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History |
Natives (Urban Areas) Consolidation Act No 25:
Introduced influx control - applicable to black males only (Horrell 1978: 172). People who were deemed to be leading idle or dissolute lives or who had committed certain specified offences could be removed from an urban area (Horrell 1978: 173).
Commenced: 1 June 1945
Repealed by s 17 of the Abolition of Influx Control Act No 68 of 1986
1946
13 June-Indian Passive resistance campaign led by Y.M. Dadoo and Dr. G.M. Naicker against the Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Act.
1946
African miners strike from the east to the West Rand, police open fire, kill and injure hundreds of workers.
1946
Passive resistance campaign, many women participate.
1946
FOSA sends to Phyllis to King George V Hospital for training.
1946
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Asiatic Land Tenure and Representation Act 46(Ghetto Act)
1946
Albert Luthuli becomes the Natal representative on the Natives Representative Council (NRC) following the death of Dr John Dube.
1946
The Natal Inter-Race Soccer Board is established with the help of Albert Luthuli.
1946
Govan Mbeki endorse or give support to the Mine's Strike in Johannesburg and collects cash for its victims.
1946
21 January
Prime Minister: J.C. Smuts announced the intention of the government to introduce new legislation -to replace the Pegging Act, due to expire on 31 March prohibiting Indians from purchasing land from non Indians. Indian would be entitled to elect three white Europeans to the House of Assembly, two whites to the Senate, and three members to the Natal Provincial Council on a communal franchise with educational and property qualifications
1946
21 January
General Smuts, Prime Minister, announces measures to replace the Pegging Act ,which expires on 31 March.
1946
22 January
Natal Indian Congress (NIC) sent a cable to government of India urging an appeal to the United Nations on behalf of the Indians in South Africa
1946
3 February
Natal Indian Congress (NIC): called a mass meeting to protest against the proposed Asiatic Bill. A resolution was passed condemning the bill, rejecting communal franchise, proposing a round table conference of South Africa with India, and advocating effective mass resistance.
1946
8 February - 12 February
South African Indian Congress (SAIC) Conference, held in Cape Town, unanimously resolved to oppose the proposed legislation by "proceeding immediately to prepare the Indian people of South Africa for concerted and prolonged resistance". During the conference a large deputation of sixty Indians called on the Prime Minister, Field Marshal Smuts, on 11 February and urged him to postpone the legislation, pending a round table conference with India. He refused their request for a Round Table Conference and insisted that he would proceed with the Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representations Bill. The Conference then decided on 12 February to prepare resistance. It also decided to send delegations to India, Britain and the United States. The delegation to India was to request the government of India to seek a round table conference with South Africa, and, if that failed, to withdraw its High Commissioner from South Africa and apply economic sanctions against South Africa.
1946
20 February
A Day of Prayer, called by NIC, was observed very widely. Indian businesses were closed at 1 pm. And many Indians took a resistance pledge.
1946
March
South African Indian Congress:(SAIC)'s delegation led by Sorabjee Rustomjee visited India. It met Gandhiji and other leaders, and was received by the Viceroy. The Working Committee of the Indian National Congress declared its full support to the South African Indians in their struggle.
1946
3 March
South African Indian Congress delegation met Mahatma Gandhi in Poona.
1946
12 March
The South African Indian Congress(SAIC) delegation - Sorabjee Rustomjee, SR. Naidoo, A.A. Mirza and A.S.M. Kajee- was received by the Viceroy, Lord Wavell, in Delhi. It was introduced by the Aga Khan, supported by leaders of the Indian National Congress and other prominent Indians. It submitted a petition drafted in consultation with Mahatma Gandhi. Government of India announced that it had decided to terminate the trade agreement with South Africa.
1946
15 March
The Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Bill was introduced in House of Assembly.
1946
15 March
The Asiatic Land Tenure and Trading Act is amended and now states that Indians may only live where Indians had resided in non-proclaimed areas.
1946
15 March
Anti-Indian Legislation: Smuts introduces the Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Bill (Ghetto Act)
1946
18 March
Mahatma Gandhi:He sent a telegram to Field Marshal Smuts asking him to withdraw the Asiatic Bill. He also issued a press statement describing the Bill as a challenge to Asia and Africa.
1946
24 March
The Executive of the South African Indian Congress(SAIC), at its meeting in Cape Town, decided to instruct the Natal and the Transvaal Indian Congresses to "proceed immediately to plan and prepare the details of a concerted and prolonged resistance".
1946
25 March
Debate on the Second Reading of the Bill began in the House of Assembly. On the same of India gave formal 3-month notice of the 1938 trade agreement with provided for "most favoured nation".
1946
25 March
General Smuts moves to the second reading of the Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Bill in the House of Assembly.
1946
30 March
A special provincial conference of unanimously decided that resistance immediately after the Asiatic Bill Passive Resistance Council to. It issued a manifesto of resistance "Workers, businessmen,
Only your united action can save us! Either we perish as a whole, or we resist as a whole. There is no turning back. The time has come for suffering and sacrifice. it is your duty to give to the utmost physically, financially and morally. "Any Indian man or woman who serves on the Advisory Board, accepts the communal franchise or obstructs the struggle in any way whatsoever, will be guilty of an act of despicable treachery against his family, his community and the principles of democracy. Fellow Indians, forward to united action!".
1946
31 March
6000 Indians marched in Durban to protest against the Asiatic Bill, and support the South African Indian Congress resolution for Passive Resistance. Dr G.M. Naicker, President of the Natal Indian Congress(NIC), addressed the demonstrators. H.I.E. Dhlomo (African National Congress) and L.A. Smith (African People's Organisation) spoke at the meeting and declared the support of the African and coloured people to the Indians in their struggle.
1946
16 April
A Ramaswami Mudaliar: Leader of the House in the Central Legislative Assembly of India, announced that the government of India would initiate steps to bring the issue of the oppression of Indians in South Africa before the United Nations.
1946
21 April
At a mass meeting in Johannesburg, the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) decided to set up the Transvaal Passive Resistance Council with 15 members, under the chairmanship of Dr Y.M. Dadoo.
1946
11 May
The first meeting of the Joint Passive Resistance Council of Natal and the Transvaal was held in Durban.
1946
23 May
India asked its High Commissioner in South Africa, Ramrao Madhavrao Deshmukh, to return for consultations. He sailed for India the next day.
1946
27 May
Mahatma Gandhi: He supports the withdrawal of the Indian High Commissioner.
1946
2 June
Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Bill, called by Indians the "Ghetto Act", received the assent of the Governor-General and became law.
1946
3 June
Natal Indian Congress(NIC) met in emergency session in Durban and decided on a hartal on 13 June, which was designated "Resistance Day" to mark the beginning of Passive Resistance against the Ghetto Act.
1946
4 June
Dr G.M. Naicker, President of Natal Indian Congress(NIC), warned that any Indian who accepted membership in the Land Tenure Advisory Board would be ostracised.
1946
6 June
Asiatic Land Tenure (and Indian Representation) Act No 28:
Granted Indians separate representation by three white members of Parliament and two senators in the Central Parliament. This chapter of the law was rejected by the Indian population and the Act was repealed by the Asiatic Laws Amendment Act No 47 of 1948. The chapter on land tenure was repealed by the Aliens Control Act No 96 of 1991.
Commenced: 6 June 1946
1946
11 June
Government of India announced that in protest against the Union's indifference to its representations, it was found necessary to recall the High Commissioner.
1946
13 June
Indians observed complete hartal throughout the country. Mass meetings were held in many cities and towns. A mass meeting of over 15 000 people at the "Red Square" in Durban was addressed by Dr G.M. Naicker. After the meeting, a procession marched to the corner of Gale Street and Umbilo Road where the first batch of 17 Passive Resisters (including 7 women) pitched five tents on a piece of vacant municipal land in defiance of the Ghetto Act.
1946
13 June
Indian Passive Resistance campaign led by Y. M. Dadoo and Dr. G. M. Naicker against the Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Act ("Ghetto Act") enacted by the Smuts Government commenced.
1946
14 June
Passive Resisters continued to occupy the camp, but police took no action.
1946
15 June
The Working Committee of Indian National Congress adopted a resolution expressing full sympathy for the Resisters in their brave struggle.
(The All India Muslim League also condemned the Ghetto Act, as "an intolerable affront to Indians everywhere and a direct challenge to the conscience of the world": its President, M.A. Jinnah, called it a "blot on civilisation")
1946
16 June
White hooligans attacked the resistance camp, while police stood by. (Passive) Resisters continued to occupy the camp despite threat of violence.
1946
17 June
More than a hundred whites raided the camp, pulled down tents and smashed camp stretchers. Some Resisters were injured in the scuffle, including women from the Transvaal. Police took no action.
1946
18 June
Dr Dadoo flew to Durban to study the situation as white hooligans continued to harass Resisters.
1946
19 June
White hooligans attacked Indians in and around the camp. Thousands of Indians visited the camp to show admiration for the Resisters: hundreds enrolled as Resisters all over South Africa
1946
20 June
Passive Resisters continued to occupy the plot. No action taken by police. A Council for Human Rights was formed by Europeans in Durban, with Mrs. Lavoipierre as chairperson, to support Passive Resistance and educate European public opinion (a Council for Asiatic Rights had been formed earlier in the Transvaal for the same purpose). A Women\'s Action Committee was formed in Durban to assist the struggle.
1946
21 June
Speaking at a prayer meeting in New Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi called on the South African government to stop the hooliganism of the whites. The authorities warned the (Passive) Resisters to vacate the camp. The Attorney-General for Natal, W.J. McKenzie, appealed to the Europeans not to interfere. Police vans arrived in the evening and, for the first time, arrested 13 Resisters led by Dr G.M. Naicker: they included two women from the Transvaal, Miss Zainab Asvat and Mrs. Jamila Bhabha. Dr Naicker, speaking on behalf of the Resisters made it clears to the authorities that they would, accept bail, but would rather remain in detention. The Resisters were charged with contravention of Natal Act of 1874 (Law of Trespass), and found guilty but were cautioned and discharged. They went back to the camp and were again charged with trespass: the magistrate passed a suspended sentence of 7 days' imprisonment with hard labour. Krishensamy (Krishnansamy) Pillai, a plainclothes policeman on duty, was attacked by a group of white hooligans in the vicinity of the resistance camp, beaten unconscious and thrown in a gutter.
1946
22 June
Passive Resisters led by Dr G.M. Naicker appeared before the Durban magistrate. All (Passive) Resisters, except Dr Naicker and M.D. Naidoo, were cautioned and discharged. Dr Naicker and Mr. Naidoo were asked to appear before the magistrate on 22 July. Reverend Michael Scott and B. Sischy, who joined the Resisters when white hooligans resorted to violence, were also arrested. At 10.30 pm. a second batch led by Dr K. Goonam was arrested. Government of India sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General requesting that the question of the treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa be included in the provisional agenda of the United Nations General Assembly.
1946
22 June
The Government of India requested that the question of the treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa be included in the agenda of second part of the first session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Act ("Ghetto Act") had been enacted earlier in the month and the Indian community began a passive resistance campaign on 13 June under the leadership of Dr. Y.M. Dadoo and Dr. G.M. Naicker. Nearly 2,000 people courted imprisonment in the campaign in the next two years.
1946
22 June
The Government of India requested that the question of the treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa be included in the agenda of the General Assembly.
1946
23 June
At 8.10 pm. white hooligans assaulted (Passive) Resisters, including Reverend Michael Scott. Miss Zainab Asvat, leader of the sixth batch, received a cut on the side of her head. Mrs Docrat was injured. Five other Resisters fell unconscious. Hooligans arrived again at 9.05 pm. and assaulted members of the sixth and seventh batches of Resisters. Batches led by Dr Naicker, Miss Asvat, J. Padayachee and Dr Goonam were detained. At 11.15 pm. when the eighth batch, led by J. Joshi occupied the settlement, the most violent attack by hooligans took place. The whole mob of hooligans ran over them, stamping on them and kicking them, including a woman, Mrs. Docrat, who received internal injuries. Indian spectators were beaten up and badly injured. Stones and bottles were thrown at their cars by the mob, and car windows smashed.
When Reverend Michael Scott, who was released at Il .45 pm. that day, arrived on the scene, he found five Passive Resisters lying unconscious in the gutter where they had been thrown by the mob. He said in a statement: "None of those who resorted to violence were arrested ... two Indian girls were both struck by the hooligans. These girls were very brave and self-possessed, and referred to the Europeans as misguided"
1946
24 June
Ninth batch of (Passive) Resisters, led by J. Padayachee, occupied the camp. Mrs Docrat said in a statement: "The brutal assault on myself and my fellow (Passive) Resisters are signs of the weakness of our oppressors. We may be harmed and physically maimed or even die, but the spirit of our people will not die because of these brutal and cowardly attacks. In the face of all 'We Shall Resist"'. (Passive Resister, 19 June 1947) Indians who had witnessed the assaults of the previous evening donated 600 to the resistance. All (Passive) Resisters arrested the previous evening were remanded to 1 July. At 5.30 pm. a mass meeting at Red Square, attended by thousands of people, was addressed by Dr Dadoo. It pledged: "We shall resist!"
At 8.30 pm. the District Commandant of Police read a Government Proclamation under the Riotous Assemblies Act: any gathering within 500 yards of the plot had been declared an unlawful assembly under the Act. The order was to remain in force for seven days. Forty-seven (Passive) Resisters were arrested at 10.45 pm
1946
25 June
At 11 am. 47 (Passive) Resisters appeared in court. Dr G.M. Naicker, Dr Goonam and M.D. Naidoo were sentenced under the Riotous Assemblies Act to seven days' hard labour suspended for three months. Other Resisters were cautioned and discharged. At 9 pm. Dr Dadoo led the 12th batch of 25 Resisters. The batch was arrested at 10.05 pm.
1946
26 June
Dr Dadoo and his batch appeared before the magistrate. The case was remanded to the next day.
1946
26 June
India asked the UN General Assembly to consider question of treatment of Indians in South Africa.
1946
27 June
Dr Dadoo and Miss Asvat were sentenced to three months with hard labour under the Riotous Assemblies Act. Dr G.M. Naicker was sentenced to six months with hard labour under the same Act. This group of (Passive) Resisters -including Dr Dadoo, Miss Asvat and Dr Naicker - were the first sent to prison. Fourteenth batch of Resisters was led by M.D. Naidoo.
1946
28 June
M.D. Naidoo was sentenced to 6 months and 7 days with hard labour. Other members of his batch were remanded. Dr K. Goonam led the 15th batch, including 13 women; they were arrested. A batch of nine ex-servicemen, led by J.M. Francis, was arrested. Mahatma Gandhi paid tribute to the courage and suffering of the Passive Resisters in South Africa.
1946
29 June
Dr Goonam was sentenced to 6 months and 7 days - 4 months of which were suspended for six months. Others, including the ex-servicemen, were remanded.
1946
29 June - 30 June
A meeting of the Joint Passive Resistance Council of Natal and the Transvaal, held over the weekend in Durban, congratulated the national leaders of the Indian people, who were the first to be sentenced to prison, for their inspiring example of courage and sacrifice. It pledged the full support of the Indian people to the Anti-Pass struggle of the African people.
1946
30 June
Krishensamy Pillay, attacked by white hooligans on 21 June, died in hospital in the morning. His funeral was attended by 10 000 people. Sorabjee Rustomjee led the 17th batch.
1946
July
Passive Resister reported that the recent Second National Anti-Pass Conference held in Johannesburg, attended by 205 delegates from all over the country, supported the campaign. It said in a resolution: "That this Conference conveys its message of sympathy to the South African Indian Congress and the Indian people in the struggle against the Ghetto Act, and on behalf of the African people pledges wholehearted support." The Conference decided that the African people, too, would launch a direct struggle against discriminatory legislation oppressing them - the Pass Laws. A council of Action of nine members was elected to organise the African people for a mass struggle culminating in a national stoppage of work, and a burning of the passes.
1946
1 July
The Asiatic Land Tenure Board held its first meeting. Senator Clarkson, Minister of the Interior, in his opening address, invited Indians to submit a panel of names for two vacancies on the Board for Indian members. Natal and Transvaal Indian Congresses indicated that any Indian who volunteered to serve as a member of the Board would be branded as a traitor to his people.
1946
2 July
Sorabjee Rustomjee was sentenced to 3 months with hard labour.
1946
3 July
A Cape Passive Resistance Council was formed at a mass meeting in Cape Town attended by 1 500 people. Among the first to volunteer were a number of Africans. It was announced that Councillor Z. Gool would lead a Cape batch of Resisters.
1946
6 July
160 Passive Resisters were serving jail sentences.
1946
7 July
The All India Congress Committee, meeting in Bombay, said in a resolution that the Indian (Passive) Resisters were "suffering not only for their self-respect but for the honour of India, and by their heroic resistance setting a noble example to all the exploited peoples of the earth". The resolution was moved by Mrs Sarojini Naidu and seconded by Govind Vallabh Pant.
1946
8 July
Passive Resister reported that hundreds of (Passive) Resisters had appeared before court - some on as many as five different charges. It said the government attempted to side step the real issue by charging Resisters under the old Natal Law of Trespass. The Riotous Assemblies Act was invoked against the leaders of the movement, and they were given long terms of imprisonment. Hundreds of Resisters were fined 5 each with no alternative of imprisonment. They were told that if they did not pay their fines, their property would be attached. No one, however, paid the fine.
1946
11 July
A second front was opened when ten volunteers pitched a tent at the corner of Walter Gilbert and Umgeni Roads.
1946
15 July
Passive Resister reported that Moulvi Saloojee, one of the most respected Muslim priests and an active member of the Working Committee of Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC), would lead the first exclusively Transvaal batch of 6 women and 19 men. (Passive Resister of 22 July reported that they were in prison)
1946
17 July
Government of India, in a gazette extraordinary, announced termination of trade relations with South Africa.
1946
18 July
A batch of seven women, led by Miss Zainab Asvat and Mrs. Suriakala Patel, occupied the resistance camp. They were subsequently sentenced to 3 or 30 days hard labour.
1946
21 July - 22 July
South African Indian Congress (SAIC) Executive met in Cape Town and pledged full support to the Passive Resistance launched by the Passive Resistance Councils of Natal and the Transvaal. It decided to send a delegation to New York to assist in the preparation of the Indian case before the United Nations. Ashwin Choudree, delegate of the PRC's of Natal and Transvaal, had already arrived in New York to enlist support of the American people. He was welcomed by J.J. Singh, President of the India League of America.
1946
25 July
Natal Indian Congress (NIC) published a telegram it had received from Mahatma Gandhi. It read: "Hope Resisters will remain firm to the end. Everything possible being done this end".
1946
26 July
A public meeting was held in Durban to welcome Manual Gandhi who had rushed back from India because of Passive Resistance, and to bid farewell to Mrs. Gadija Christopher who was joining Resisters.
1946
August
The first Cape batch was led by Mrs. Gool
1946
August
52 people, including Kotane, Dadoo, Bunting, Fischer, J. B. Marks and Mike Harmel are accused of 'conspiracy' to bring about the strike.
1946
August
African Mine Workers strike.
1946
4 August
Passive Resister reported that over 300 Passive Resisters were serving sentences ranging from 20 days to 6 months. It also reported that at a mass meeting held by African National congress (ANC) recently in Germiston Location, to organise the people for an anti-pass campaign, a resolution was adopted congratulating the Indian people on launching Passive Resistance and assuring them of the support of the African people "realising that their struggle is our struggle"
1946
12 August - 15 August
African mineworkers' strike led by J.B. Marks, leader of the African Mineworkers' Union. About 60 000 miners went on strike. Government suppressed the strike by force. According to official figures, 9 were killed and 1 248 injured. Fifty-one persons, mainly Communists, were later charged in connection with the strike: they included three Indians - Dr Dadoo, J.N. Singh and M.J. Vania (Dr Dadoo was then in jail for Passive Resistance).
1946
12 August - 19 August
100,000 African miners strike from the East to the West Rand. Police, with bayonets drawn, charge and open fire, forcing the workers back underground. Hundreds of workers killed and injured According to official figures, 9 were killed and 1,248 injured. The strike is broken by the lawlessness and ruthlessness of the state.
Mr. J. B. Marks, president of the African Mine Workers Union, jailed under Riotous Assemblies Act.
1946
19 August
George Singh and four other (Passive) Resisters occupied a vacant plot at Wentworth owned by Mr. Singh. By then, about 400 Resisters had been imprisoned under Trespass Act and Riotous Assemblies Act. The authorities did not make any prosecutions under the Asiatic Act. The plot at Wentworth, a controlled area under the Asiatic Act, was occupied to violate that law directly. No action was taken by the authorities.
1946
31 August
Joint Passive Resistance Council met in Durban and decided on a nationwide day of protest and demonstrations on 23 September when the United Nations General Assembly session was scheduled to open.
1946
1 September
Resistance was further expanded when Rugnath Singh and his family occupied the house owned by them in the controlled area of Wentworth. No action was taken against them.
1946
2 September
Second Cape batch left for Natal.
1946
9 September
Passive Resister reported that 594 Passive Resisters had been sentenced to a total imprisonment of 66 years, 4 months and 16 days with hard labour, in addition to fines, without option of imprisonment, totaling 1 775.
1946
11 September
Natal Indian Congress (NIC) declined an invitation by the Durban Mayor's office to send delegates to a committee to give advice on enabling the Indian community to see the Royal family during their visit to Durban in March 1947. It said that the Indians of South Africa were passing through the most critical period in their history because of a series of discriminatory Acts depriving them of elementary human rights, and had launched a campaign of Passive Resistance.
This peaceful protest was still going on and 627 people, including national leaders like Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Dr G.M. Naicker, had been sent to jail where they were treated like common criminals.
"While the Indian community finds itself in such an unhappy situation in a part of His Majesty's Empire, it is most unreasonable to expect Indians to participate in any rejoicing or celebrations in honour of Royalty. In the circumstances we cannot but suggest that you advise their Majesties to postpone their visit until such time as there is peace and goodwill in South Africa between the rulers and the ruled, the white and the non-white, the represented and the unrepresented, the privileged and the under-privileged, so that all who constitute the South African nation can equally share, not only its burdens, but also its rewards."
(In an article on 25 October, Mahatma Gandhi congratulated NIC on its reply and said: "The Royal visit can evoke no feeling of joy among those who are fighting for their self-respect in South Africa in the making of which they have had no mean share. Let us hope that the Royal visit will be postponed to a more propitious time when the colour bar has become a thing of the past")
1946
21 September
Police raids throughout South Africa on trade unions, Springbok Legion, Friends of the Soviet Union, Communist Party, etc.
1946
23 September
South African Indian Congress (SAIC) Executive, meeting in Cape Town, elected Sorabjee Rustomjee as a delegate of SAIC to the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
1946
26 September
Passive Resister reported resolution of Working Committee of All India Muslim League fully supporting the struggle. Dr Dadoo was released after his first jail term for Passive Resistance. He received no remission, as this was his second imprisonment.
1946
October
The Transvaal African National Congress (ANC) said in an appeal: "The Indian Passive Resistance requires our active support. Their struggle against the principle of discriminatory legislation is our struggle and we must not let them down"
1946
20 October
Dr Yusuf Dadoo was re-elected President of Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC), at meeting attended by over 12 000 people.
1946
23 October
On the eve of United Nations Day, 358 Passive Resisters were arrested in Durban.
1946
24 October
The General Committee of the United Nations General Assembly rejected the proposal of the Union of South Africa that the Indian complaint be removed from the agenda on the grounds that the matter was essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of South Africa.
1946
24 October
The General Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations did not support the request of the Union of South Africa that the Indian complaint be removed from the agenda on the grounds that the matter was essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of South Africa.
1946
24 October
The General Committee of the UN General Assembly did not support the request of the Union of South Africa that the Indian complaint be removed from the agenda on the grounds of domestic jurisdiction.
1946
26 October
The General Assembly of the United Nations decided to include in its agenda an item entitled: "Treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa". It rejected South Africa's contention that the matter was within the domestic jurisdiction of South Africa and that the United Nations was not competent to consider the matter.
1946
26 October
At the request of the Government of India, the General Assembly decided to include in its agenda an item entitled: "Treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa". The General Assembly rejected South Africa's contention that the matter was within the domestic jurisdiction of South Africa and the United Nations was not competent to consider the matter.
1946
31 October
The United Nations General Assembly decided that the Indian complaint against South Africa should be considered jointly by its First and Sixth Committees.
1946
31 October
The General Assembly of the United Nations decided that the Indian complaint against South Africa should be considered jointly by the First and Sixth Committees.
1946
31 October
The UN General Assembly decided that the Indian complaint against South Africa should be considered jointly by the First and Sixth Committees.
1946
21 November - 30 November
The Indian complaint against South Africa was considered in the Joint First and Sixth Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
A multi-racial delegation from South Africa, led by Dr. A.B. Xuma, President-General of the African National Congress, arrived in New York to follow the discussions at the United Nations, advise the Indian delegation, and lobby other delegations. It included Sorabjee Rustomjee, H.A. Naidoo and Senator H. Basner.
1946
21 November - 30 November
The Indian complaint against South Africa was discussed in the Joint First and Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly.
1946
30 November
The Joint Committee of the First and Sixth Committees of the General Assembly considered the Indian complaint against South Africa and on 30 November adopted a French-Mexican proposal, supported by India and opposed by the Union of South Africa, by 24 votes to 19, with 6 abstentions. A South African delegation - consisting of Dr A.B. Xuma, President-General of African National Congress, Sorabjee Rustomjee and H.A. Naidoo representing the Joint Passive Resistance Council and Senator H. Basner - was in New York to assist the Indian delegation to the United Nations and lobby delegations of other countries. A.I. Kajee, P.R. Pather and A. Christopher were also in New York as representatives of South African Indian Congress.
1946
7 December - 8 December
The Indian complaint was discussed in plenary meetings of the United Nations General Assembly. The Assembly adopted, on 8 December, resolution 44 (I) by 32 votes to 15, with 7 abstentions. Under the resolution, the General Assembly expressed the opinion that "the treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa should be in conformity with the international obligations under the agreements concluded between the two governments and the relevant provisions of the (United Nations) Charter"; and requested the two governments "to report at the next session of the General Assembly the measures adopted to this effect"
1946
7 December - 8 December
Debate in the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Indian complaint against South Africa (plenary meetings 50-52).
1946
7 December - 8 December
Debate in the UN General Assembly on the Indian complaint against South Africa (plenary meetings 50-52). and adoption of resolution 44 (I).
(The item was considered between 21 November and 8 December 1946. A multi-racial delegation from South Africa, led by Dr. A. B. Xuma, President-General of the African National Congress, arrived in New York to observe the discussions at the United Nations.)
1946
8 December
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution 44(I), expressing the opinion that the treatment of Indians in South Africa should be in conformity with the international obligations under the agreements concluded between the two Governments, and the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter.
1946
8 December
The General Assembly adopted resolution 44(I), expressing the opinion that the treatment of Indians in South Africa should be in conformity with the international obligations under the agreements concluded between the two Governments, and the relevant provisions of the Charter.
1946
9 December
The Joint Passive Resistance Council hailed the United Nations resolution as a victory but decided that the struggle should be continued. Resisters, however, went into action once a week, rather than daily as earlier, while the Council awaited discussions by the Union of South Africa and India under the United Nations resolution. The Council also decided to send Dr Naicker and Dr Dadoo to India for consultations with Indian leaders.
1946
17 December
Annual Conference of African National Congress (ANC) asked its National Executive Committee "to consider the possibilities of closer cooperation with the national organisations of other non-Europeans in the common struggle"
1946
18 December
The birth of Bantu Stephen (Steve) Biko.
1947
The ANC and the Indian Congresses signed the Xuma-Naicker-Dadoo pact stating full support for one another's campaigns
1947
Fietas, Johannesburg: The Transvaal Indian Congress undergoes a serious change as a result of the nationalist takeover of the group by Dr. Yusuf Dadoo. This resulted in the accomodationist old-guard leadership being replaced by a more radical group who felt that the Transvaal Indian Congress should be less accommodating towards the government and should take a stance of resistance.
1947
Mary Malahlela- Xakana becomes first female black doctor in South Africa.
Josie Palmer becomes secretary of the non-racial Transvaal All Women's Union formed at the International Women's Day Meeting in Johannesburg
1947
The soccer team Moroka Swallows is founded.
1947
Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D. D. T.) Jabavu is uncomfortable with the AAC and Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM)'s boycotting the Natives' Representative Council and parliamentary elections.
1947
January
The government seized the passport of Dr Dadoo, and rejected an application by Dr Naicker for a passport. They were obliged to postpone their plans to leave for India on 9 February. There were many protests and even pro-government newspapers criticised the government's action.
1947
7 February
Passive Resister reported that 1 586 Resisters, including 259 women, had been sentenced. Of these 242 men and women courted imprisonment for a second time. Total of sentences was 172 years, 5 months, and 2 weeks. Natal contributed 1 303 Resisters; Transvaal, 248; Cape, 27; and Basutoland (now Lesotho).
1947
March
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker were given passports after intervention by Mahatma Gandhi and the government of India, which invited them to the Asian Relations Conference.
1947
March
Xuma-Naicker-Dadoo Pact is signed on behalf of the ANC, the NIC and the TIC, and lays foundation for the Congress Alliance.
1947
9 March
Representatives of the African National Congress (ANC), Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) met in Johannesburg. The Presidents of the three Congresses-Dr Xuma, Dr Naicker and Dr Dadoo - signed a "joint declaration of cooperation" (The Three Doctors' Pact).
1947
11 March
Dr Dadoo and Dr G.M. Naicker left on a visit to India. After a stop-over in Cairo where they met the Secretary-General of the Arab League, they arrived in India on 18 March.
1947
20 March
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker met Mahatma Gandhi in Patna and held several hours of discussions with him (Mahatma Gandhi).
1947
23 March
A meeting of the African National Congress (ANC), African People's Organisation (APO), Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) was held in Johannesburg to discuss cooperation. Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker attended the Asian Relations Conference, which opened in Delhi on that day and held discussions with many delegations from Asia and Egypt. At the conclusion of the conference they went on a tour of India. They addressed large mass meetings and were given civic receptions by several cities. They were assured of support by all political parties and many public organisations and prominent leaders.
1947
11 April
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker met Gandhi in Delhi.
1947
2 May
Passive Resister reported that the number of Resisters had reached 1 698. In all, the Resisters had served 181 years, 10 months and three weeks in prison. According to figures prepared by the Assistant Recruiting Officer, S.V. Moodley, 116 batches from Natal and 28 from Transvaal participated. Of the 1 423 men sentenced, 193 served a second term, 14 a third term, and 2 a fourth term. Of the 275 women sentenced, 17-courted imprisonment a second time. The main occupational groups of Resisters were as follows:
Factory workers 494
Housewives 230
Waiters 117
Farmers 84
Shop assistants 77
Municipal workers 53
Also:
Shopkeepers 28
Doctors 4
City Councillor 1
Priests 6
Teachers 13
Students 33
1947
4 May
The Natal Indian Organisation (NIO) was formed by "moderate" Indians.
1947
16 May
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker met Mohamed Ali Jinnah, President of the All India Muslim League (and later Governor-General of Pakistan), who assured them of support.
1947
18 May - 19 May
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker met Mahatma Gandhi in Patna and received a message to South Africa.
1947
21 May
A delegation of Natal Indian Organisation (NIO) met Prime Minister Smuts.
1947
27 May
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker returned to South Africa.
1947
June
Dr Dadoo opened the Conference of the African People's Organisation.
1947
13 July
Fietas, Johannesburg: A memorandum relating to the housing conditions and need for housing schemes of poorer Indians is presented to the Minister of the Interior by the Tamil Benefit Society.
1947
September
Donald Molteno, the representative for Africans in the Western Cape, writes to Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D. D. T.) Jabavu seeking clarity on the All African Convention (AAC) boycott. The issue comes from the AAC's recommendation that he run for parliament only to boycott the election. In a confidential letter Jabavu writes to Molteno stating that a decision was taken in 1944 to boycott the election
1947
9 September
Ashwin Choudree and A.I. Meer, representing Transvaal Indian Congress and Natal Indian Congress, left for New York to attend the session of the UN General Assembly.
1947
18 September
Authorities stopped arrests at the resistance camp at Gale Street.
1947
13 October
Natal Indian Congress held a mass meeting in Durban to launch a new phase of Passive Resistance Campaign in view of the stalemate at the Gale Street resistance camp and the activities of the "moderates".
1947
November
The General Assembly of the United Nations was unable to adopt any resolution on the Indian complaint for lack of a two-thirds majority. The vote was 31 in favour, 19 against and 6 abstentions.
1947
December
The All African Convention (AAC) meeting fails to take place as initially arranged by the Executive of the AAC.
1947
13 December
The Transvaal Indian Organisation was formed.
1948
The Nationalist Party comes to power, entrenching fascist domination of South Africa.
1948
Fietas, Johannesburg: Most primary and secondary education of inhabitants of Fietas took place outside the area. Most people went to schools in Fordsburg.
During this period cricket played a significant role in Fietas. Religion also featured highly. The biggest religion in Fietas was Islam, but Indian and Malay people had separate mosques.
The impact of the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) or the nationalists, the Transvaal Indian Organisation (TIO) or accomodationists and the Transvaal Indian Youth Organisation (TIYO) made itself felt within the internal politics of Fietas.
1948 - 1988
Fietas, Johannesburg: More than 60% of the Pageview population is Indian. Thus about 40% was non-Indian.
1948
Fietas, Joahhesburg: The National Party wins the white elections. The non-white population of Fietas in concentrated between 11th Street in the north, 24th Street in the south, Krause Street in the east and Delarey Street in the west.
1948
ANCWL holds first conference, with Ida Mtwana as President.
Annie Silinga joins the Langa Vigilance Association.
1948
A general election puts the National Party into power, and it introduces its policy of apartheid.
1948
Albertina Sisulu joins the ANC Women's League
1948
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Asiatic Land Tenure and Representation Act /46 (Ghetto Act)
The Union Parliament passes Dr. Malan\'s Asiatic Laws Amendment Bill by a majority. The Bill deprives the Indian of communal representation
1948
Albert Luthuli attends the North American Missionary Conference and undertakes a lecture tour under the auspices of the American Board and the North American Missionary Conference
1948
Rise of the Nationalist Party to state power.
1948
Govan Mbeki and Ma Mofokeng have their fourth child Jama.
1948
Wycliffe Tsotsi replaces Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D. D. T.) Jabavu as president of the AAC.
1948
9 January
The Joint Passive Resistance Council decided to reinvigorate the campaign - by defying restrictions on inter-provincial movement.
1948
11 January
The decision of the Joint Passive Resistance Council was endorsed by a conference of its Action Committees and Congress branches held in Durban.
1948
15 January
New stage of Passive Resistance Campaign began with twenty-five volunteers, led by R.A. Pillay and R.Mahabeer, crossing Natal-Transvaal border in violation of the Immigrants Regulations Act of 1913.The volunteers were not arrested.
1948
28 January
Mahatma Gandhi, in a speech at a prayer meeting two days before his assassination, supported the new stage of the Passive Resistance Movement.
1948
29 January
At a conference of Natal Indian Organisation (NIO), Transvaal Indian Organisation (TIO) and the Cape Indian Congress - addressed by Prime Minister Smuts -it was decided to form a South African Indian Organisation.
1948
10 February
The first batch of Resisters who crosses the Natal Transvaal border were arrested and given one month's suspended sentence each.
1948
12 February
After being deported to Newcastle, fifteen of the twenty-five Resisters recrossed the Natal-Transvaal border and were arrested; they were sentenced on 18 February to three months hard labour each (by May ninety-two persons were arrested for crossing the Natal-Transvaal border).
1948
16 February
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker were charged with aiding and abetting the contravention of the 1913 Immigrants Regulations Act and were sentenced to six months hard labour each.
1948
13 March
Dr K. Goonam led a batch of twelve Passive Resisters across the Natal-Transvaal border.
1948
15 March
The South African Indian Organisation was formed at a conference in Durban.
1948
11 April
Manilal Gandhi leads a resistance group across the Natal-Transvaal border.
During the Defiance Campaign, Manilal Gandhi leads a batch of Passive Resistors across the Natal-Transvaal border. He is not arrested, but members of his group are arrested and sentenced to three months hard labour.
1948
May
(edit - middle para only) Mandela is in Cape Town for the first time and stays three months. He views the isolated prison of Robben Island from the vantage point of Table Mountain.
1948
May
Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D. D. T.) Jabavu write to General Smuts wishing him well for the forthcoming election, something which would have angered I. B. Tabata had he known about the letter.
1948
9 May
A Transvaal batch of five crossed into Natal. Three of the members who were below the age of 21 -Jackie Govender, Harold Solly and Albert Vittie -were sentenced to whipping.
1948
26 May
The National Party won general election and instituted apartheid as state policy.
1948
26 May
General elections in South Africa. The National Party came to power - in coalition with the Afrikaaner party led by Mr. Nicholaas C. Havenga (who was made Finance Minister) - and instituted apartheid as a State policy. The Government soon enacted a series of racially discriminatory and repressive laws to impose racial segregation and perpetuate racial domination, such as the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949, and the Group Areas Act, the Population Registration Act, the Immorality Amendment Act and the Suppression of Communism Act of 1950.
1948
26 May
DF Malan's National Party government follows up its election victory with the introduction of new apartheid laws as well as the stricter application of existing discriminatory legislation such as the Pass laws
1948
June
I. B. Tabata writes to Nelson Mandela of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) trying to win him over to the AAC.
1948
2 June
The Joint Passive Resistance Council issued that Passive Resistance would be suspended a meeting with the new government so that could "be held in an atmosphere removed from strained conditions".
1948
July
Dr Dadoo and Dr Naicker were released . They called for a united front against fascism: Naicker spoke of a "united democratic front".
1948
12 July
India again requested consideration of the complaint against South Africa. It pointed out that the new Government in South Africa was committed to "apartheid" and the domination of all non-White peoples by the Europeans" and warned: "If the belief that there is to be one standard of treatment for the White races and another for the non-White continues to gain strength among the latter, the future for solidarity among the Members of the United Nations and, consequently, for world peace, will indeed be dark."
1948
September
Mr. Sam Kahn won election to Parliament, as representative of Natives of the Western Constituency of the Cape, by an overwhelming majority against a Nationalist and an independent opponent. He was the first Communist to be elected to Parliament.
1948
October
Dr. A.B. Xuma calls a meeting of African leaders to end the rift between the ANC and the All-African Convention.
1948
3 October
12 African leaders issue 'A Call for African Unity'
1948
3 October
I. B. Tabata is one of the signatories to 'A Call for African Unity'. Others include Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D. D. T.) Jabavu, Dr. Alfred Bitini (A. B.) Xuma, Z. R. Mahabane, R. V. Selope Thema, Dr. James Sebe (J. S.) Moroka, Z. K. Matthews, Allison Wessels George (A. W. G.) Champion, Paul Mosaka, R. H. Godlo, R. G. Baloyi, R. T. Bokwe, and L.K. Ntlabati who are protesting against apartheid and its dangers to African education, freedom of movement, land and residential rights, and employment opportunities. The proposed solution is 'the unification of the main African political organisation, AAC and the African National Congress (ANC), into 'THE ALL AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS' united and inspired by common principles and a common programme of action for the achievement of the liberation of the African people'
1948
12 October
Asiatic Laws Amendment Act No 47:
Repealed the chapter on Indian representation of the 1946 Asiatic Land Tenure (and Indian Representation) Act.
Commenced: 12 October 1948
Repealed by s 55 of the Abolition of Racially Based Land Measures Act No 108 of 1991
1948
17 November
Tension between members of the All African Convention (AAC) arises. The AAC members at the joint conference with the African National Congress (ANC) cannot find common ground on issues pertaining to the running of the organisation. The AAC rejects the ' Call for African Unity' proposal.
1948
December
Professor Davidson Don Tengo (D. D. T.) Jabavu bows out of the political scene thus paving the way for a younger generation. This was a small price to pay for his disloyalty to the pro-boycott principles of the All African Convention (AAC) and Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM).
1949
The Programme of Action is adopted by the ANC, the year after the National party came to power. This led to the Defiance Campaign of the 1950s
1949
Walter Sisulu is made secretary-general of the African National Congress.
1949
Fietas, Johannesburg: The Xuma-Naicker-Dadoo Pact is made.
1949
ANC conference adopted the Programme of Action - strikes, boycotts and resistance. Dr. Moroka (President) and Walter Sisulu (Secretary) elected to implement this plan, which outlined the methods to be used to achieve the right to self-determination of the African people.
Mixed Marriages Act.
Sam Kahn, Communist, elected as a Native representative to Parliament.
1949
Fatima Meer establishes the Durban Districts Women's League.
1949
The government appoints the Eiselen Commission to look at African education. The Commission recommended 'resorting to radical measures' for the 'effective reform of the Bantu school system'.
1949
January
Riots between Indians and Africans (Zulus) in Durban after a false report that a Zulu boy had died as a result of severe beating by an Indian trader: 142 were killed and 1,087 injured.
1949
17 April
A second joint conference between the All African Convention (AAC) and the African National Congress is held. The conference also fails to form a union between the two organisations.
1949
May
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Bill
Government introduces the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Bill in the Union Parliament. There is a minor rush in Durban for marriages between Europeans and Coloureds. The English churches condemn the Bill as unchristian and unnecessary.
1949
14 May
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution 265 (III) inviting India, Pakistan and South Africa to enter into discussion at a round-table conference.
1949
8 July
Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act No 55:
Prohibited marriages between whites and members of other racial groups (Horrell 1978: 19).
Commenced: 8 July 1949
Repealed by s 7 of the Immorality and Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Amendment Act No 72 of 1985.
1949
August
India proposed a round-table conference with South Africa and Pakistan. South Africa suggested a preliminary discussion by representatives.
1949
August
India proposed a round-table conference with South Africa and Pakistan. South Africa suggested a preliminary discussion by representatives.
1949
28 November
India announced that a preliminary conference would be held on 6 February 1950 in Cape Town to discuss the procedure of the proposed round-table conference on the question of Indians in South Africa.
1949
28 November
India announced that a preliminary conference would be held on 6 February 1950 in Cape Town to discuss the procedure of the proposed round-table conference on the question of Indians in South Africa.
1949
December
At ANC Conference, Youth League dominated. Dr. A. B. Xuma was replaced by Dr. J. S. Moroka as President-General.
1949
December
New leadership elected to ANC Youth League including Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo. Dr. James Moroka elected as President of ANC with the backing of youth leaguers
1949
December
Dr. James Sebe (J. S.) Moroka replaces Dr. Alfred Bitini (A. B. ) Xuma as the president of the African National Congress (ANC) and immediately reiterates the organisation's non-collaboration with the AAC
1949
17 December
ANC adopts Programme of Action which abandons traditional moderate approach of petitions and deputations in favour of mass action using the tactics of boycotts, strikes and civil disobedience
1950
The South African government bans Communism.
1950
Group Areas Act
1950
Walter Sisulu's book "South Africa Behind Bars" is handed out among the representatives of the different countries during the session of the United Nations Organisation (UNO).
1950 - 1960
Fietas, Johannesburg: TIC initiates and implements the Decade of Defiance.
1950
Indian stand owners start renovating the cottages on their stands and charging people higher prices.
All Africans living in Pageview are there illegally in terms of the Native Urban Areas Act of 1927 and are removed to Orlando.
1950
Fietas, Johannesburg: The Group Areas Act is passed.
1950
Population Registration Act.
Suppression of Communism Act.
Group Areas Act (supported by United Party).
The first Southwest Africa elections (4 Senators, 6 M.P.'s).
At Witzieshoek in the Orange Free State peasants came out in rebellion against the state policy of cattle culling, shortage of land and starvation. Many were killed by the police.
1950
Communist Party banned.
Sonia Bunting joins the Guardian Newspaper.
Florence Matomela leads an anti-pass demonstration resulting in the burning of passes in Port Elizabeth.
1950
Phyllis becomes involved with the Non-European Unity Movement group where she learns the mechanics of politics.
1950
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Group Areas Act (No. 41 of 1950) and its numerous amendments divides the South African population into racial groups for the purpose of segregating them into distinct
areas.
1950
(edit, only of 1st para - leave the other 2) The Youth League opposes the one-day stay-away called by the Communist Party and the Indian Congress and supported by Dr Moroka, in protest against the banning of Dr Dadoo, Moses Kotane and JB Marks. The stay-away is a great success and subsequently the Communist Party is banned.
1950
In Elisabethville, Belgian Congo, Katanga defeats the Johannesburg Bantu Football Association (8-0) in an unofficial African football championship.
1950
The Group Areas Act, the Population Registration Act, the Immorality Act and the Suppression of Communism Act is passed
1950
Introduction of the Suppression of Communism Act.
1950
The All African Convention (AAC) slowly ceases to be an organisation as most of its old guard retires from active politics and a young brigade joins ranks with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA).
1950
February
Preliminary conversations began in Cape Town by representatives from India, Pakistan and South Africa. 0n 19 February, they announced agreement to hold a round-table conference "to explore all possible ways and means of settling the Indian question in South Africa."
1950
February
Preliminary conversations began in Cape Town by representatives from India, Pakistan and South Africa. 0n 19 February, they announced agreement to hold a round-table conference "to explore all possible ways and means of settling the Indian question in South Africa."
1950
26 March
In response to the introduction of the Suppression of Communism Act, a 'Defend Free Speech' Convention held in Johannesburg where Dr James Moroka delivers his first public address as President of the ANC
1950
April
Defend Free Speech Convention of Transvaal was held in Johannesburg under the presidency of Dr. J. S. Moroka, President-General of ANC. There were 528 delegates and over 10,000 persons welcomed Dr. Moroka on his arrival. The Convention decided to proclaim May 1st as "Freedom Day" and called on all organisations to hold meetings and demonstrations on that day.
1950
May
At a Johannesburg congress of the African National Congress, African People's Organisation, South African Indian Congress and the Communist Party of South Africa, Walter Sisulu is chosen to act as secretary and organiser of the National Protest Committee together with Y.A. Cachalia. They have to see to it that the resolution made at the congress is implemented, namely that all non-whites were to stay away from their work on 26 June 1950.
1950
May
Introduction of the Unlawful Organisations Bill banning the Communist Party of South Africa.
1950
1 May
the ANC called for a massive stay-away from work and intimidated those blacks seeking to go to work. Police action to protect non-strikers resulted in a fierce clash in which eighteen blacks lost their lives. A day of mourning was organized on June 26th by the ANC to honour those killed.
1950
1 May
General strike against all discriminatory laws, the Suppression of Communism Act, and for full franchise rights for all. Police opened fire in Alexandra Township and other areas on the Reef killing 18 and wounding 30.
1950
1 May
A May Day stay at home is successful in Johannesburg despite being opposed by the nationalist-minded Mandela and Tambo who object to the 'communist influence'. More than half the African workforce in Johannesburg stays at home. The day ends tragically however, when police intervention in clashes between returning workers and boycotting workers results in 19 dead and 30 injured in Benoni, Orlando, Alexandra and Sophiatown
1950
12 May
Immorality Amendment Act No 21:
Extended the 1927 Immorality Act to all black people - including coloureds and Asians (Dugard 1978: 70).
Commenced: 12 May 1950
Repealed by s 23 of the Sexual Offences Act No 23 of 1957
1950
14 May
Conference of representatives of executives of the African National Congress, South African Indian Congress, African People's Organisation, ANC Youth League, Communist Party and Transvaal Council on Non-European Trade Unions
1950
21 May
ANC national executive committee decides to call a national one-day stay at home protest on 26 June
1950
June
India announced decision not to participate in the proposed round-table conference because of the introduction of the Group Areas Bill.
1950
June
The African National Congress and the South African Indian Congress decided to proclaim a "National Day of Mourning", on 26 June, with a country-wide stay-at-home strike. They favoured a stay-at-home strike and prayer because of the shooting on 1 May. This was the first time the two groups acted together.
1950
June
India announced decision not to participate in the proposed round-table conference because of the introduction of the Group Areas Bill.
1950
18 June
Sisulu addresses a meeting at New Brighton, Port Elizabeth and tells the blacks about the decision that everyone should stay away from their work on 26 June 1950 as a sign of protest against the "Notorious Bill of the Malan Government".
1950
20 June
Communist Party of South Africa is disbanded ahead of the enactment of the Suppression of Communism Act. More than a thousand communists join the ANC
1950
26 June
National Day of Protest and Mourning.
The first national political strike called by the ANC as an act of national mourning and protest at the police killing of May 1. Since then June 26 - a day of nation-wide protests and strikes - has been observed annually as South Africa Freedom Day.
1950
26 June
The ANC call for a 'National Day of Protest and Mourning' is heeded. Since then (until the 1994 elections) 26 June was observed annually as Freedom Day in South Africa by the congress movement
1950
7 July
Group Areas Act, No. 41 of 1950, and Population Registration Act, No. 30 of 1950, promulgated.
1950
7 July
Population Registration Act No 30:
Required people to be identified and registered from birth as belonging to one of four distinct racial groups. This Act was more rigid than earlier race classification laws.
Commenced: 7 July 1950
Repealed by s 1 of the Population Registration Act Repeal Act No 114 of 1991
1950
7 July
Group Areas Act No 41:
Provided for areas to be declared for exclusive use of one particular racial group. It became compulsory for people to live in an area designated for their classification group.
Commenced: 7 July 1950
Repealed by s 44 of the Group Areas Act No 77 of 1957.
1950
17 July
Suppression of Communism Act, No. 44 of 1950, promulgated. (Communist Party announced its dissolution before the passage of the Act).
1950
17 July
Internal Security Act (Suppression of Communism Act) No 44:
Prohibited certain (listed) organisations and persons from promoting communism, which was broadly defined.
Commenced: 17 July 1950
Repealed by s 33 of the Internal Security and Intimidation Amendment Act 138 of 1991.
1950
August
The Union Government announced its decision to render military aid to the operation in Korea in the form of a completely equipped fighter squadron and ground staff.
1950
20 August
Sisulu officiates as speaker in a meeting which is held in Lady Selborne, a non-white township in Pretoria.
1950
30 September - 2 October
Walter Sisulu speaks at the congress of the Transvaal branch of the African National Congress, held at Springs.
1950
12 November
JB Marks, a member of the communist party, is elected president of the Transvaal branch of the ANC
1950
2 December
The General Assembly of the United Nations declared that "a policy of 'racial segregation' (apartheid) is necessarily based on doctrines of racial discrimination". [Resolution 395(V)]
1950
2 December
The General Assembly declared that a policy of racial segregation (apartheid) is necessarily based on doctrines of racial discrimination. [Resolution 395(V)]
1950
6 December
Walter Sisulu acts as one of the speakers at a meeting of the South African Peace Movement in the Ambagsaal, Johannesburg. The other speakers are Dr. Dadoo and Michael Harmel.
1951
Coloured people from the Cape are removed from the voters roll.
1951
Bantu Authorities Act.
Formation of the Torch Commando.
The A.N.C., the South African Indian Congress and the Franchise Action Committee (representing the Coloured people) appointed a Joint Planning Council to draw up a programme of resistance to apartheid.
The Joint Planning Council recommended that resistance should begin on 6 April 1952 and "should take the form of committing breaches of certain selected laws and regulations which are undemocratic, unjust, racially discriminatory and repugnant to the natural rights of man". The A.N.C. Conference in Bloemfontein in December accepted this proposal, having recognized that past non-violent resistance had only met with violent repression. (April 6, 1952, was the 300th anniversary of the arrival of white settlers in South Africa. Passive resistance was advocated by Manilal Gandhi who went on a three-week fast in March 1952 in protest against the racial laws, but he opposed demonstrations on 6 April 1952).
1951
Black Building Workers Act No 27:
Prohibited blacks from performing skilled work in the building industry in white urban areas (Dugard 1978: 87).
Repealed by s 11 of Industrial Conciliation Amendment Act No 95 of 1980
1951
Bibi Dawood helps to organise a one day strike; she helps to form the Worcester United Action Commitee and is elected secretary to the Chairman, John Alwyn.
Sonia Bunting attends the World Youth Congress in Berlin as part of a delegation led by Ahmed Kathrada.
Cissie Gool appears before the Cape Town magistrate for holding a public meeting. She also becomes active in the Franchise Action Council, the forerunner of the South African Coloured People\'s Organisation.
1951
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Separate Representation of Voters Act, No. 46, validated by the South African Act Amendment Act No. 9 of 1056 removes the Coloured and Asian voters from the Common Roll and places them on a communal roll. They are now entitled to elect four representatives to the House of Assembly and two representatives to the Cape Provincial Council. The four representatives to the House of Assembly must be White.
Africans in the Cape had been removed from the Common Roll in 1936, when Cape Africans had become entitled to elect three White representatives to the House of Assembly, and Africans in the rest of the Union to four White Senators through a system of electoral colleges, to the Senate.
1951
Albert Luthuli represents Natal at the African National Congress national conference
1951
(edit) The Youth League throws in its lot with the Indian Congress and together they organise a national work stoppage on 26 June. Walter Sisulu and Yusuf Cachalia are appointed joint secretaries of the Planning Council. The response is significant in Durban and the Eastern Cape. Mandela is elected president of the Youth League.
He drives to Natal in a battered VW with ANCYL colleagues Joe Matthews and Diliza Mji. Extremely formative discussions are had en route as Mandela argues for closer ties with SACP.
1951
SAAFA (South African African Football Association), SAIFA (South African Indian Football Association) and SACFA (South African Coloured Football Association) form the anti-apartheid South African Soccer Federation (SASF).
1951
The Bantu Authorities Act is passed
1951
March
Walter Sisulu is in contact with the secretary of the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons in Accra.
1951
June
Pixley Seme, a founder member of the ANC in 1912, dies
1951
June
The Separate Representation of Voters Bill to remove Coloureds from the common roll is enacted
1951
17 June
executive members meet their Indian counterpart so as to recommend massive defiance campaign to their respective annual conferences. The Defiance campaign was accepted by the ANC in December.
1951
17 June
First meeting of the Joint Planning Council (made up of representatives from all the main anti-apartheid groups) is chaired by Moroka on the day that Seme is buried
1951
18 June
Suppression of Communism Amendment Act No 50:
Related to situations where people conspired to overthrow the government, or alternatively to those where people harboured, concealed, failed to report, or assisted those intent on committing so-called acts of terrorism against the state.
Commenced: 18 June 1951
Repealed by s 73(1) of the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982.
1951
18 June
Separate Representation of Voters Act No 46:
This attempt by the National Party to remove coloured people from the common voters roll was declared invalid by the Supreme Court: A group of coloured voters in Harris v Minister of the Interior 1952(2) SA 428(AD) challenged the Act, which the Appellate Division unanimously declared invalid. In response, the government, via an ingenious and devious (Dugard 1978: 31) process of increasing the numbers of Appellate Division judges from five to eleven (where an Act of Parliament was in issue) and increasing the size of the Senate from forty-eight to forty-nine, introduced the 1956 South Africa Act Amendment Act (see below).
Commenced: 18 June 1951; revalidated after challenge: 2 March 1956
Repealed by s 4 of the Separate Representation of Voters Amendment Act No 50 of 1968.
1951
6 July
Prevention of Illegal Squatting Act No 52:
Prohibited persons from entering land or a building without lawful reason, or remaining there without the owners permission. Magistrates were granted powers to order squatters out of urban areas, demolish their dwellings and move them to a place as might be determined.
Commenced: 6 July 1951
IN FORCE (This Act has been amended several times - see ORegan 1990): CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
1951
17 July
Bantu Authorities Act No 68:
Gave recognition to traditional tribal authorities.
Commenced: 17 July 1951
Repealed by s 69 of the Black Communities Development Act No 4 of 1984.
1951
17 July
Black (Bantu) Authorities Act No 68:
Provided for the establishment of tribal, regional and territorial authorities in the reserves.
Commenced: 17 July 1951
IN FORCE as on September 1996: LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
1951
29 July
Walter Sisulu attends a secret meeting of representatives of the ANC and South African Indian Congress in Johannesburg. At this meeting it is decided that the second phase of the resistance campaign will commence during 1952. An ultimatum has to be addressed to the Government to repeal all discriminating Legislation before or/on 29 February 1952, and if this does not take place a mass contravention of such Legislation will be launched in all sections of the country. The date upon which the campaign will begin is set for 6 April 1952 so that it can coincide with the beginning of the Van Riebeeck festival.
1951
August
The Joint Planning Council submits its report which calls on the apartheid government to scrap the unjust laws by February 1952. Failure to do so would result in a Defiance Campaign which would begin on 6 April ' the date set aside for the countrywide celebration to mark the tercentenary of Jan van Riebeeck's arrival at the Cape in 1652
1951
23 November
M.B.Yengwa and other members of the Youth League in Natal nominates Albert Luthuli for President of the African National Congress in Natal and Luthuli is subsequently elected to this position. In his address to the Annual Conference of the African National Congress in Natal, Luthuli calls for unity among Africans and redefines the challenges that face them in the light of new pieces of apartheid legislation being introduced by the Malan Government
1951
December
Walter Sisulu, Dr. Dadoo, J.J. Marks and Y.A. Cachalia (all members of the Joint Planning Council) together with R.T. Chari, former secretary of the Indian High Commissioner in the Union, visit Basutoland. They have discussions there with black headmen about the inauguration of the Protectorate by the Union.
1952
The Suppression of Communism Act.
1952
The Native Laws Amendment Act.
1952
The Defiance Campaign of 1952 is launched when African nationalists and communists drew closer together and adopted a provocative policy of actively fomenting civil disobedience, boycotts and strikes. On 26 June 1952, defiant blacks pleaded guilty to ignoring apartheid laws, and chose to serve prison sentences rather than pay fines. Riots occurred accompanied by arson and murder in Port Elizabeth, East London and Kimberley townships.
1952
Walter Sisulu, Duma Nokwe and others leave South Africa without passports to visit various counties.
1952
Coloured Peoples Organisation (later Coloured Peoples Congress) is formed under James La Guma and became the successor to the APO
1952
Walter Sisulu travels through the country to organise for the resistance campaign and addresses numerous meetings. Among others, Sisulu visits Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
1952
The Abolition of Passes and Co-ordination of Documents Act extends passes to women.
Bibi Dawood recruits volunteers for the Defiance Campaign; her house becomes campaign headquaters. By July, 800 defiers are signed up;
Francis Baard becomes organiser of the ANC Women\'s League, later secretary and treasurer of PE branch.
Dorothy Nyembe,Annie Silinga join the ANC and participate in the Defiance Campaign.
Florence Matomela, one of the first women volunteers, is arrested and spends six weeks in prison.
Fatima Meer is banned
Lillian Ngoyi joins ANC and is arrested for her involvement in the Defiance Campaign.
1952
Please ensure that the event is listed in such a way that is answers the questions WHO? WHAT? WHERE and if interpretation is included WHY? (eg. South Africans vote in the first democratic elections in South Africa).
The white Congress of Democrats was formed. It was a radical organisation resolutely opposed to apartheid, and committed to cooperate closely with the African and Indian Congresses.
1952
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Bantu (Abolition of passes and Co-ordination of Documents) Act makes reference books with ID, population classification, stamp registering employment, residence and tax certificates a requirement.
It is an Amendment to the 1945 Native (Urban Areas) Consolidating Act Section 10 of the Act defines which African people can remain in urban areas for more than 72 hours.
The Native Services Levy Act
Anti-Indian Legislation: This Act imposes levies on employers to subsidise housing projects, transport and infrastructure for commuters.
1952
Derrick McBride and Doris van Niekerk marry. They later become the parents of Robert McBride. Derrick writes to inform his mother some time after the wedding.
1952
(edit - 2nd and 3rd paras only) Riots break out in New Brighton (Eastern Cape), resulting in eleven deaths including four Whites. Riots spread to Port Elizabeth and Kimberley and twenty-five Africans are killed. In East London enraged Blacks kill two Whites, including a nun. The government bans fifty-two persons including Nelson Mandela and the newly-elected president -general of the ANC, Chief Luthuli. The Defiance Campaign comes to a halt after 8 577 volunteers, mostly from the Eastern Cape, had courted imprisonment.
Mandela is arrested late at night after a meeting at the Garment Workers Hall in Johannesburg. He spends 2 nights in jail.
1952
The South African Football Association (SAFA)(representing Whites) is admitted to FIFA.
1952
Defiance Campaign Against Unjust Laws.
1952
21 January
The ultimatum signed by Moroka and Sisulu is received by Prime Minister DF Malan
1952
29 January
Malan replies to the ANC letter with a warning
1952
23 March
Cyprian Solomon, paramount chief of the Zulus, warned 20,000 of his people not to participate in the defiance campaign and said that he would himself place their grievances before the proper authorities later. (New York Times, 25 March 1952)
1952
28 March
Manilal Gandhi ended his 21-day fast.
1952
6 April
Walter Sisulu is one of the speakers for a meeting which is described as a "People's Protest Day Rally" and outlines the "Plan of Action". The following people also officiate as speakers: Dr. Y.M. Dadoo, D. Ilsome, James Phillips, Moses Kotane and D. Bopape.
1952
6 April
Thousands of Africans, Indians and Coloured people demonstrated in major towns and took the pledge. Dr. Dadoo said this was the beginning of a struggle against 30O years of oppression. Messages of sympathy arrived from Premiers Chou En-lai, Nehru and Mossadegh. Sympathy meetings were held in India. Hundred persons from the inter-racial Americans for South Africa Resistance, the United African Nationalist Movement and the Catholic Worker picketed the South African Consulate in New York.
1952
6 April
While White South Africans celebrate the three hundredth year anniversary of Jan van Riebeecks arrival at the Cape, large meetings are held in the countrys main centres as a warm up for the Defiance Campaign proper.
1952
6 April
ANC calls on black people to observe the day as 'National Day of Pledge and Prayer'. Mass rallies are held in all national centres. Dr Moroka addresses 50 000 people in Freedom Square Fordsburg
1952
21 April
Walter Sisulu, Dr. Y.M. Dadoo, A.M. Dadoo and Y.A. Cachalia are detained at Idutywa in the Transkei, because they entered the area without the necessary permission.
1952
31 May
Encouraged by the success of huge rallies organised on 6 April in protest against the Van Riebeeck tercentenary celebrations, the executives of the African National Congress, South African Indian Congress (SAIC) and Franchise Action Council (FRAC) decides that the Defiance Campaign shall commence on 26 June.
1952
9 June
Walter Sisulu speak at a united meeting of the ANC and South African Indian Congress in Johannesburg.
1952
26 June
A non-violent "Campaign of Defiance against Unjust Laws" was launched by the African National Congress and the South African Indian Congress, and began in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. Over 8,000 persons of all racial origins courted imprisonment in the campaign by contravening selected discriminatory laws and regulations.
1952
26 June
A non-violent "Campaign of Defiance against Unjust Laws" was launched by the African National Congress and the South African Indian Congress, and began in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
Over 8,000 persons of all racial origins courted imprisonment in the campaign by contravening selected discriminatory laws and regulations.
Launching of the Defiance Campaign. Many thousands of non-white volunteers broke apartheid laws, and were joined by some Europeans (e.g. Patrick Duncan). The movement was marred by riots at Port Elizabeth and East London in which Europeans were killed. The leaders disowned the rioters.
1952
26 June
Defiance Campaign launched. Groups of protesters in all major centres deliberately break unjust laws
1952
27 June
Black (Native) Laws Amendment Act No 54:
The 1945 Urban Areas Consolidation Act was amended to specify that all black persons, men and women, over the age of sixteen were to carry passes and that no black person was to be allowed to stay in the urban areas longer than seventy-two hours unless they had permission to do so. Section 10, which governed who could stay in the urban areas, stated that black people who had been born in the urban areas and had lived there continuously since then, and those who had been in continuous employment for ten years or continuous residence in the urban areas for fifteen years, were the only categories of black people legally entitled to stay in urban areas (Dugard 1978: 74; Horrell 1978: 173). Powers of authorities were widened to include the ordering of the removal of blacks deemed to be idle or undesirable even though they were lawfully in an urban area (s 29 of the 1945 Urban Areas Consolidation Act). If found guilty, a person could be sent to her/his homeland, to a rehabilitation centre or to a farm colony for a period not exceeding two years. Section 29 of the 1945 Urban Areas Consolidation Act permitted the arrest, without a warrant, of any black person believed to be idle or undesirable. In 1956, a new section was added to s 29, (i.e. s 29 bis) allowing for the removal of an African from an urban area ... where his presence was detrimental to the maintenance of peace and order in any such area (Dugard 1978: 77). Because the purpose of this new s 29 was to confer upon local authorities arbitrary powers to rid themselves of agitators, this new provision (unlike s 29 of Act 25 of 1945) did not provide for an appeal against a banishment order (Dugard 1978: 77). (The provisions under this Act are extremely complicated. For a full description see Horrell 1978: 171-95.)
Commenced: 27 June 1952
Sections 1-17 repealed by s 33(1) of the Black Labour Act No 67 of 1964, s 18 repealed by s 1(g) of the Abolition of Racially Based Land Measures Act No 108 of 1991; ss 27-32 by s 17 of the Abolition of Influx Control Act No 68 of 1986; and ss 33-8 by s 69(1) of the Black Communities Development Act No 4 of 1984.
1952
11 July
Blacks (Abolition of Passes and Co-ordination of Documents) Act No 67:
Repealed the laws relating to the carrying of passes by blacks. These laws had differed from province to province. This new Act provided for the issuing of reference books to all black persons in all provinces (Horrell 1978: 173).
Commenced: 11 July 1952
Repealed by s 23 of the Identification Act No 72 of 1986.
1952
August
Twenty non-white leaders were put on trial on charges under Suppression of Communism Act. the accused included Dr. J. S. Moroka, President of the A.N.C., Dr. Y. M. Dadoo, President of S.A.I.C., and Nelson Mandela, President of ANC Youth League.
1952
12 August
Walter Sisulu and others are arrested on a charge under the Suppression of Communism Act.
1952
September
United Nations recognition that South African issue is an international issue
1952
12 September
Thirteen Asian-African Member States - Afghanistan, Burma, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Yemen - requested that the General Assembly of the United Nations consider "the question of race conflict in South Africa resulting from the policies of apartheid of the Government of the Union of South Africa".
1952
12 September
Thirteen Asian-African Member States - Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Yemen - requested that the General Assembly consider "the question of race conflict in South Africa resulting from the policies of apartheid of the Government of the Union of South Africa".
1952
22 September
Thousands of supporters of 20 non-white leaders demonstrated at the Johannesburg magistrate's court when the preliminary trial was held.
1952
October
The Mau Mau Rebellion starts in Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta is arrested by the British colonisers on the suspicion of being the main architect of the rebellion. His Africanist approach is influential on the development of Black Consciousness in South African Black activists.
1952
October
Nearly 6 000 people arrested countrywide for participation in Defiance Campaign. First violent incidents and deaths during the campaign occur in Port Elizabeth
1952
17 October
The General Assembly of the United Nations included item on apartheid in the agenda by a vote of 45 to 6, with 8 abstentions.
1952
November
The Government deposes Albert Luthuli from his Chieftainship. Luthuli issues a public statement entitled The Road to Freedom is via the Cross
1952
November
20 Congress leaders, including Dr. Moroka, are arrested and put on trial under the Suppression of Communism Act
1952
9 November
Police fired on African demonstrators in Kimberley, a diamond centre with a population of 56,000: 14 were killed and 39 wounded. White farmers from adjoining area drove to Kimberley and demanded guns.
1952
10 November
One-day general strike in Port Elizabeth to protest police attacks in sister towns of Kimberley and East London which resulted in 22 dead and 108 injured, and also in protest against the city council's imposition of curfew and month-long ban on public meetings. In Johannesburg, A.N.C. leaders called on all Africans to keep calm.
1952
10 November
Armed police disrupt a prayer meeting organised by the ANC in East London. A number of people are killed in the nearby African township thereafter
1952
December
-Chief A.J. Luthuli elected President-General.
1952
December
Chief A. J. Luthuli elected as President-General of ANC.
1952
December
Albert Luthuli elected President-General at the African National Congress annual conference.
1952
December
(edit) Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo open the first Black legal partnership in South Africa.
1952
2 December
Walter Sisulu is sentenced to 9 months imprisonment, conditionally, suspended for three years.
1952
5 December
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution 616(VII) establishing a three-member Commission to study the racial situation in South Africa (United Nations Commission on the Racial Situation in the Union of South Africa - UNCORS). The vote was 35 to 1, with 23 abstentions.
1952
5 December
The General Assembly adopted resolution 616(VII) establishing a three-member Commission to study the racial situation in South Africa (United Nations Commission on the Racial Situation in the Union of South Africa - UNCORS). The vote was 35 to 1, with 23 abstentions. [The Commission was composed Mr. Hernan Santa Cruz (Chile), Mr. Henri Laugier (France), and Mr. Dantas Bellegarde (Haiti)].
1952
17 December
Walter Sisulu is served a notification, in terms of section 9 of the Suppression of Communism Act, whereby Sisulu is prohibited, for a period of six months, from attending any meeting in the union.
1952
21 December
The General Assembly of the United Nations decided, at the suggestion of the President, that the commission be composed of Hernan Santa Cruz of Chile, Ralph Bunche of USA, and Jaime Torres Bodet of Mexico.
1952
21 December
(General Assembly decided, at the suggestion of the President, that the commission be composed of Mr. Hernan Santa Cruz, Mr. Ralph Bunche and Mr. Jaime Torres Bodet. The compositions was changed later.)
1953
Congress of the People called for by the ANC at the annual conference to deal with deprivations such as the Pass Laws, Forced Removals and Bantu Education.
1953
Fietas, Johannesburg: The Lenasia Industrial Township Company applies to have a small tract of land proclaimed as an Indian Township in terms of the Group Areas Act of 1950.
1953
The South African Government enacted the Criminal Law Amendment Act and the Public Safety Act to suppress peaceful protest against apartheid; the Separate Amenities Act; and the Bantu Education Act to segregate schools.
Criminal Law Amendment Act provided stiff penalties (fine, jail and lashes) for law-breaking by way of protest or incitement to protest. This brought the defiance campaign to an end. Many of its leaders were banned, including Chief Luthuli, President-General of the African National Congress.
Separate Amenities Act.
General elections. Nationalists increased majority, though still with a minority of votes.
Liberal Party formed. It observed no colour bar in membership and opposed all discriminatory laws.
Federal Party formed, declaring opposition to republic, and support for a federal constitution.
Torch Commando went into a decline.
1953
Black Education Act No 47:
Formalised segregation of black education and laid the foundations for Bantu Education.
Commenced: 1 January 1954
Repealed by s 45 of the Education and Training Act No 90 of 1979.
1953
Black Labour Relations Regulation Act (Black Labour and Settlement of Disputes Act) No 48:
Amended the 1937 Industrial Conciliation Act, changing the definition of employee to exclude blacks so that they could no longer be members of registered unions (Horrell 1978: 281). The Act also incorporated the War Measure No 145 of 1942, which prohibited strikes by black workers. In addition, it made lock-outs of blacks, the instigation of strikes and lock-outs, and sympathetic strikes illegal (Horrell 1978: 281).
Commenced: 1 May 1954
Repealed by s 63 of the Labour Relations Amendment Act No 57 of 1981.
1953
Bibi Dawood joins the ANC and is sent by the committee of Women (later FEDSAW) to Copenhagen for the International Democratic Conference of Women.
Lillian Ngoyi becomes President of ANCWL.
Ruth Mompati works as Legal secretary of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
Hilda Bernstein is banned from 26 organisations, all meetings,writing and from being published.
1953
The Bantu Education Act is passed. The Act forces all schools for Africans to register with the government, resulting in almost all of the mission schools closing down. Likewise for most night schools.
1953
Helen Suzman represents the United Party in Parliament.
1953
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Criminal Laws Amendment Act
This Act allows harsh action against people who defy the law.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Public Safety Act
This enables the Government to declare states of emergency.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Separate Amenities Act
This Act allows for separate public facilities for different races.
Anti-Indian Legislation: The Bantu Education Act
This Act requires a separate education system for African people run by The Governments Native Affairs Department.
Anti-Indian Legislation: Immigration Regulation Amendment Act
This Act prohibited the entry, after February 1953, of Asiatic women, born outside the Union, who had married South African Asiatics overseas. It prohibited the minor children of such women from entering the Union without special permission.
1953
Under the Internal Security (Suppression of Communism) Act, Act No 44, Albert Luthuli is banned for one year from attending any political or public gatherings and prohibited from entering any major city.
1953
(edit - para 2 only) A clandestine cell network and contact mechanism, the M-Plan, is devised by Mandela to deal with the impending banning of the ANC.
1953
The Durban & District African Football Association wins the Rhodes Centenary tournament in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).
1953
The National Party consolidates power in the general elections and pass the Criminal Laws Amendment Act and the Public Safety Act which makes protests illegal and gives authorities power to declare a state of emergency
The Bantu Education Act is passed
1953
Introduction of the Native Labour (Settlement of Disputes) Act.
1953
Fire destroys Thabo Mbeki's kraal and family shop. A scenario which forces his father, Govan to migrate to Johannesburg in search of work opportunities in order to look after his family. Photographs, books and family records are destroyed in the process.
1953
January
The Defiance Campaign of 1952 formally ends.
Albert Luthuli visits the Cape to attend the Executive of the Christian Council, which gives him his first opportunity to visit Congress branches outside Natal.
1953
21 February
Albert Luthuli opens the 6th Annual Conference of the Natal Indian Congress in Durban with the speech Let us march together to freedom
1953
4 March
Public Safety Act No 3:
This Act, passed in response to the ANCs civil disobedience campaign, provided for a state of emergency to be declared. The first state of emergency was declared only in 1960. Under a state of emergency the Minister of Law and Order, the Commissioner of the South African Police (SAP), a magistrate or a commissioned officer could detain any person for reasons of public safety. There was no commission to which a detainee could appeal, nor was there a body with the power to decide objectively whether a state of emergency was justified or not. This legislation also empowered a magistrate or the Commissioner of Police to ban meetings and gatherings.
Commenced: 4 March 1953.
Repealed by the State of Emergency Act No 86 of 1995.
1953
4 March
Criminal Law Amendment Act No 8:
Made civil disobedience punishable by a three-year jail sentence.
Commenced: 4 March 1953
Repealed by s 73 of the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982.
1953
30 March
The General Assembly of the United Nations appointed Henri Laugier of France and Dantes Bellegarde of Haiti to replace Messrs. Bunche and Torres Bodet who were unable to serve on the commission.
1953
30 March
UN General Assembly appointed Mr. Henri Laugier and Mr. Dantes Bellegarde to replace Messrs. Bunche and Torres Bodet who were unable to serve on the commission.
1953
June
In A message to the African people and their allies in the struggle for freedom in the Union of South Africa, Albert Luthuli introduces the campaign to make ordinary Black people more aware of their political situation and attempts to bridge the gap between the educated and the uneducated.
1953
15 July
Walter Sisulu and P.P.D. Nokwe, a former teacher and member of the African National Congress, go overseas under false names and without passports.
1953
21 July
Walter Sisulu and Duma Nokwe arrive in London, England. From there they go to Bucharest, Romania, where they attend the communist "World Festival of Youth and Students for Peace and Friendship". After this Sisulu and Nokwe embark on an extensive tour through the countries behind the iron curtain as guests of the Communists. Sisulu and Nokwe travel through Czechoslovakia, Poland, Russia and Communist China.
1953
August
At the African National Congress Cape provincial congress, Professor Z.K. Matthews suggests the summoning of a national convention at which all groups might be represented to consider the countrys national problems on an all-inclusive basis in order to draw up a Freedom Charter for a Democratic South Africa
1953
August
Cape ANC leader Prof. ZK Matthews proposes the drawing up of the Freedom Charter whose main objective would be 'to instil political consciousness in the people and encourage their political activity'. This proposal is endorsed by the ANC annual conference in September
1953
September
Coloured People's Organisation, later the Coloured People's Congress, under the presidency of James la Guma, formed in Cape Town as successor to the APO.
1953
October
Congress of Democrats of white supporters established, committed to upholding Congress policies.
1953
9 October
Reservation of Separate Amenities Act No 49:
Allowed for public facilities and transport to be reserved for particular race groups.
Commenced: 9 October 1953
Repealed by s 1 of Discriminatory Legislation Regarding Public Amenities Appeal Act No 100 of 1990.
1953
December
After an absence of five months, Sisulu and Nokwe return to the Union.
1953
December
Annual Conference of ANC adopted proposal for summoning a congress of the people of South Africa.
1953
18 December - 20 December
Walter Sisulu attends the 41st annual conference of the African National Congress at Queenstown. Here it is decided to begin with the boycott campaign.
1953
18 December - 20 December
The African National Congress 42nd Annual Conference is held in Queenstown. The Conference endorses the idea of an assembly of the people.
1953
18 December - 20 December
ANC conferences elects Chief Albert Luthuli to succeed James Moroka as President of the ANC
1953
30 December
The General Assembly of the United Nations rejected a South African draft resolution to decide, having regard to Article 2, paragraph 7 of the Charter, that it had no competence to adopt the draft resolution recommended by the Ad Hoc Political Committee. The vote was 42 to 8, with 10 abstentions.
Those voting in favour of the South African motion were Australia, Belgium, Colombia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Union of South Africa, United Kingdom.
Those abstaining were: Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Turkey, USA and Venezuela.
Resolution 721 (VIII) was adopted by 38 votes to 15, with 7 abstentions.
1954
Fietas, Johannesburg: H.F. Verwoerd states in his speech in Senate that the human reality needs to be racially defined and racially organised under the supremacy of the white race.
1954
Industrial Conciliation Act, banning African and multi-racial unions.
Bantu Education Act.
Act to provide for relocation of Africans from Sophiatown, a Johannesburg suburb.
1954
The formation of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW), bringing together women from the ANC, the South African Indian Congress, the Trade unions and self-help groups.
Josie Palmer becomes President of the Transvaal branch of FEDSAW
Florence Matomela becomes Cape Provincial Organiser of ANC Women's League.
Dorothy Nyembe becomes Chairperson of the Two-Stick branch Committee in Cato Manor.
Phyllis Naidoo joins the Natal Indian Congress, she raises funds for detainees arrested for Treason.
Sarah Carneson is banned and can no longer hold office in any union.
1954 - 1955
Black teachers and students protest against Bantu Education. The African Education Movement is formed to give alternative education. For a few years, cultural clubs operate as informal schools, but by 1960 they close down.
1954
Ida Mntwana is elected National Pesident of FEDSAW
1954
The ban on Albert Luthuli expires and is not immediately re-imposed.
Albert Luthuli opens the conference of the Natal Indian Congress in Durban.
1954
(edit) The Transvaal Law Society petitions the Supreme Court to strike Mandela off the roll because of his involvement in the Defiance Campaign. Walter Pollock QC, head of the Johannesburg Bar Council successfully defends him, pro amico; Mandela revives the ANC organisational structures and introduces the M (Mandela) Plan based on small, street cells. Makaziwe, Nelson\'s eldest surviving daughter is born. The ANC, the South African Indian Congress, the Congress of Democrats, the Congress of Trade Unions and the Coloured Peoples Organization constitute the Congress Alliance and plan to establish the Congress of the People
1954
Dr Verwoerd's (Min of Native Affairs) speech to Senate: 'My department's policy is that education should stand with both feet in the Reserves and have its roots in the spirit and being of Bantu society'. There is no place for him (the Bantu) in the European community above the level of certain forms of labour.'
1954
6 February
Walter Sisulu addresses an African National Congress meeting in Durban and gives a comprehensive account of his travel through Russia and Communist China.
1954
9 February
Walter Sisulu acts as speaker at a meeting of the "South African Society for Peace and Friendship with the Soviet Union" which is held in the Ambagsaal, Johannesburg. Sisulu talks of the way in which Communism has been implemented in Russia and China.
1954
14 February
Walter Sisulu acts as speaker at an African National Congress meeting which is held in the Western Black Township of Johannesburg and again related of his visit to Russia and China
1954
11 March
Walter Sisulu addresses an African National Congress meeting in Port Elizabeth. Sisulu relates in detail about his trip to Europe and of everything he saw and experienced there.
1954
19 March
Sisulu leaves by aeroplane to Durban, to discuss the possibility of extending the boycott campaign to Natal with African National Congress leaders.
1954
23 March
The executives of the African National Congress, South African Indian Congress, Congress of Democrats and the South African Coloured Peoples Organisation meet at Tongaat near Durban and decide to establish a National Action Council for the Congress of the People.
1954
23 March
The executives of the ANC, SAIC, SACTU, CPC and COD meet in Tongaat. A National Action Council (which later became known as the Congress Alliance) is given the go-ahead to plan a Congress of the People
1954
28 March
Sisulu acts as speaker during a meeting of the ANC at Veeplaats. Sisulu speaks of the successes of the strikes and the co-operation of the black community in this connection.
1954
April
Federation of South Africa Women is formed
1954
1 April
Walter Sisulu addresses a meeting of the African National Congress in Cradock.
1954
4 April
Walter Sisulu addresses a meeting in Queenstown.
1954
11 April
Walter Sisulu acts as speaker at a meeting of the African National Congress in Sophiatown, Johannesburg. Sisulu urges the blacks not to allow themselves to be removed from the Western areas.
1954
15 April
Riotous Assemblies and Suppression of Communism Amendment Act No 15:
The Minister of Justice was empowered to prohibit listed persons from being members of specific organisations or from attending gatherings of any description without giving them the opportunity of making representations in their defence or furnishing reasons. The Minister was also authorized to prohibit any particular gathering or all gatherings, in any public place for specified periods.
Commenced: 15 April 1954
Repealed by s 73 of the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982.
1954
17 April
Birth of the Federation of South African Women.
1954
1 May
Walter Sisulu acts as speaker at an ANC meeting in the Alexandra Township area, Johannesburg. The same day Sisulu also addresses a meeting under cover of the Transvaal Council of Non-European Trade Unions in the Ambagsaal, Johannesburg.
1954
9 May
Walter Sisulu makes the following statement at an ANC meeting in Newclare, Johannesburg: "We are educated people, the Nationalist and United Party Leaders can come and take lessons from us", as well as ,"the white people's time has expired. The Africans are now going to rule. We are not going to Meadowlands".
1954
20 June
Sisulu attends the annual conference of the ANC branch of the Cape Province at Uitenhage. Sisulu officiates as secretary of the "National Action Council of the Congress of the People".
1954
26 June - 27 June
Walter Sisulu speaks at the meeting of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Communal Hall in the Western black township area of Johannesburg. Among others, Sisulu said the following: "We need 5 000 volunteers but we must get them before the removal of the "black spots" begins, they must then be ready.
1954
27 June
A Resist Apartheid conference is held in Johannesburg, and the day is declared one of Solidarity with the Western Areas. In his speech Albert Luthuli calls for the enrolment of 50 000 Freedom Volunteers.
1954
11 July
Walter Sisulu attends a massive meeting of the ANC in Sophiatown, Johannesburg.
1954
11 July
While on his way to address a protest meeting in Johannesburg, Albert Luthuli is served with a banning order as he steps off a plane.
1954
23 July
Walter Sisulu is served two notifications, in terms of Section 5 of the Suppression of Communism Act (Act 44 of 1950). Sisulu is herewith commanded to resign as member, official or office-bearer from certain organisations and not to take part again in the activities thereof, and is also prohibited from attending any gathering at any place within the Union of South Africa or the area South West, for a period of two years.
1954
24 July
Walter Sisulu is taken into custody in the Bochabella location, Bloemfontein, on a charge under the Suppression of Communism Act. Sisulu attends a gathering there in spite of the notice that had been served on him.
1954
26 July
Walter Sisulu appears before the Magistrate Bloemfontein and is released on 50 bail. The case would serve before the Supreme Court Bloemfontein during August 1955.
1954
1 August
Blacks Resettlement Act No 19:
Established a Resettlement Board which would remove blacks from townships. This authorised the Sophiatown and other removals.
Commenced: 1 August 1954
Repealed by s 69 of the Black Communities Development Act No 4 of 1984.
1954
2 August
Notification by the Department of Native Affairs relating to the transfer of mission schools.
1954
14 August
Walter Sisulu attends a secret African National Congress meeting in Durban. This meeting is held during a conference of the "Congress of the People" which is held over the weekend 13 - 16 August 1954.
1954
15 August
Prof. Z. K. Matthews suggested a Congress of the People.
1954
20 August
Walter Sisulu sends a statement to the different branches of the ANC in which he vehemently attacks the present government over the restrictions that have been placed upon him and others. Sisulu also requests that all the left-wing organisations intensify their propaganda.
1954
September
Walter Sisulu approaches a number of prominent organisations in the USA for funds for the "Campaign Plan" as a representative of the National Action Council of the Congress of the People.
1954
5 September
Albert Luthuli delivers the speech The Challenge of our Time to the first Natal Congress of the People held in Durban. It is subsequently cited in the Treason Trial.
1954
October
Dissolution of the South African Trades & Labour Council (SAT & LC).
1954
November
Nearly the entire Natal Indian Congress executive, elected at the end of 1953, is banned.
1954
2 December
Formation of Strijdom Government.
1954
11 December
Sisulu, together with a number of members from the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) and African National Congress (ANC), meet in the offices of the ANC in order to give certain instructions to delegates to the ANC conference, which will be held at Pinetown.
1954
14 December
General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution 820 (IX) on apartheid by 35 votes to 16, with 9 abstentions.
1955
The government announces that women must carry passes.
1955
The South African Government withdrew from membership in the UNESCO in protest against UNESCO's activities against racial discrimination.
1955
"Black Sash" - an organisation of white women - formed for the defence of the Constitution. They wore black sashes as a sign of mourning for the dying Constitution.
Tomlinson Commission report published.
Church clause of the Native Laws Amendment Act.
Separate University Education Bill referred to Parliamentary Commission.
Nursing Act creating separate racial registers.
General Election. Nationalist Party won 103 seats (gain of 7), U.P. 53 (gain of 1). Voters were divided roughly 50:50 between these two parties. The Labour Party was wiped out. Liberal Party contested three seats and got only 2,934 votes.
African National Congress decided to call a stay-at-home strike for 14, 15 and 16 April, the last day being the day of the General Election. The plan was supported by the other Congresses, was advised against by the Liberal Party and condemned by Nationalists and U.P. The Minister of Labour threatened strikers and all police were alerted. Meetings of more than 10 Africans were prohibited in many areas. The strike was a failure and was cancelled on the evening of the first day. It showed the great damage the Government had inflicted by its naming, bannings, arrests and legislation - on African organisations.
1955
Black Labour (Settlement of Disputes)Amendment Act No 59:
Amended the 1953 Black Labour Relations Regulation Act. Provided for separate industrial conciliation machinery which applied to black workers other than those employed in farming operations, in domestic service, governmental or educational services or coal and gold mining industries (Horrell 1978: 288).
Repealed by s 63 of the Labour Relations Amendment Act No 57 of 1981.
1955
Bibi Dawood is arrested for nine months under the Suppression of Communism Act.
Lizzy Adrian Abrahams is banned under the Suppression of Communism Act for five years.
Josie Palmer is banned.
Lillian Ngoyi is the delegate to a conference of the Womens International Democratic Federation in Europe, where she toured communist countries.
Lillian Ngoyi becomes a member of the Transvaal ANC executive.
Annie Silinga is arrested for refusing to comply with pass regulations. Many appeals are made.
Frances Baard is involved with the drafting of the Freedom Charter.
Sonia Bunting is the platform speaker at Congress of the People in Kliptown.
Sister Bernard Ncube enters the Companions Catholic Order and remains a teacher.
The Womens Defence of the Constitution League (commonly known as the Black Sash) was formed.
Patricia Jobodwana becomes the youngest black woman to enrol at a university when she enrols at the University of Fort Hare for a BSc in medicine at age 14.
1955
Albert Luthuli defines the reasons for the African National Congress demands for universal suffrage in the speech What is aimed at the African people.
1955
(edit) The Congress of the People is convened in Kliptown. 3000 delegates, including 320 Indians, 230 Coloured and 112 Whites, adopt the Freedom Charter. Mandela and his wife Evelyn separate. Mandela meets Winnie Madikizela.
The government intensifies its bannings, by the end of 1955 forty-eight ANC leaders are banned, including Mandela.
1955
Topper Brown, a British coach, leads Natal Africans to victory in both the Moroka-Baloyi Cup and the Natal Inter-Race Singh Cup.
1955
At Lovedale College Thabo Mbeki shows an interest in politics and joins the Society of Young Africans, which is part of the Non-European Unity Movement.
1955
8 January
Statement by Mr. Eiselen concerning the policy of removing the Natives from the Western Province.
1955
February
About 60 000 people are forcibly removed from Johannesburgs Western Areas as part of the policy of Group Areas Act. These areas then became white areas and renamed Triumph.
1955
February
60,000 people living in Johannesburg's Western Areas removed at gunpoint in a massive military-style operation as part of the regime's policy of Group Areas. The area is declared 'white' and given the name 'Triomf'.
1955
5 March
The South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU), the first non-racial union is formed.
1955
5 March - 6 March
Founding of South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU), the first non-racial trade union centre. It adopted the Freedom Charter and becomes a member of the Congress Alliance.
1955
5 March - 6 March
Formation of the South African Congress of Trade Unions.
1955
April
Both teachers and students stage a massive boycott of Bantu Education and schools.
1955
1 April
The State assumed control of Bantu schools.
ANC launched massive boycott of Bantu Education and schools by both teachers and pupils, together with an attempt to organise an alternative system of education.
1955
22 April
Walter Sisulu holds an interview with prominent members of the ANC over the boycotting of schools.
1955
May
An effective protest strike of Coloured people, supported by Africans and Indians, takes place in Port Elizabeth and the South Western Cape. It is directed against the National Partys intention to remove Coloureds from the Common Electoral Roll.
1955
June
Congress of the People (Kliptown).
1955
6 June
Walter Sisulu, together with a number of listed persons and members of the ANC, attend a secret meeting where plans are discussed to persuade members of the Residents Committee and Native Advisory Boards to join the ANC.
1955
25 June - 26 June
The Freedom Charter is adopted by the Congress of the People at Kliptown, Johannesburg. Albert Luthuli is given the title, Isitwalandwe (Wearer of the feather of Indwe a rare legendary bird), traditionally only conferred on the greatest of warriors.
1955
25 June - 26 June
2884 delegates attend the Congress of the People in Kliptown where the Freedom Charter is adopted
1955
26 June
Freedom Charter is adopted at the Congress of the People in Kliptown. Albert Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo and Father Trevor Huddleston are each awarded the Isithwalandwe-the nations highest honour.
1955
26 June
The Congress of the People is formed. A Congress Alliance, brings together the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) results in the adoption of the Freedom Charter at Kliptown.
1955
1 July
The Simonstown naval base transferred to the Union of South Africa by the United Kingdom.
1955
1 July
Criminal Procedure Act No 56:
Consolidated the laws relating to procedure and evidence in criminal proceedings. The Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No 31 of 1917 and its numerous amendments were all repealed.
Commenced: 1 July 1955
Repealed by s 344(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act No 51 of 1977.
1955
August
An article by Sisulu appears in the pamphlet Workers Unity under the heading "The Allegiance of the Trade Union and Liberatory movements in Africa" in which he describes the oppression of the mass (non-whites) under imperialism.
1955
August
The executives of the African National Congress, South African Indian Congress, the Congress of Democrats and South African Coloured Peoples Organisation recommend the adopt | | |
