial level.
1976 30 April   Pupils at Orlando West Junior School go on strike against the use of Afrikaans in education.
1976 May   Thabo Mbeki is asked to leave Swaziland because pressure is mounting on the Swazi Government from the South Africa Government to have Thabo arrested.
1976 2 May   Signs treaty with Israel amending the extradition treaty.
1976 3 May   The Parliamentary Internal Security Commission Bill, providing for the establishment of a commission of members of the House of Assembly to investigate internal security matters, is approved in the Senate, and enacted shortly afterwards.
1976 5 May   In the Parliamentary by-election in Durban North, the Progresive Reform Party’s candidate gains the party’s first seat in Natal, bringing the PRP’s representation in the House of Assembly to twelve. The United Party suffers a serious defeat.
1976 12 May   A female teacher is attacked by two robbers on her way to school and is saved by more than 100 pupils from Orlando North Secondary School, who catch the robbers and beat them to death. In another incident in May, a pupil stabs a teacher at Pimville. Police try to arrest the pupils but are stoned by other pupils.
1976 16 May   Pupils at Phefeni Secondary School start boycotting classes in protest against the use of Afrikaans in education. The unrest spreads to Belle Higher Primary School, Thulasizwe Higher Primary School, and Emthonjeni Khulo Ngolawazi Higher Primary School.
1976 17 May   Pupils at Orlando West Junior School strike in protest at the dismissal of a member of the school board. They bombard the principal\'s office with stones and draw up a memorandum of grievances, which they hand to the principal.
1976 21 May   Parliamentary Internal Security Commission Act No 67:

Established a parliamentary Internal Security Commission and set out its functions. It differed little from the USA House Committee on Un-American Activities except that the South African law had more sanctions at its disposal (Dugard 1978: 173).
Commenced: 21 May 1976
Repealed by s 7 of the Abolition of Restriction on Free Political Activity Act No 206 of 1993.
1976 24 May   Pupils reject a call by the Orlando Diepkloof School 3oard to return to school. The strike spreads to Pimville Higher Primary School. The SA Students Movements makes an attempt to consolidate the situation and holds a conference in Roodepoort to discusses the campaign against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction.
1976 29 May   The South African Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM) announces in Pretoria that it has decided to order two nuclear power stations from France.
1976 8 June   Security police arrive at Naledi High School and attempt to arrest the leader of the local branch of the SA Students Movement. Pupils stone the police and bum their car.
1976 10 June   The Internal Security Bill is enacted. Originally published on 4 May 1976, as the Promotion of State Security Bill, it is designed to amend and widen the scope of the 1950 Suppression of Communism Act. It is strongly condemned by the opposition and by the legal profession.
1976 11 June   The recently appointed deputy minister of \"bantu education\", Andries Treumicht, rejects the applications by five Soweto schools to depart from the so-called 50-50 policy in secondary education, which entailed equal use of English and Afrikaans in schooling.
1976 13 June   Sisulu\'s daughter Lindiwe detained.
1976 13 June   The Naledi branch of the SA Students Movement holds a meeting, attended by representatives of all Soweto schools, at which it is decided that protests will be held on June 16 against the use of Afrikaans in education.

An action committee called the Soweto Students\' Representative Council is formed to organise the demonstration, with two representatives from each school.
1976 16 June   Student anger and grievances against Bantu education exploded in. Tens of thousands of high school students took to the streets to protest against compulsory use of Afrikaans at schools. Police opened fire on marching students, killing thirteen-year old Hector Petersen and at least three others. This began an uprising that spread to other parts of the country leaving over 1,000 dead, most of whom were killed by the police.
1976 16 June   Demonstrations by secondary school pupils, protesting against the compulsory use of the Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction,’ escalate into an outbreak of violence in Soweto, during which police open fire on the protesters. Casualties occur, the first being Hector Petersen. Rioting, arson, looting and lawlessness spread.
1976 16 June - 24 June   During these days, rioting, arson, destruction and protest spread to other localities and townships, mainly in the Transvaal, but reaching Natal as well as several black ‘homelands’.
1976 16 June   The Soweto Uprisings begin with about 20 000 students marching in protest to the new language decree and the Bantu Education system. The march turned out violently with many students being killed by the police. The uprising spreads countrywide, and it is believed that Black Consciousness contributed significantly to the ferment behind the uprising.
1976 16 June   Police fired at a demonstration in Soweto, Johannesburg, of students protesting against \"Bantu education\" and the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. During that firing and in the ensuing period of nation-wide resistance by students, over a thousand pupils were killed and many more injured.

1976 16 June   Internal Security Amendment Act No 79:

Removed the requirement that internment be linked with states of emergency. It amended five other Security Acts and embodied the 1967 Suppression of Communism Act with some amendments. The ‘Sobukwe’ clause for indefinite detention was deleted and a new provision for indefinite preventive detention was created instead. A Review Committee was established to review detentions within two months and could recommend further detention. Prohibition of bail and detention of potential witnesses were provided for. Restrictions on movement of banned persons were included.
Commenced: 16 June 1976
Repealed by the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982 and the Internal Security and Intimidation Amendment Act No 138 of 1991 except for s 10. Section 10 was repealed by the State of Emergency Act No 86 of 1995.
1976 16 June   The Soweto uprisings begin.
1976 16 June   Extra police patrols are deployed.
1976 16 June   The Soweto uprising takes place on the day that the Internal Security Amendment Act comes into operation. It is hard to get a clear picture of exactly what happened on the day. It is exam time for senior pupils, and the exams must be written in Afrikaans. A march starts and pupils from many schools along the way join in. Teargas is fired. Gunshots are fired at the pupils and pandemonium breaks out. Anger at the senseless killings inspires retaliatory action. Police cars are burnt. Fires blaze throughout the night. At least 200 people are killed. The Internal Security Amendment Act, which replaced the Suppression of Communism Act, gives the minister of \"justice\" enhanced powers to declare organisations unlawful, to prohibit publications, to prohibit attendance at gatherings, to restrict persons to certain areas and to detain persons and witnesses in custody.
1976 17 June   Parliament meets in an Extraordinary Session at the request of the leader of the Opposition, Cohn Eglin. The resignation of the Minister of Bantu Affairs is called for, and that of his conservative Deputy, Andries Treurnicht.

The Minister of Justice and Police, J.T. Kruger, announces his decision to appoint a one-man judicial commission in the person of Justice P.M. Cihhié, Judge-President of the Transvaal, to investigate the disturbances in Soweto.

The Status of the Transkei Bill passes its second reading in the Senate, despite opposition from the United Party and the Progressive Reform Party.
1976 17 June   The second day of the protest is marked by uncontrollable fury. Fires rage in townships throughout the country. Pupils stone cars passing through Soweto. Police shoot at random, and at anyone who raises a fist and shouts \"power\". Helicopters fly overhead. Workers refuse to go to work.
1976 18 June   The report of the Commission, under the chairmanship of Professor Erika Theron, to investigate matters relating to the Coloured community in South Africa, is submitted to the House of Assembly. The Commission makes 178 recommendations, approved by majority vote, the most important of which the government subsequently rejects, i.e. that political rights be restored to Coloured people in Parliament.

The United Nations Security Council is called into session at the urgent request of the African states. It issues a unanimous condemnation of South Africa for resorting to massive violence against demonstrators opposing racial discrimination.
1976 18 June   The number of skirmishes between pupils and police diminishes. A general stayaway is organised. There are reports of pupils seizing weapons from the police and using them to shoot back at the police.
1976 19 June   The Government Gazette announces that 123 persons have been banned as a result of the June 16 revolt. The minister of police imposes a nationwide prohibition on the holding of meetings, which was later extended to the end of the year.
1976 23 June - 24 June   Prime Minister Vorster holds talks with the United States Secretary of State, Dr. Kissinger, in West Germany.
1976 24 June   The Principal’s office in Hlangisi Primary (Nyanga) was burnt out and the following day the same riot squad threatened officials at the Bantu administration.
1976 25 June   Acting Prime Minister P.W. Botha, says in the House of Assembly that the government has no objection to 158 of the 178 recommendations in the Theron Report. but that there is no prospect of a qualified franchise, a return to the common voters’ roll or direct representation of Coloureds in Parliament. Nor will the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act be repealed.

The death toll in the riots is officially given as 174 blacks and two whites, the number of wounded 1,222 blacks and six whites, the number of persons arrested 1,298. Property damaged or destroyed is officially listed as sixty-seven state owned beer halls and bottle stores, fifty-three administration buildings, thirteen schools, eight state hostels, 154 vehicles, as well as banks. clinics, bus sheds, hostels and factories - public buildings and amenities built up over the previous twenty-five years.
1976 27 June   The National President of the Black People’s Convention declares that riots have ushered in a new era of political consciousness.
1976 27 June   Further arson occurs on Langa Post Office and Zimosa school.
1976 July   The Minister of Police impose a nationwide prohibition of meetings, which is renewed until the end of the year.
1976 6 July   The government announces that teaching in Afrikaans in black schools will no longer he compulsory.
1976 6 July   The South African Government annulled the regulation that African pupils be instructed equally in English and Afrikaans, and issued new regulations leaving the choice of the medium of instruction to school principals, subject to approval by the Government.
1976 15 July   The Minister of Justice, JT. Kruger, announces that the provisions of the Internal Security Act, allowing for the unlimited detention without trial of persons deemed to be threatening public order, will apply in the Transvaal Province with immediate effect for one year. All public gatherings are banned and schools in Soweto and other riot areas will remain closed.
1976 18 July   The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid came into force.
1976 19 July   Extension of the Application of Transkeian Laws Act No 6:

Attempted to define areas of function for Transkeian laws.
Commenced: 19 July 1976
1976 20 July - 19 August   In more than seventy townships, a further series of disturbances occur, leading to considerable destruction of property and loss of life. These riots are apparently now organized by militant youths, demanding change and liberation.
1976 21 July   The closure of schools in black townships is rescinded by the Minister for Police, justice and Prisons.
1976 30 July   The Opposition press strongly attacks the detention of four journalists under the Terrorism Act.
1976 August   The police begin arresting black leaders, not only members of the Black Peoples Convention (BPC) and the South African Students’ Organization (SASO), but also members of the Soweto Black Parents’ Organization.
1976 August - September   The government’s policies are repeatedly and strongly criticized by prominent churchmen.
1976 August   Mid-August:Widespread arrests of black leaders and dissidents, office-bearers, priests, teachers and doctors follow a speech to the National Party Congress in Durban by Justice Minister Kruger, in which he claims that black power will have to be destroyed if race riots are not to become endemic. All the main black opposition groups are affected.
1976 2 August   French officials disclose that France is to supply South Africa with two destroyer escorts.
1976 2 August   UWC students convene a meeting to express solidarity with the students of Soweto and decide to embark on a boycott of classes.
1976 4 August   Riots erupt again in Soweto and spread to other townships in South Africa. The Minister of Justice again bans public meetings under the Riotous Assemblies Act, until the end of August.
1976 5 August   Mapetla Mohapi dies in detention, police claim that he hung himself with a pair of jeans.
1976 6 August   The Hewat Training College in Athlone is set alight in solidarity with the UWC boycotters.
1976 7 August   A new deal for urban blacks is announced in Pretoria by the Minister of Bantu Administration and by the Minister of Justice and Police.
1976 8 August   Fire destroys Struis Bay school Principal’s office.
1976 9 August   The Theron Commission Report is discussed at a meeting between the Prime Minister and the sixteen-member Liaison Committee of the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council (CPRC).

Violence again erupts in the black townships. The Prime Minister says he does not regard the present combination of external and internal pressures on South Africa as critical.
1976 10 August   The government extends its powers under the Internal Security Act from the Transvaal only to the whole of South Africa.
1976 10 August   Part of a prefabricated building of the Peninsula College for Advanced Technical Education is gutted and three explosives are found at Goodhope Primary in Bellville South.
1976 11 August - 12 August   Violence spreads to Cape Town,to the black townships of Langa, Nyanga and Guguletu and then, for the first time, to Coloured townships.
1976 11 August   African pupils from Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga hold marches in solidarity with the Soweto students. The Langa students march with placards through their township streets accompanied by their teachers who are determined to keep order. Students are also under police surveillance and 33 people are shot dead in looting related incidents. The police stop the Gugulethu events and students are told to disperse in 8 minutes. The students stand their ground and are eventually showered with tear gas. 25 – 30 people are arrested. The determined crowd goes on to successfully demand the release of the detainees from the Gugulethu police station.

A number of student leaders at the University of the Western Cape and other community leaders are arrested and detained at Victor Verster prison, near Paarl
1976 12 August   This day saw R2 million worth of damage in 36 hours of fighting. Langa and Gugulethu residents stop employees leaving for work. Young children request donations of petrol from cars to make petrol bombs. Students at the Esselen Park High School in Worcester demonstrate in front of the school and are tear-gassed and baton charged.

UCT students march towards the city centre giving the Black Power Salute to black people passing until the police stop them. 73 students were arrested.

In Bellville, 600 coloured students march from the Bellville Training College and clash with police whilst in UWC a poster parade is broken by police. Poster bearers are arrested because of messages such as: “Sorry Soweto, Kruger is a pig; the revolution is coming.”
1976 13 August   The government fully supports the United States initiative for a peaceful settlement of the Rhodesian crisis.
1976 14 August   There are reports of arson in the African townships.
1976 16 August - 20 August   At the 5th Conference of Non-Aligned Nations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a resolution is adopted calling for an oil embargo on France and Israel because of their arms sales to South Africa.
1976 16 August   Pupils at Alexander Sinton High and Belgravia High boycott classes. 500 UWC students march to the Bellville Magistrate’s Court were 15 students appeared on a number of charges arising from the recent events. There is a fire in Arcadia High and classes were boycotted at Somerset West after permission to hold prayer in sympathy with ‘Blacks who have died’.
1976 20 August   At a Nordic Council meeting in Copenhagen, the Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden recommend an international weapons embargo against South Africa.

Sends notification of approval of recommendations relating to the objectives of the Antarctic treaty. of 1 December 1959.
1976 20 August   Lebowa: Criminal Procedure Amendment Act No 11:
Commenced: 20 August 1976
1976 21 August   The leaders of seven of the country’s nine black homelands i.e. all except Chiefs Matanzima (Transkei) and Mangope (Bophuthatswana) meet in Johannesburg to review the political situation and issue a joint statement of appeals, demands and recommendations.
1976 23 August - 25 August   A three-day strike is observed in Soweto by between 150,000 and 200,000 workers.
1976 23 August   An Athlone High school student statement is made condemning police brutality, inferior education, segregation laws and the plight of the detainees. The police change tactics and start going into schools to seek confrontation and to break the youths’ spirit.
1976 24 August - 27 August   Violent ethnic clashes between Zulus and others, involving circa 10,000 blacks in running fights cause chaos in Soweto which the police appear unable to control. Police collusion is alleged.
1976 29 August   Speaking at a ceremony to mark his tenth anniversary as Prime Minister, John Vorster admits that the country has problems, internationally and economically, but claims that these do not constitute a crisis. His remarks are strongly criticized by the opposition.
1976 30 August   About 600 students from five secondary schools march to Bontheuwel. On their way they are confronted by four riot squad vans. The students are peppered with tear gas and hide in a nearby house. The police flushed the backyard with tear gas to prevent exit.
1976 September   Government ministers repeatedly declare that there is no crisis, and that whatever concessions may be made to meet the demands of the blacks, the policy of separate development will be continued.

Unrest, disturbances and riots spread to Cape Town itself, with interaction with the police on 1, 2 and 7-8, 10-13 September. Sporadic outbreaks of violence continue to occur in Soweto and in central Johannesburg.
1976 1 September   About 2 000 Langa, Nyanga and Gugulethu students march without notice or publicity through the Cape Town CBD unhindered.
1976 2 September   The ban on public gatherings throughout the country is reimposed until 31 October 1976.
1976 2 September   The coloured students march to the city in the hope that they will also display a peaceful march. The police were prepared and close down the CBD. The tear gas they spray on students affects all working people there, who later are forced into the chaotic streets by the smell. The city marches continue to September 3 when police execute similar action as the previous day. It appears that the Cape Town revolt has passed the point were intimidation can force youth off the street.
1976 3 September - 6 September   Prime Minister Vorster flies to Zurich for talks with the United States Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger. The focus is on the conditions necessary for negotiations on independence for Namibia and for majority rule in Rhodesia.
1976 4 September - 5 September   The youth come out in the coloured townships. Schools, libraries and a magistrates court are set alight.
1976 10 September   The President of the Senate, Marais Viljoen, opening the 1976 Session of the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council announces a number of government decisions aimed at removing obsolete practices and usages causing dissatisfaction among Coloured people.
1976 13 September   The Cillié Commission of Inquiry into the riots in Soweto on 16 June 1976 holds its first public hearing in Johannesburg. Evidence is taken on the extent of the damage and of casualties.

Speaking to the Transvaal Congress of the ruling National Party in Pretoria, the Prime Minister again rejects major changes in the country’s race policies.
1976 13 September - 15 September   A second strike call in Soweto leads to absenteeism estimated at 75-80 per cent in Johannesburg.
1976 14 September   Security Police continue to arrest prominent members of the Coloured community. Several black journalists who covered the Soweto riots are also detained.
1976 15 September - 16 September   Some 200,000 Coloured workers stay away from work in the Cape Town area. The extent of the strike is unexpected and unprecedented.
1976 17 September   A total of sixty-five documents concerning the establishment of an independent Transkei are signed in Pretoria by the Prime Minister and Chief Kaiser Matanzima. Among them is a non-aggression pact, designed to come into force at independence on 26 October 1976.
1976 20 September   A seven-man delegation of Coloured leaders flies from Cape Town to Pretoria to meet the Prime Minister for discussions on the future of the Coloured community. They appeal to John Vorster for the immediate release of the Chairman of the Coloured Labour Party, the Rev. Allan Hendrickse, unsuccessfully.
1976 23 September   Renewed rioting breaks out in Johannesburg. The Minister of Information, Dr. Connie Mulder, warns of tougher measures, including the use of the army, to deal with the unrest. Four more black journalists are detained, bringing the total number of journalists held to thirteen, eleven of whom are black.
1976 24 September   A crucial meeting of the Coloured Cabinet Council is boycotted by the Labour Party.
1976 29 September   In the Cape Town Supreme Court a British journalist, David Rabkin, his wife and a university lecturer, Jeremy Cronin, are sentenced to ten, one, and seven years’ imprisonment respectively for offences under the Terrorism and Internal Security Acts to which they have pleaded guilty. They have advocated violence leading to insurrection. Since Mrs. Rabkin was expecting a baby, the court suspended eleven months of her twelve-month sentence and she returns to Britain with her new born daughter in October.
1976 29 September   General elections are held in the Transkei.

Voters go to the polls in the Transkeis pre-independence elections. The results are a foregone conclusion following the Transkei government’s detention of eight leading opposition Democratic Party officers in July and August.
1976 1 October   France confirms that it is selling two new combat submarines to South Africa, to help it protect the oil route round the Cape in the face of the Soviet naval escalation in the Indian Ocean.
1976 5 October   The elected leaders in the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council reject the government s emergency mini-budget and demand the summoning of an all-race National Convention to consider the country’s future.
1976 8 October   At a seven-hour meeting with eight of the black ‘homeland’ leaders (i.e. all except Chief Matanzima, Transkei) Prime Minister Vorster declares there is no merit at all in the idea of holding a round table conference to plan a new constitution.

A meeting is held between John Vorster and eight ‘homeland’ leaders to discuss the unrest which has left at least three-hundred-and-forty dead, around two-thousand injured and hundreds under arrest. He rejects their demands for a multi-racial constitution and the release of black leaders in detention, This failure precipitates a move towards a common political front between traditional leaders and radical black students to fight for freedom.
1976 15 October   The results of the Transkei general elections are announced. The ruling Transkei National Independence Party (TNIP) win sixty-nine of the seventy-five election seats in the new National Assembly.
1976 17 October   The township of Soweto flares into violence again. An estimated 75,000 Pounds Sterling damage is caused. Incidents are also reported from Cape Town, Pretoria and Krugersdorp.