How Significant Were International Sanctions in the Opposition to Apartheid After 1960?

Following the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and South Africa's subsequent withdrawal from the Commonwealth, international condemnation of apartheid intensified. This essay will argue that while international sanctions contributed to the pressure on the apartheid regime, their impact was limited. Internal resistance movements played a more significant role in dismantling apartheid.

The Role of International Sanctions

International sanctions against South Africa took various forms. The United Nations (UN) consistently condemned apartheid, establishing a Special Committee Against Apartheid in 1962. In 1973, the UN General Assembly declared apartheid a "crime against humanity." This symbolic gesture demonstrated the global shift in opinion against South Africa's racial policies.

Furthermore, sporting sanctions, like South Africa's banishment from the Olympics in 1964, isolated the country culturally and impacted national pride. Economic sanctions, particularly the arms embargo imposed by the UN in 1977, also restricted the regime's military capabilities.

However, the effectiveness of economic sanctions was hampered by inconsistent enforcement and loopholes. Countries like the United States and members of the European Economic Community (EEC) maintained economic ties with South Africa throughout the 1980s. This undermined the impact of sanctions and allowed the apartheid regime to survive longer than it might have otherwise.

The Power of Internal Resistance

While international pressure played a role, the dismantling of apartheid was ultimately driven by the courage and resilience of South Africans themselves. The Black Consciousness Movement, led by figures like Steve Biko, challenged the psychological shackles of apartheid and fostered black pride and self-reliance.

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), despite being banned, continued their struggle against apartheid, both within South Africa and from exile. Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu became powerful voices against apartheid, mobilizing international support and inspiring hope for a democratic future.

The internal resistance, characterized by boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience campaigns, ultimately proved more effective than external pressure. These acts of defiance crippled the South African economy and demonstrated the unsustainability of apartheid. The Soweto Uprising of 1976, a pivotal moment in the struggle, highlighted the brutality of the regime and further galvanized international condemnation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while international sanctions played a role in maintaining pressure on the apartheid regime and isolating it on the global stage, their impact was limited by inconsistent enforcement and continued economic collaboration from certain countries. The dismantling of apartheid was ultimately achieved through the tireless efforts of internal resistance movements, fueled by the determination of individuals like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Steve Biko. Their bravery, coupled with the widespread civil disobedience and international solidarity, ultimately brought an end to the oppressive system of apartheid.

**Sources:**

**Meredith, Martin.*_The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence_. London: Free Press, 2005.
**Sparks, Allister.*_The Mind of South Africa: The Story of the Rise and Fall of Apartheid_. Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball Publishers, 1990.