When Did South Africa Withdraw from the Commonwealth? A Historical Look at the Country's Departure

When Did South Africa Leave The Commonwealth? This is a question that has been asked by many people, not just in South Africa, but all over the world. The answer is not as straightforward as one might think, as it involves a complex series of political and historical events.

So, let's start from the beginning. South Africa joined the Commonwealth on 31 May 1910, when it became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. For many decades, it remained a key member of the Commonwealth, contributing to its various political and economic initiatives.

However, things started to change in the 1940s, when the National Party came into power and began introducing policies of apartheid. These policies, which sought to segregate the population along racial lines, were widely opposed by other Commonwealth countries, who saw them as a violation of human rights.

The situation came to a head in 1961, when South Africa held a referendum on whether to become a republic or remain a monarchy under British rule. The majority of South Africans voted in favor of becoming a republic, and on 31 May 1961, South Africa officially withdrew from the Commonwealth.

This decision was met with widespread criticism and condemnation from other Commonwealth countries, who saw it as a betrayal of the values and principles that the organization stood for. Many Commonwealth nations imposed economic sanctions on South Africa in an attempt to pressure the government to end apartheid.

Despite this pressure, it would take another three decades before apartheid was finally abolished and South Africa was able to rejoin the Commonwealth. In 1994, following the first democratic elections in the country's history, South Africa was welcomed back into the organization with open arms.

Today, South Africa is once again a proud member of the Commonwealth, working alongside other nations to promote peace, democracy, and prosperity around the world. While its departure from the organization in 1961 was certainly a dark moment in its history, it is good to know that South Africa has overcome those challenges and is now moving forward towards a brighter future.

In conclusion, the question of when did South Africa leave the Commonwealth is a complex one, involving a long and storied history of political turmoil and human rights violations. However, it is important to remember that South Africa's departure from the organization was only temporary, and that today it is once again an integral part of the global community.

If you are interested in learning more about the fascinating history of South Africa and its relationship with the Commonwealth, be sure to check out some of the many books, documentaries, and other resources available online.

"When Did South Africa Leave The Commonwealth" ~ bbaz

Introduction

The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly referred to as the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 54 independent and sovereign states, most of which are former British colonies or territories. Established in 1931, South Africa was one of the founding members of the Commonwealth until it left in 1961.

Background

In 1910, the British Empire granted self-governance to South Africa through the formation of the Union of South Africa. However, racial tensions intensified from the 1940s due to the country’s apartheid policies – a system of institutionalised racial segregation that privileged white people.

During this time, the Commonwealth expressed concern about South Africa's policies. The 1955 Commonwealth conference issued a series of resolutions expressing deep concern about the racial situation and calling for the speedy removal of racial discrimination in South Africa. Despite this, the South African government continued its policies, leading to growing calls for the country's expulsion from the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Conference of 1960 in London

South Africa faced mounting criticism for its racial policies, particularly from countries in the Commonwealth. In 1960 the Commonwealth Conference was held in London, and the majority of Commonwealth members were present.

At the conference, South Africa presented its arguments for retaining its membership, arguing that it was not alone in practising racial discrimination and that other countries should also be considered for expulsion. However, this argument was seen as a diversion tactic and was met with widespread condemnation.

The Decision

In the end, the decision to expel South Africa from the Commonwealth was overwhelming. The conference voted by a margin of 10 to 1 to exclude South Africa from the organisation. South Africa formally withdrew its membership from the Commonwealth on 31 May 1961.

International Response

South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth was met with mixed reactions. Many African nations celebrated the decision as a victory against apartheid, while the South African government viewed it as an insult and further justification for its policies.

The United States, initially hesitant to take a stand against South Africa due to its Cold War politics, eventually lent support to the decision to exclude South Africa from the Commonwealth. The United Nations also took note of the decision and passed resolutions condemning apartheid, leading to international sanctions against South Africa.

Impact of South Africa’s withdrawal

South Africa leaving the Commonwealth had a profound impact on the country’s social, political, and economic landscape. The apartheid regime became increasingly isolated internationally, leading to economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

The exit from Commonwealth also further cemented the idea that South Africa was an outcast in the international community and that it would remain so until it changed its racial policies. The decision gave the world a clear message about the importance of human rights and equality, particularly in a post-colonial world where racism and discrimination were still prevalent.

Conclusion

South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961 marked a turning point in the fight against apartheid. It signalled to the world that institutionalised racial segregation was unacceptable and further solidified the global campaign against apartheid, which ultimately led to the dismantling of the system in the 1990s. Today, South Africa is again a member of the Commonwealth, and its re-entry in 1994 symbolised its transition to a new democratic era and an end to apartheid.

When Did South Africa Leave The Commonwealth?

The British Empire and the Commonwealth

For over a century, the British Empire ruled over numerous territories across the world. These territories were not only located in Europe but also in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. By the mid-20th century, the Empire was slowly losing its grip as more countries gained independence or autonomy. However, as the Empire started to crumble, something new was born - the Commonwealth of Nations.

What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

The Commonwealth of Nations, simply known as the Commonwealth, is a political association of 54 member states, most of which were former British colonies or territories. The organization is comprised mainly of countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific, with a combined population of over two billion people.

South Africa and the Commonwealth

South Africa officially became part of the Commonwealth on 31 May 1910, when the Union of South Africa was created as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. However, this relationship between South Africa and the Commonwealth was not without controversy. The country's apartheid policies sparked international outrage and sanctions against South Africa, resulting in the country's eventual departure from the Commonwealth.

Apartheid era in South Africa

Apartheid, which means separateness in Afrikaans, was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. Under this system, the white minority government imposed strict laws that discriminated against black, colored, and Indian South Africans, denying them basic human rights such as voting, owning land, and receiving equal education and employment opportunities.

The Commonwealth's response to apartheid

The Commonwealth took an active role in opposing apartheid and condemning South Africa's racist policies. In 1961, South Africa voluntarily left the Commonwealth due to pressure from member countries who were opposed to apartheid. The country was only readmitted in 1994, after democratic and non-racial elections were held that resulted in Nelson Mandela becoming the first black president of South Africa.

Why did South Africa leave the Commonwealth?

As mentioned earlier, South Africa left the Commonwealth in 1961 due to intense pressure from member countries who were against apartheid. The country had refused to comply with the Commonwealth's demands for reform and continued to implement strict apartheid laws that oppressed the majority black population. This led to South Africa's eventual expulsion from the organization, marking a significant moment in the fight against racial discrimination and inequality.

What happened after South Africa left the Commonwealth?

After South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth, the organization continued to push for an end to apartheid. Member countries imposed economic and sporting sanctions on South Africa, leading to increased international isolation for the country. However, the apartheid government remained defiant, refusing to budge on its policies until internal and external pressure finally forced it to do so in the early 1990s.

South Africa's reentry into the Commonwealth

After Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa in 1994, the country was welcomed back into the Commonwealth. This time, however, it was as a fully democratic and non-racial state. South Africa's return to the Commonwealth symbolized a new era of hope and progress for the country and the continent at large.

Comparison between South Africa and the Commonwealth

South Africa	The Commonwealth
Oppressed black population through apartheid policies	Advocated for equality and condemned discrimination
Expelled from the organization in 1961	Continued to push for an end to apartheid and supported democratic reforms in South Africa
Readmitted into the Commonwealth in 1994 as a fully democratic and non-racial state	Continues to work towards promoting democracy, development, and cooperation among member states

Conclusion

South Africa's departure and eventual return to the Commonwealth tells a story of struggle, resilience, and hope. It symbolizes the progress that has been made in the fight against racial discrimination and inequality, while also reminding us that there is still work to be done. As a member of the Commonwealth, South Africa can play an active role in promoting peace, democracy, and prosperity throughout the world.

When Did South Africa Leave The Commonwealth

South Africa, a country located at the southern end of the African continent, has had a significant history with the British Empire. During the colonisation era, Britain occupied the land and ruled it as its colony until its independence in 1910. Later, South Africa went on to become a founding member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1931, a political association of sovereign states that were once ruled by the British Empire.

History of the Apartheid Era

In the late 1940s, South Africa adopted a policy known as apartheid, meaning apartness in Afrikaans, which was used to segregate citizens according to their racial background. Under this regime, non-white people were discriminated against and deprived of basic human rights such as education, property ownership, and political power.

This system gave rise to widespread protests both in South Africa and internationally, and various economic sanctions were imposed against the country. Several countries, including India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Ghana, left the Commonwealth in protest due to South Africa's apartheid practices.

The Winds of Change

As time passed, several world leaders began to realise the inhumanity of apartheid and began to pressure South Africa to abandon the practice. In 1960, Sharpeville Massacre, an event where around 70 black peaceful protesters were shot by the police, increased international condemnation of the apartheid-era government. This led to further isolation of South Africa within the international community.

The Impact of International Isolation

Consequently, South Africa's economy began to suffer. The international communities started boycotting South African products which resulted in loss of earnings, and the country's economy was gradually declining. Internal tensions also increased, and black citizens steadily upped their resistance through protests, boycotts and other forms of direct action. African National Congress (ANC) was among the leading organisations in this struggle for political and social justice against apartheid.

International Sanctions and Deportation from the Commonwealth

In response to ongoing international protests and boycotts, the United Kingdom withdrew its high commission in Pretoria. The country's representatives within the Commonwealth urged South Africa's leaders to reform the apartheid regime, but they steadfastly refused.

In 1985, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Nassau, Bahamas condemned South Africa's continued policy of apartheid. It resolved that South Africa should be suspended from the Commonwealth, with immediate effect. The resolution also mandated member countries to implement economic sanctions against South Africa.

The Road Ahead: Negotiations towards Democracy

The suspension of South Africa from the Commonwealth eventually led to a long-awaited end of apartheid. In the early 1990s, F.W. de Klerk, South Africa’s President then, released Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned for close to three decades for his activism against apartheid. This granted the anti-apartheid movements the opportunity to negotiate with the government for the implementation of reforms to the apartheid system.

South Africa was readmitted to the Commonwealth in 1994 after the first democratic elections brought an end to the apartheid era. Nelson Mandela became the country's first black president, marking an end to centuries of oppression and segregation in South Africa.

Conclusion

South Africa's expulsion from the Commonwealth came about as a result of intense pressure from international communities and a general realisation that apartheid was a practice of oppression and discrimination. The move was instrumental in the eventual overthrow of apartheid and the establishment of democracy in South Africa. Today, South Africa remains an integral part of the Commonwealth.

When Did South Africa Leave The Commonwealth?

South Africa is a country with a unique and complicated history. The region was initially colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century, and later by the British in the early 19th century. The British ultimately gained control of the land and established a system of government that disproportionately benefited white South Africans at the expense of the black majority population. This led to various efforts to resist colonial rule, including the formation of political parties and movements dedicated to achieving equal rights and representation.

One of the most significant efforts to challenge colonialism in South Africa came in the form of the anti-apartheid movement. Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced in the country for over four decades. The movement to end apartheid gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, and eventually led to international condemnation and economic sanctions against South Africa.

One of the consequences of apartheid was that South Africa was isolated diplomatically and economically from much of the world community. This isolation was reflected in the country's status as a member of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth was established in 1949 as a group of independent states that were united under a shared set of values and principles, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. South Africa was a founding member of the organization, but its membership was suspended in 1961 when it declared itself a republic and withdrew from the Commonwealth.

The decision to leave the Commonwealth was driven by a number of factors, including the desire for greater autonomy and sovereignty, a rejection of the Commonwealth's perceived interference in South Africa's domestic affairs, and a refusal to accept the organization's stance on racial equality. South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth was deeply controversial at the time, and marked a turning point in the country's relationship with the international community.

The decision to leave the Commonwealth was not without consequences. South Africa's isolation from much of the world led to economic sanctions and political pressure that had a significant impact on the country's economy and its population. The decision to leave the Commonwealth also served as a powerful symbol of South Africa's commitment to apartheid, and its rejection of international efforts to promote equality and freedom.

In the years following its departure from the Commonwealth, South Africa faced increasing international condemnation and pressure to end apartheid. This pressure took many forms, including economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and cultural boycotts. The anti-apartheid movement gained momentum both in South Africa and around the world, and eventually led to the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the transition to a democratic government in the early 1990s.

The end of apartheid marked a new chapter in South Africa's relationship with the international community. With the dismantling of apartheid policies, the country was welcomed back into the international community, and rejoined the Commonwealth in 1994. The decision to rejoin the organization reflected a commitment to the Commonwealth's shared values and principles, and marked a new phase in South Africa's journey towards a more democratic and inclusive society.

Today, South Africa is a member in good standing of the Commonwealth and continues to work closely with other member states to promote greater cooperation and understanding across a range of issues. While the country still faces significant challenges, including extreme poverty, high levels of inequality, and persistent social and economic disparities, its membership in the Commonwealth serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that remains to be done.

In conclusion, South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth marked a significant turning point in the country's history. It reflected the deep divisions that existed in the country at the time, as well as the international community's commitment to promoting human rights and democratic values. Today, as a member of the Commonwealth, South Africa has an opportunity to work together with other nations to build a brighter future for all its citizens and to uphold the values that are at the heart of the organization.

Thank you for reading this article about South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth and its subsequent return. We hope that you found it informative and engaging, and that it has given you a greater understanding of this important period in South Africa's history.

When Did South Africa Leave The Commonwealth?

What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a political association of 54 member states, nearly all of which are former territories of the British Empire that maintained diplomatic, economic, and cultural links after they gained independence.

When did South Africa join the Commonwealth?

South Africa joined the Commonwealth in 1931, when it was still a colony under British rule.

Why did South Africa leave the Commonwealth?

South Africa was suspended from the Commonwealth in 1960, after it became a republic and withdrew from the British Commonwealth. The country's policy of apartheid, which institutionalized racial segregation, was widely condemned by other Commonwealth members.

When did South Africa rejoin the Commonwealth?

South Africa was readmitted to the Commonwealth in 1994, after it transitioned to a democratic government and repealed its apartheid laws. Nelson Mandela, who became the country's first black president, played a crucial role in South Africa's return to the Commonwealth.

Did South Africa face any conditions for readmission to the Commonwealth?

Yes, South Africa had to meet certain criteria to be readmitted to the Commonwealth. They included the dismantling of apartheid, ensuring the protection of human rights, holding free and fair democratic elections, and promoting racial reconciliation and nation-building.

Conclusion:

• South Africa joined the Commonwealth in 1931.
• South Africa left the Commonwealth in 1960 due to its policy of apartheid.
• South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth in 1994 after transitioning to a democratic government and repealing apartheid laws.