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History |
South Africa:Signs multilateral customs agreement on the temporary importation of pedagogic material.
South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on customs - the ATA Carnet for the temporary admission of goods with annex.
1976
South African Arm defeated by Angolan People’s Army.
1976
Many Soweto student leaders were influenced by the ideas of black consciousness. The South African Students Movement (SASM), one of the first organisations of black high school students, played an important role in the 1976 uprising. There were also small groups of student activists who were linked to old ANC members and the ANC underground. ANC underground structures issued pamphlets calling on the community to support students and linking the student struggle to the struggle for national liberation.
1976
Fietas, Johannesburg: Major removals in Pageview begin.
The Department of Community Development lists 4988 housing units administered by itself in Lenasia.
1976
Inter-Cabinet Council formed by the Prime Minister with members drawn from the Coloured Persons Council and the Indian Council and the white cabinet. First meeting boycotted by the Coloured Labour Party (Dugard 1978: 101).
1976
Bantu Administration Amendment Act No 2:
This Act was similar to the 1927 Black Administration Act [SA], with a few amendments.
1976
Population Registration Act No 24:
Provided for census and citizenship rights in Transkei and for the compilation of a population register.
Commenced: 4 March 1977
1976
Citizenship of Transkei Act No 26:
Set out requirements for citizenship.
Commenced: 4 March 1977
1976
Tennyson Makiwane, Alfred Kgokong and other "African Nationalists" expelled from ANC.
1976
According to the government-appointed Cillie Commission of Enquiry 575 people died. Police action resulted in 451 deaths.
3 907 people were injured. The police were responsible for 2 389 injuries.
Both the death and inquiry figures were disputed by various sources as being too low.
5 980 were arrested for offences related to the resistance in the townships.
Within four months of the Soweto revolt 160 African communities all over the country were involved in resistance. It was estimated that at least 250 000 people in Soweto were actively involved in the resistance. Resistance in the various communities were located in all four provinces and the homelands.
A police witness said to the Cillie Commission that at least 46 incidents of arson, strikes and disturbances occurred in Venda, Lebowa and Gazankulu.
The Internal Security Amendment Act replaced the Suppression of Communism Act. The new act enhanced the powers of the Minister of Justice and included the declaration of unlawful organisations, prohibition of publications, prohibition of attendance at gatherings, the restriction of persons to certain areas, detention of persons in custody and witnesses.
1976
Large numbers of students left the country and went into exile.
1976
South African troops invaded Angola in support of the Unita and FNLA alliance. They penetrated up to 900 km into Angola.
1976
Thandi Modise, student in Soweto, is jailed for ten years.
Mamphela Ramphele detained under Section 10 of Terrorism Act.
Winnie Mandela establishes the Black Women’s Federation and Black Parents’ Association during the Soweto uprisings. She is detained under the Internal Security Act.
Fatima Meer’s home is petrol bombed.
Gill Marcus, becomes editor of the ANC’s weekly bulletin
1976
Phyllis’ banning order ends
1976
Phyllis sets up her own practice and defends Harry Gwala and others. She also helps those released from Robben Island to find jobs.
1976
With Shadrack Maphumulo, Phyllis establishes a new escape route to Swaziland, after the kidnapping of Joseph Nduli and Cleopas Ndlovu.
1976
Robert McBride, aged 13, is arrested while challenging the beating by police of a youth in their charge office.
1976
South Africa is formally expelled from FIFA. The Football Council of South Africa is formed, chaired by George Thabe.
1976
Thabo Mbeki together with Jacob Zuma and Albert Dlhomo are placed under protective custody by the Swazi authorities. This is because of the growing threat from the South African authorities wanting to capture the three ANC officials.
1976
1 January
The Centre against Apartheid was established in the United Nations Secretariat, with E. S. Reddy, Chief of Section for African Affairs, as director.
1976
5 January
A full-scale television service is officially opened by the Prime Minister. He issues a warning against slanted news and unbalanced presentations.
1976
5 January
The Meadowlands Tswana School Board meets with the local inspector of the Bantu Education Department to discuss the conflict that has been escalating in Soweto schools since the beginning of the school year.
1976
22 January
A government reshuffle, including the appointment of three new ministers and two new deputy ministers is announced on the eve of the opening of the 1976 Parliamentary session. The most significant change is the appointment of Dr. Andries Treurnicht, the conservative former chairman of the Afrikaner Broederbond, as Deputy Minister of Bantu Administration and Bantu Education.
1976
27 January
Signs treaty with Uruguay on the exchange of postal parcels.
1976
30 January
A Parliamentary Internal Security Bill provides for the establishment of a Commission of ten members of Parliament, to investigate internal security matters, in secret, referred to it by the State President and drastic penalties will be imposed on those refusing to testify before it. Its reports will have to be submitted to Parliament, although all or part of them can be kept gar secret, if it is ‘not in the public interest’ to disclose their contents. It is strongly opposed by the Progressive Reform Party and the Herstigte Nasionale Party. The United Party refuses to sit on the Commission.
1976
2 February
South Africa:Signs second additional treaty to the constitution of the Universal Postal Union of 10 July 1964.
1976
5 February
The Defence Amendment Bill, making provision for the employment of South African conscripted troops anywhere outside South Africa, is approved. The Defence Force may now, at all times, be deployed to prevent or suppress any armed conflict outside the Republic which is, or may be, a threat to the Republic.
1976
7 February
The Minister of Justice announces that apartheid laws will be done away with in sixteen hotels, allowing them to cater for all races. International status will be granted as from 16 February 1976.
1976
12 February
The report of the Snyman Commission into the disturbances on the campus of the University of the North at Turfloop, finds that the South African Students Organization (SASO) was responsible for the unrest at Turfloop and other black campuses, and was aimed at overthrowing the political system in South Africa.
1976
24 February
The first indications of protest over schooling in Afrikaans appears in Soweto schools.
1976
4 March
In the House of Assembly, the Prime Minister criticizes Mozambique’s action of closing its border with Rhodesia. He warns of the dangers inherent in the situation and of the aggravating factor presented by the Russian and Cuban involvements in Southern Africa.
1976
4 March
The Black People's Convention, the South African Students Organisation and the South African Students Movement become active in Soweto schools over the issue of schooling in Afrikaans
1976
12 March
It is announced that all South African troops have been withdrawn from Angola except those guarding the Cunene River hydro-electric projects.
1976
14 March
Chief Gatsha Buthelezi makes a major policy statement in Soweto, before an audience of 10,000 people, denouncing the government’s homelands policy and indicating that the country must move towards majority rule. He calls for a series of black national conventions to discuss foreign investments, homelands independence and foreign policy, particularly détente with black Africa.
1976
20 March
The Roman Catholic Church decides in principle to open its 192 all-white schools to black pupils. Legal questions relating to this will be discussed with the government.
1976
22 March - 24 March
The Minister of Information and the Interior, Dr. Connie Mulder, pays a three-day official visit to the Ivory Coast. Talks are held on Communist penetration in Africa.
1976
27 March
Remaining troops are withdrawn from the Angolan border after the MPLA government has undertaken through Soviet and British good offices, and the mediation of the United Nations Secretary-General to respect the border, and assure the safety of the project and their personnel.
1976
29 March
Opposition amendments to the Parliamentary Internal Security Commission Bill are defeated in the House of Assembly, where it is given its third reading. The Prime Minister declares that the government believes Parliament, and not the courts, should combat subversion.
1976
31 March
In the 1976-77 budget, defence expenditure is raised to R1,350 m, or 17.2 percent of the total expenditure.
1976
5 April
Signs multilateral treaty modifying and further extending the Wheat Trade Convention, 1971.
1976
9 April - 12 April
Prime Minister Vorster, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Dr. Muller, visits Israel. A joint Ministerial Committee will meet at least once a year to review economic relations and to discuss, inter alia, scientific and industrial cooperation.
1976
19 April
Baleka Kgositsile goes into exile and works for the ANC in Swaziland.
1976
23 April
A draft constitution for the Transkei is published in Umtata.
1976
27 April
South Africa’s diplomatic representation in Taiwan has been raised from Consulate-General to full ambassadorial level.
1976
30 April
Pupils at Orlando West Junior School go on strike against the use of Afrikaans in education.
1976
May
Thabo Mbeki is asked to leave Swaziland because pressure is mounting on the Swazi Government from the South Africa Government to have Thabo arrested.
1976
2 May
Signs treaty with Israel amending the extradition treaty.
1976
3 May
The Parliamentary Internal Security Commission Bill, providing for the establishment of a commission of members of the House of Assembly to investigate internal security matters, is approved in the Senate, and enacted shortly afterwards.
1976
5 May
In the Parliamentary by-election in Durban North, the Progresive Reform Party’s candidate gains the party’s first seat in Natal, bringing the PRP’s representation in the House of Assembly to twelve. The United Party suffers a serious defeat.
1976
12 May
A female teacher is attacked by two robbers on her way to school and is saved by more than 100 pupils from Orlando North Secondary School, who catch the robbers and beat them to death. In another incident in May, a pupil stabs a teacher at Pimville. Police try to arrest the pupils but are stoned by other pupils.
1976
16 May
Pupils at Phefeni Secondary School start boycotting classes in protest against the use of Afrikaans in education. The unrest spreads to Belle Higher Primary School, Thulasizwe Higher Primary School, and Emthonjeni Khulo Ngolawazi Higher Primary School.
1976
17 May
Pupils at Orlando West Junior School strike in protest at the dismissal of a member of the school board. They bombard the principal's office with stones and draw up a memorandum of grievances, which they hand to the principal.
1976
21 May
Parliamentary Internal Security Commission Act No 67:
Established a parliamentary Internal Security Commission and set out its functions. It differed little from the USA House Committee on Un-American Activities except that the South African law had more sanctions at its disposal (Dugard 1978: 173).
Commenced: 21 May 1976
Repealed by s 7 of the Abolition of Restriction on Free Political Activity Act No 206 of 1993.
1976
24 May
Pupils reject a call by the Orlando Diepkloof School 3oard to return to school. The strike spreads to Pimville Higher Primary School. The SA Students Movements makes an attempt to consolidate the situation and holds a conference in Roodepoort to discusses the campaign against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction.
1976
29 May
The South African Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM) announces in Pretoria that it has decided to order two nuclear power stations from France.
1976
8 June
Security police arrive at Naledi High School and attempt to arrest the leader of the local branch of the SA Students Movement. Pupils stone the police and bum their car.
1976
10 June
The Internal Security Bill is enacted. Originally published on 4 May 1976, as the Promotion of State Security Bill, it is designed to amend and widen the scope of the 1950 Suppression of Communism Act. It is strongly condemned by the opposition and by the legal profession.
1976
11 June
The recently appointed deputy minister of "bantu education", Andries Treumicht, rejects the applications by five Soweto schools to depart from the so-called 50-50 policy in secondary education, which entailed equal use of English and Afrikaans in schooling.
1976
13 June
Sisulu's daughter Lindiwe detained.
1976
13 June
The Naledi branch of the SA Students Movement holds a meeting, attended by representatives of all Soweto schools, at which it is decided that protests will be held on June 16 against the use of Afrikaans in education.
An action committee called the Soweto Students' Representative Council is formed to organise the demonstration, with two representatives from each school.
1976
16 June
Student anger and grievances against Bantu education exploded in. Tens of thousands of high school students took to the streets to protest against compulsory use of Afrikaans at schools. Police opened fire on marching students, killing thirteen-year old Hector Petersen and at least three others. This began an uprising that spread to other parts of the country leaving over 1,000 dead, most of whom were killed by the police.
1976
16 June
Demonstrations by secondary school pupils, protesting against the compulsory use of the Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction,’ escalate into an outbreak of violence in Soweto, during which police open fire on the protesters. Casualties occur, the first being Hector Petersen. Rioting, arson, looting and lawlessness spread.
1976
16 June - 24 June
During these days, rioting, arson, destruction and protest spread to other localities and townships, mainly in the Transvaal, but reaching Natal as well as several black ‘homelands’.
1976
16 June
The Soweto Uprisings begin with about 20 000 students marching in protest to the new language decree and the Bantu Education system. The march turned out violently with many students being killed by the police. The uprising spreads countrywide, and it is believed that Black Consciousness contributed significantly to the ferment behind the uprising.
1976
16 June
Police fired at a demonstration in Soweto, Johannesburg, of students protesting against "Bantu education" and the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. During that firing and in the ensuing period of nation-wide resistance by students, over a thousand pupils were killed and many more injured.
1976
16 June
Internal Security Amendment Act No 79:
Removed the requirement that internment be linked with states of emergency. It amended five other Security Acts and embodied the 1967 Suppression of Communism Act with some amendments. The ‘Sobukwe’ clause for indefinite detention was deleted and a new provision for indefinite preventive detention was created instead. A Review Committee was established to review detentions within two months and could recommend further detention. Prohibition of bail and detention of potential witnesses were provided for. Restrictions on movement of banned persons were included.
Commenced: 16 June 1976
Repealed by the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982 and the Internal Security and Intimidation Amendment Act No 138 of 1991 except for s 10. Section 10 was repealed by the State of Emergency Act No 86 of 1995.
1976
16 June
The Soweto uprisings begin.
1976
16 June
Extra police patrols are deployed.
1976
16 June
The Soweto uprising takes place on the day that the Internal Security Amendment Act comes into operation. It is hard to get a clear picture of exactly what happened on the day. It is exam time for senior pupils, and the exams must be written in Afrikaans. A march starts and pupils from many schools along the way join in. Teargas is fired. Gunshots are fired at the pupils and pandemonium breaks out. Anger at the senseless killings inspires retaliatory action. Police cars are burnt. Fires blaze throughout the night. At least 200 people are killed. The Internal Security Amendment Act, which replaced the Suppression of Communism Act, gives the minister of "justice" enhanced powers to declare organisations unlawful, to prohibit publications, to prohibit attendance at gatherings, to restrict persons to certain areas and to detain persons and witnesses in custody.
1976
17 June
Parliament meets in an Extraordinary Session at the request of the leader of the Opposition, Cohn Eglin. The resignation of the Minister of Bantu Affairs is called for, and that of his conservative Deputy, Andries Treurnicht.
The Minister of Justice and Police, J.T. Kruger, announces his decision to appoint a one-man judicial commission in the person of Justice P.M. Cihhié, Judge-President of the Transvaal, to investigate the disturbances in Soweto.
The Status of the Transkei Bill passes its second reading in the Senate, despite opposition from the United Party and the Progressive Reform Party.
1976
17 June
The second day of the protest is marked by uncontrollable fury. Fires rage in townships throughout the country. Pupils stone cars passing through Soweto. Police shoot at random, and at anyone who raises a fist and shouts "power". Helicopters fly overhead. Workers refuse to go to work.
1976
18 June
The report of the Commission, under the chairmanship of Professor Erika Theron, to investigate matters relating to the Coloured community in South Africa, is submitted to the House of Assembly. The Commission makes 178 recommendations, approved by majority vote, the most important of which the government subsequently rejects, i.e. that political rights be restored to Coloured people in Parliament.
The United Nations Security Council is called into session at the urgent request of the African states. It issues a unanimous condemnation of South Africa for resorting to massive violence against demonstrators opposing racial discrimination.
1976
18 June
The number of skirmishes between pupils and police diminishes. A general stayaway is organised. There are reports of pupils seizing weapons from the police and using them to shoot back at the police.
1976
19 June
The Government Gazette announces that 123 persons have been banned as a result of the June 16 revolt. The minister of police imposes a nationwide prohibition on the holding of meetings, which was later extended to the end of the year.
1976
23 June - 24 June
Prime Minister Vorster holds talks with the United States Secretary of State, Dr. Kissinger, in West Germany.
1976
24 June
The Principal’s office in Hlangisi Primary (Nyanga) was burnt out and the following day the same riot squad threatened officials at the Bantu administration.
1976
25 June
Acting Prime Minister P.W. Botha, says in the House of Assembly that the government has no objection to 158 of the 178 recommendations in the Theron Report. but that there is no prospect of a qualified franchise, a return to the common voters’ roll or direct representation of Coloureds in Parliament. Nor will the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act be repealed.
The death toll in the riots is officially given as 174 blacks and two whites, the number of wounded 1,222 blacks and six whites, the number of persons arrested 1,298. Property damaged or destroyed is officially listed as sixty-seven state owned beer halls and bottle stores, fifty-three administration buildings, thirteen schools, eight state hostels, 154 vehicles, as well as banks. clinics, bus sheds, hostels and factories - public buildings and amenities built up over the previous twenty-five years.
1976
27 June
The National President of the Black People’s Convention declares that riots have ushered in a new era of political consciousness.
1976
27 June
Further arson occurs on Langa Post Office and Zimosa school.
1976
July
The Minister of Police impose a nationwide prohibition of meetings, which is renewed until the end of the year.
1976
6 July
The government announces that teaching in Afrikaans in black schools will no longer he compulsory.
1976
6 July
The South African Government annulled the regulation that African pupils be instructed equally in English and Afrikaans, and issued new regulations leaving the choice of the medium of instruction to school principals, subject to approval by the Government.
1976
15 July
The Minister of Justice, JT. Kruger, announces that the provisions of the Internal Security Act, allowing for the unlimited detention without trial of persons deemed to be threatening public order, will apply in the Transvaal Province with immediate effect for one year. All public gatherings are banned and schools in Soweto and other riot areas will remain closed.
1976
18 July
The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid came into force.
1976
19 July
Extension of the Application of Transkeian Laws Act No 6:
Attempted to define areas of function for Transkeian laws.
Commenced: 19 July 1976
1976
20 July - 19 August
In more than seventy townships, a further series of disturbances occur, leading to considerable destruction of property and loss of life. These riots are apparently now organized by militant youths, demanding change and liberation.
1976
21 July
The closure of schools in black townships is rescinded by the Minister for Police, justice and Prisons.
1976
30 July
The Opposition press strongly attacks the detention of four journalists under the Terrorism Act.
1976
August
The police begin arresting black leaders, not only members of the Black Peoples Convention (BPC) and the South African Students’ Organization (SASO), but also members of the Soweto Black Parents’ Organization.
1976
August - September
The government’s policies are repeatedly and strongly criticized by prominent churchmen.
1976
August
Mid-August:Widespread arrests of black leaders and dissidents, office-bearers, priests, teachers and doctors follow a speech to the National Party Congress in Durban by Justice Minister Kruger, in which he claims that black power will have to be destroyed if race riots are not to become endemic. All the main black opposition groups are affected.
1976
2 August
French officials disclose that France is to supply South Africa with two destroyer escorts.
1976
2 August
UWC students convene a meeting to express solidarity with the students of Soweto and decide to embark on a boycott of classes.
1976
4 August
Riots erupt again in Soweto and spread to other townships in South Africa. The Minister of Justice again bans public meetings under the Riotous Assemblies Act, until the end of August.
1976
5 August
Mapetla Mohapi dies in detention, police claim that he hung himself with a pair of jeans.
1976
6 August
The Hewat Training College in Athlone is set alight in solidarity with the UWC boycotters.
1976
7 August
A new deal for urban blacks is announced in Pretoria by the Minister of Bantu Administration and by the Minister of Justice and Police.
1976
8 August
Fire destroys Struis Bay school Principal’s office.
1976
9 August
The Theron Commission Report is discussed at a meeting between the Prime Minister and the sixteen-member Liaison Committee of the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council (CPRC).
Violence again erupts in the black townships. The Prime Minister says he does not regard the present combination of external and internal pressures on South Africa as critical.
1976
10 August
The government extends its powers under the Internal Security Act from the Transvaal only to the whole of South Africa.
1976
10 August
Part of a prefabricated building of the Peninsula College for Advanced Technical Education is gutted and three explosives are found at Goodhope Primary in Bellville South.
1976
11 August - 12 August
Violence spreads to Cape Town,to the black townships of Langa, Nyanga and Guguletu and then, for the first time, to Coloured townships.
1976
11 August
African pupils from Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga hold marches in solidarity with the Soweto students. The Langa students march with placards through their township streets accompanied by their teachers who are determined to keep order. Students are also under police surveillance and 33 people are shot dead in looting related incidents. The police stop the Gugulethu events and students are told to disperse in 8 minutes. The students stand their ground and are eventually showered with tear gas. 25 – 30 people are arrested. The determined crowd goes on to successfully demand the release of the detainees from the Gugulethu police station.
A number of student leaders at the University of the Western Cape and other community leaders are arrested and detained at Victor Verster prison, near Paarl
1976
12 August
This day saw R2 million worth of damage in 36 hours of fighting. Langa and Gugulethu residents stop employees leaving for work. Young children request donations of petrol from cars to make petrol bombs. Students at the Esselen Park High School in Worcester demonstrate in front of the school and are tear-gassed and baton charged.
UCT students march towards the city centre giving the Black Power Salute to black people passing until the police stop them. 73 students were arrested.
In Bellville, 600 coloured students march from the Bellville Training College and clash with police whilst in UWC a poster parade is broken by police. Poster bearers are arrested because of messages such as: “Sorry Soweto, Kruger is a pig; the revolution is coming.”
1976
13 August
The government fully supports the United States initiative for a peaceful settlement of the Rhodesian crisis.
1976
14 August
There are reports of arson in the African townships.
1976
16 August - 20 August
At the 5th Conference of Non-Aligned Nations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a resolution is adopted calling for an oil embargo on France and Israel because of their arms sales to South Africa.
1976
16 August
Pupils at Alexander Sinton High and Belgravia High boycott classes. 500 UWC students march to the Bellville Magistrate’s Court were 15 students appeared on a number of charges arising from the recent events. There is a fire in Arcadia High and classes were boycotted at Somerset West after permission to hold prayer in sympathy with ‘Blacks who have died’.
1976
20 August
At a Nordic Council meeting in Copenhagen, the Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden recommend an international weapons embargo against South Africa.
Sends notification of approval of recommendations relating to the objectives of the Antarctic treaty. of 1 December 1959.
1976
20 August
Lebowa: Criminal Procedure Amendment Act No 11:
Commenced: 20 August 1976
1976
21 August
The leaders of seven of the country’s nine black homelands i.e. all except Chiefs Matanzima (Transkei) and Mangope (Bophuthatswana) meet in Johannesburg to review the political situation and issue a joint statement of appeals, demands and recommendations.
1976
23 August - 25 August
A three-day strike is observed in Soweto by between 150,000 and 200,000 workers.
1976
23 August
An Athlone High school student statement is made condemning police brutality, inferior education, segregation laws and the plight of the detainees. The police change tactics and start going into schools to seek confrontation and to break the youths’ spirit.
1976
24 August - 27 August
Violent ethnic clashes between Zulus and others, involving circa 10,000 blacks in running fights cause chaos in Soweto which the police appear unable to control. Police collusion is alleged.
1976
29 August
Speaking at a ceremony to mark his tenth anniversary as Prime Minister, John Vorster admits that the country has problems, internationally and economically, but claims that these do not constitute a crisis. His remarks are strongly criticized by the opposition.
1976
30 August
About 600 students from five secondary schools march to Bontheuwel. On their way they are confronted by four riot squad vans. The students are peppered with tear gas and hide in a nearby house. The police flushed the backyard with tear gas to prevent exit.
1976
September
Government ministers repeatedly declare that there is no crisis, and that whatever concessions may be made to meet the demands of the blacks, the policy of separate development will be continued.
Unrest, disturbances and riots spread to Cape Town itself, with interaction with the police on 1, 2 and 7-8, 10-13 September. Sporadic outbreaks of violence continue to occur in Soweto and in central Johannesburg.
1976
1 September
About 2 000 Langa, Nyanga and Gugulethu students march without notice or publicity through the Cape Town CBD unhindered.
1976
2 September
The ban on public gatherings throughout the country is reimposed until 31 October 1976.
1976
2 September
The coloured students march to the city in the hope that they will also display a peaceful march. The police were prepared and close down the CBD. The tear gas they spray on students affects all working people there, who later are forced into the chaotic streets by the smell. The city marches continue to September 3 when police execute similar action as the previous day. It appears that the Cape Town revolt has passed the point were intimidation can force youth off the street.
1976
3 September - 6 September
Prime Minister Vorster flies to Zurich for talks with the United States Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger. The focus is on the conditions necessary for negotiations on independence for Namibia and for majority rule in Rhodesia.
1976
4 September - 5 September
The youth come out in the coloured townships. Schools, libraries and a magistrates court are set alight.
1976
10 September
The President of the Senate, Marais Viljoen, opening the 1976 Session of the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council announces a number of government decisions aimed at removing obsolete practices and usages causing dissatisfaction among Coloured people.
1976
13 September
The Cillié Commission of Inquiry into the riots in Soweto on 16 June 1976 holds its first public hearing in Johannesburg. Evidence is taken on the extent of the damage and of casualties.
Speaking to the Transvaal Congress of the ruling National Party in Pretoria, the Prime Minister again rejects major changes in the country’s race policies.
1976
13 September - 15 September
A second strike call in Soweto leads to absenteeism estimated at 75-80 per cent in Johannesburg.
1976
14 September
Security Police continue to arrest prominent members of the Coloured community. Several black journalists who covered the Soweto riots are also detained.
1976
15 September - 16 September
Some 200,000 Coloured workers stay away from work in the Cape Town area. The extent of the strike is unexpected and unprecedented.
1976
17 September
A total of sixty-five documents concerning the establishment of an independent Transkei are signed in Pretoria by the Prime Minister and Chief Kaiser Matanzima. Among them is a non-aggression pact, designed to come into force at independence on 26 October 1976.
1976
20 September
A seven-man delegation of Coloured leaders flies from Cape Town to Pretoria to meet the Prime Minister for discussions on the future of the Coloured community. They appeal to John Vorster for the immediate release of the Chairman of the Coloured Labour Party, the Rev. Allan Hendrickse, unsuccessfully.
1976
23 September
Renewed rioting breaks out in Johannesburg. The Minister of Information, Dr. Connie Mulder, warns of tougher measures, including the use of the army, to deal with the unrest. Four more black journalists are detained, bringing the total number of journalists held to thirteen, eleven of whom are black.
1976
24 September
A crucial meeting of the Coloured Cabinet Council is boycotted by the Labour Party.
1976
29 September
In the Cape Town Supreme Court a British journalist, David Rabkin, his wife and a university lecturer, Jeremy Cronin, are sentenced to ten, one, and seven years’ imprisonment respectively for offences under the Terrorism and Internal Security Acts to which they have pleaded guilty. They have advocated violence leading to insurrection. Since Mrs. Rabkin was expecting a baby, the court suspended eleven months of her twelve-month sentence and she returns to Britain with her new born daughter in October.
1976
29 September
General elections are held in the Transkei.
Voters go to the polls in the Transkeis pre-independence elections. The results are a foregone conclusion following the Transkei government’s detention of eight leading opposition Democratic Party officers in July and August.
1976
1 October
France confirms that it is selling two new combat submarines to South Africa, to help it protect the oil route round the Cape in the face of the Soviet naval escalation in the Indian Ocean.
1976
5 October
The elected leaders in the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council reject the government s emergency mini-budget and demand the summoning of an all-race National Convention to consider the country’s future.
1976
8 October
At a seven-hour meeting with eight of the black ‘homeland’ leaders (i.e. all except Chief Matanzima, Transkei) Prime Minister Vorster declares there is no merit at all in the idea of holding a round table conference to plan a new constitution.
A meeting is held between John Vorster and eight ‘homeland’ leaders to discuss the unrest which has left at least three-hundred-and-forty dead, around two-thousand injured and hundreds under arrest. He rejects their demands for a multi-racial constitution and the release of black leaders in detention, This failure precipitates a move towards a common political front between traditional leaders and radical black students to fight for freedom.
1976
15 October
The results of the Transkei general elections are announced. The ruling Transkei National Independence Party (TNIP) win sixty-nine of the seventy-five election seats in the new National Assembly.
1976
17 October
The township of Soweto flares into violence again. An estimated 75,000 Pounds Sterling damage is caused. Incidents are also reported from Cape Town, Pretoria and Krugersdorp.
1976
20 October
Republic of Transkei Constitution Act No 15:
Created a Transkei Constitution.
Commenced: 20 October 1976
1976
21 October
The Minister of Justice J. Kruger says that 697 people are being held for security reasons: 123 under the Internal Security Act; 217 under the Terrorism Act; thirty-four are jailed for their protection as witnesses; 323 are held for cases pending in relation to public security.
1976
22 October
Teachers and pupils are arrested at the Morris lsaacson High School in Soweto.
1976
24 October
Further trouble erupts at a funeral in Soweto when a crowd of 4,000 attacks police. Retaliatory fire causes deaths and injuries.
The authorities release the leader of the Coloured Labour Party, the Rev. Allan Hendrickse after holding him in prison for two months.
1976
25 October
Transkei is declared an independent state at midnight. South Africa formally divests itself of all sovereignty over Transkei. The new flag is raised and a 101 gun salute ushers in the new ‘state’.
1976
26 October
At its opening session the Transkei National Assembly elects Paramount Chief B.J. Sigcau as the Transkei’s first President.
1976
26 October
South Africa proclaimed the "independence" of one of the bantustans, the Transkei. On the same day the General Assembly rejected the declaration of independence as invalid, and called upon all governments to deny any form of recognition to Transkei or other bantustans.
1976
26 October
Transkei becomes the first independent homeland.
1976
26 October
Transkei becomes an independent homeland.
1976
November
Splits appear within the National Party between the ‘verligte’ (enlightened) academics, businessmen and MPs and the ‘verkrampte’ (conservatives) led by Dr. Andries Treurnicht.
1976
November
End November:The inaugural conference of the Black Unity Front is held in Johannesburg. Formed after the abortive meeting between John Vorster and ‘homeland’ leaders on 8 October 1976, its aim is to group middle-class blacks into a moderate anti-apartheid system guided by a steering committee of urban blacks.
1976
1 November
A five-day strike called by militant students in the Soweto Students’ Representative Council (SSRC) meets with only limited response.
1976
6 November
The General Assembly adopted a comprehensive "programme of action against apartheid" by Governments; specialised agencies and other intergovernmental organisations; and trade unions, churches, anti-apartheid and solidarity movements and other non-governmental organisations.
It established an Ad Hoc Committee to prepare a declaration on apartheid in sports and an international convention against apartheid in sports.
1976
8 November
Signs multilateral treaty, extending the International Sugar Agreement, 1973.
1976
9 November
The General Assembly adopted a comprehensive "programme of action against apartheid" by Governments, specialised agencies and other intergovernmental organisations, as well as trade unions, churches, anti-apartheid and solidarity movements and other non-governmental organisations.
It established an Ad Hoc Committee to prepare a declaration on apartheid in sports and an international convention against apartheid in sports.
1976
11 November
The United Nations General Assembly adopts nine resolutions against apartheid at the end of a two-and-a-half week debate on the South African question.
1976 - 1979
15 November - 15 June
110 bombings by insurgents occurred.
1976
16 November
President Perez of Venezuela announces in New York that he has ordered the severance of commercial relations with South Africa.
1976
17 November
Leaders of the three opposition parties meet in an attempt to form a united opposition front. Fundamental principles are laid down by Cohn Eglin, leader of the Progressive Reform Party (PRP). Chairman of the Steering Committee, former Transvaal Judge, K. Marais. presents a detailed draft constitution based on a federal structure.
1976
18 November
The Cillié Commission into recent riots is given a detailed account of the loss of life and damage to property in the Greater Cape Town area.
1976
19 November
Fourteen officials representing non-registered multiracial trade unions are reported to have been served with banning orders. Two main bodies are targeted: the Johannesburg based Urban Training Programme (UTP) and the Co-ordinating Council (TUACC) with a membership of more than 60,000.
1976
23 November
Eight more banning orders are served, mostly on white students connected with black labour organizations.
1976
24 November
School pupils and students from Soweto who have fled to Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho to escape continuous Security Police searches for ringleaders of unrest, have rejected the government’s amnesty offer which expired on 22 November 1976. An estimated 700 have fled since June, more than 500 of them to Botswana, whose government has requested international assistance in the matter.
1976
27 November
The arrest of five people, detained under the Terrorism Act, coincides with the Security Police search of the Johannesburg headquarters of the Christian Institute and the South African Council of Churches.
1976
30 November
700 people are in detention.
1976
December
Both the United Party and the Progressive Reform Party formally approve the Marais Committee’s proposals as a basis for a constitution.
Serious fighting and rioting break out in the Cape Town townships of Guguletu, Nyanga and Langa, peak periods being the first week and Christmas weekend. Youths and migrant workers clash; deaths, destruction and arrests follow.
1976
December
The accused South African Students' Organisation (SASO) and Black People's Convention (BPC) leaders of the September 1974, "Viva Frelimo" rallies are sentenced to terms on Robben Island.
1976
December
Thabo Mbeki is appointed Chief representative of the African National Congress in Nigeria.
1976
2 December
At the end of an eight-month trial a University lecturer, Eddie Webster and four white students are acquitted of all charges against them under the Suppression of Communism and Unlawful Organizations Act.
1976
3 December
QwaQwa: Education Act No 4:
Commenced: 3 December 1976
1976
15 December
The South African Institute of Race Relations reports that 433 people are known to be still in custody. According to their sources, these comprise fifty-six school children, seventy-two university students, twenty-six student leaders and office-bearers of the South African Students’ Organization and related organizations, twenty-five members of other Black Consciousness organizations, sixteen churchmen, thirty-five teachers and lecturers, fifteen journalists, sixty state witnesses, six trade unionists, thirteen former political prisoners, one member of the Coloured Labour Party and eighty-one who have no known connection with political organizations. Of this total, 102 were in preventative detention, with no charges pending. In addition, according to the SAIRR, 144 people are under banning orders, restricting their movements and prohibiting them from attending gatherings.
1976
16 December
Calls for judicial inquiries into the death of detainees in police custody are made by the South African Institute of Race Relations, backed by Cohn Eghin, leader of the Progressive Reform Party (PRP) and by Sonny Leon, leader of the Coloured community, who addresses his request to the International Commission of jurists in Geneva.
1976
17 December
The government confirms that guerrillas are being trained for operations in South Africa from bases in Botswana and Mozambique. Minister of Justice Kruger names three South African exiles in London as the men behind the campaign: Joe Slovo, Moses Kotane and Ronnie Kasrils.
1976
20 December
South Africa:Signs multilateral treaty on the international regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea, 1972.
1976
21 December
The lengthy trial ends of nine black nationalist student leaders, first detained by Security Police in October 1974, following a pro-FRELIMO Durban rally. They are found guilty under the Terrorism Act and sentenced to periods of imprisonment, three for six years and six for five years.
1976
26 December
South Africa proclaimed the independence of one of the bantustans, the Transkei, independent. On the same day the General Assembly rejected the "sham" declaration of independence.
1976
29 December
The Minister of Bantu Education announces moves towards the introduction of free and compulsory education for blacks. This is the fifth concession to black demands since the Soweto riots of 16 June 1976. It has also reversed the Afrikaans ruling in schools, suspended the ‘homeland citizenship’ requirement for blacks leasing houses in townships, introduced a home ownership scheme and agrees in principle to give increased powers to Bantu Councils in black areas.
Police announce the release of the last of the 113 detainees held under Section 10 (preventive detention) of the Internal Security Act. Restriction orders are placed on six of those released, including Winnie Mandela.
1976
31 December
In his New Year’s Eve address the Prime Minister warns the country that South Africa will have to face the Communist onslaught in Southern Africa alone.
An official of the Department of Justice claims that all detainees held in preventive detention under the Internal Security Act have been released.
The prohibition of public gatherings (under the Riotous Assemblies Act) is extended to 31 March 1977, and thereafter to 30 September 1977.
1976
31 December
Then Prime Minister BJ Vorster says: "The storm has not struck yet. We are only experiencing the whirlwinds that go before it."
Winnie Mandela is elected to the Black Parents Committee. Mass detentions follows and she is one of six executive members of the Federation of Black Women to be detained. She is released and banned again.
1977
Sisulu's wife Albertina diagnosed with diabetes.
1977
Sisulu writes to Minister of Justice protesting against Lindiwe's continued detention.
1977
Fietas, Johannesburg: The security forces, accompanied by other departmental officials and dogs forcibly remove remaining traders from their shops in Pageview.
1977
Bophuthatswana independence.
KwaZulu proclaimed a self-governing territory.
1977
Community Councils Act No 125:
Provided for the establishment of community councils, and for civil and criminal judicial powers to be conferred in certain black townships.
Assent gained: 11 July 1977; commencement date not found
Repealed by s 56 A of the Black Local Authorities Act No 102 of 1982.
1977
Proclamation R174: (Government Gazette 5716 of 19 August 1977)Laid down certain regulations for the administration of declared security districts in Bophuthatswana (SRR 1977: 1-2).
1977
Proclamation R 252:
Gave the government of Ciskei powers to declare a State of Emergency. Powers repealed by the 1982 National Security Act, below (SRR 1977: 348-9).
1977
Publication Act No 18:
Provided for state-sanctioned censorship.
Commenced: 14 April 1978
1977
Proclamation No 276:
Passed in response to an outbreak of trouble in Venda schools. It is ‘identical to Proclamation 252 of the Ciskei except that an additional clause includes in the definition of subversive statements or actions, the threatening of a scholar or by any means influencing him to refrain from attending classes or sitting for any examination’ (SRR 1977: 360).
1977
The period for continuous military service for white youths is increased to two years.
230 000 people are arrested for pass law offences.
Funds for Bantu Education increased from R78 million in 1976/77 to R117 million in 1977/78.
Only about 3 000 pupils out of a possible 27 000 pupils applied for re-admission to Soweto schools.
1977
Baleka Kgositsile goes to Tanzania and becomes the first secretary of the regional Women’s Section of the ANC.
Winnie Mandela is banished to Brandfort in the Orange Free State.
Mamphela Ramphele is banished to rural Northern Transvaal where she forms the Isutheng Community Health Programme.
1977
In Lesotho, she joins the ANC and becomes involved in welfare work for political exiles, children who had fled the country.
1977
Robert McBride and his father begin to develop a very close relationship.
1977
The National Football League (NFL) folds.
SABC-TV makes its first broadcast of a South African football match.
1977
1 January
Four senior members of the Soweto Students’ Representative Council (SSRC) are arrested.
1977
10 January - 12 January
Prime Minister Vorster pays a three-day goodwill visit to Transkei. Tributes are paid to him for his assistance in helping Transkei gain independence in a peaceful manner.
1977
19 January
Six members of the thirty-six member United Party Parliamentary caucus are expelled from the Party for refusing to abide by the Party’s decision to accept the Marais programme for the formation of a new united opposition party. They decide to establish themselves as a ‘centrist’ Independent United Party.
1977
21 January
At the opening of Parliament the State President states that it has become necessary for South Africa to maintain an increased military capability on the northern border of Namihia to prevent terrorist incursions and to protect the local inhabitants. This is being done at the explicit request of the governments of Ovamboland, Kavango and Caprivi.
1977
24 January
Introducing a motion of no-confidence in the government, the leader of the United Party (UP) Sir de Villiers Graaff delineates the multiple dimensions of the crisis facing South Africa - in economics, race relations and international affairs. He argues that it is time to destroy apartheid before it destroys South Africa.
1977
25 January
A group of clergymen of seven Christian churches - including the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Methodist churches - calling themselves ‘Ministers Fraternal’ publish a report blaming the riot police for their role in the violence in the Cape Town townships at Christmas 1976. Their report is banned.
The Minister of Justice and Police, J. Kruger claims the internal unrest and riots are not the result of the government’s apartheid policies but are instigated by Communists and the ANC.
Under an Indemnity Bill, retroactive to 16 June 1976, police and other members of security forces acting in good faith to prevent disorder, maintain public safety or preserve life and property, will be immune from civil or criminal prosecution. It is passed with the support of the opposition, on 1 February 1977.
Under the Civil Protection Bill, introduced on this date, the Minister of Defence is given power to declare a State of Emergency for three months in the event of natural disasters, or internal disorders and civil disruption.
1977
27 January
Police in Cape Town arrest thirty two members of the Comrades Movement, a student organization arising from the unrest in the townships in 1976. They face several charges of arson.
Prime Minister Vorster denies the possibility of South Africa pressuring the Rhodesian government into accepting a dictated solution. Demands to shut South Africa’s borders and impose boycotts will not be acceded to.
1977
1 February
KwaZulu proclaimed a self-governing territory.
1977
5 February
The government, for the first time, releases the official list of all detained under the Preventive Detention clause of the Internal Security Act since its introduction on 11 August 1976. The total number of detainees is given as 135.
1977
9 February
The Prime Ministers of South Africa and Rhodesia meet in Cape Town for talks on the Rhodesian problem and the possibilities for settlement.
Signs a multilateral trade proces verbal extending the declaration on the provisional accession of Colombia to GATT.
1977
10 February
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference decides to uphold the rights of conscientious objectors, expresses its perturbation over reports of police brutality and deaths in detention, calls for an investigation and protests against the provision of legal indemnity for the police. At the close of their conference, a twenty-one point action programme is issued for guidance in future stances to be taken.
1977
11 February
In a ‘Declaration of Commitment’ the Bishops’ Conference states it will promote black consciousness in solidarity with all those who work for the legitimate aspirations of oppressed people.
The appointment of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, R.F. ‘Pik’ Botha, as the country’s next Foreign Minister, is announced by the Prime Minister and welcomed by black delegates at the United Nations.
1977
12 February
The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Leabua Jonathan, claims the whole of the Orange Free State, Matatiele in Natal, the Herschel district in the Transkei and the Southern Sotho homeland of Qwa Qwa for Lesotho - areas, he says, fraudulently taken from it during the Basotho wars.
1977
13 February
‘Kowie’ Marais announces that it has not been possible for the opposition parties to arrive at an agreed interpretation of the ‘fourteen principles’ contained in his programme.
1977
15 February
Between March 1976 and 15 February 1977, a total of eighteen black people have died while in police custody, the causes of death being officially described as suicide, accident or natural causes.
1977
17 February
The Anglican church joins the growing confrontation between church and state, when the Archbishop of Cape Town, the Most Rev. William Barnett issues a statement condemning South African society as morally indefensible. He expresses particular concern over deaths in detention and the imprisonment and interrogation of people ‘until they die’.
1977
23 February
The Minister of Justice and the Police, Jimmy Kruger states that a full-scale judicial commission of inquiry into deaths in detention is not necessary since there is a full judicial enquiry into each separate death.
1977
24 February - 26 February
Justice spokesman for the opposition parties, Radclyffe Cadman for the United Party, and Helen Suzman for the Progressive Reform Party, reject Kruger’s explanations and call for a full-scale judicial commission of enquiry.
1977
March
Fietas, Johannesburg: The people of Pageview stage a spontaneous march from Pageview to the Oriental Plaza, through the Plaza and back to Pageview to register their protest against their evictions
1977
2 March
The United Party suffers reverses in municipal elections in the Transvaal and fails to contest the Randburg seats because of internal dissension. It loses control of Johannesburg for the first time in thirty-one years. Of the forty-six seats in this key election, the National Party wins fifteen (a gain of five), the Progressive Reform Party nineteen (a gain of two) and the United Party eleven.
1977
7 March
The Defence Amendment Bill, first published on 31 January 1977, becomes law. Under it the State President is empowered to invoke powers of censorship and of commandeering premises. Service in defence of the Republic now includes anti-terrorist operations as well as the prevention and suppression of internal disorder and there can be greater flexibility and speed in mobilization.
1977
8 March
Chief Matanzima names various areas of South Africa that should be added to Transkei. The Ministry of Bantu Administration denies that any historical claim to the land exists. Any land still to be acquired by Transkei has already been scheduled in the 1976 agreement.
1977
9 March
Paramount Chief Sigcau of Transkei tells the Assembly that legislation is to be introduced making it a capital offence to criticize Transkeian sovereignty or office bearers of the state. It will be made retrospective to October 1975.
1977
10 March
In the Senate the United Party calls for the convening by the Prime Minister of a conference of all race groups to discuss a constitutional structure which would satisfy the legitimate political aspirations of all groups. John Vorster rejects this call, reiterating that the National Party did not, and never would support power-sharing between whites and blacks.
The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development, M.C. Botha, reports that following Transkei’s land claims a thorough inquiry was by the South African Archives into the documents and charts involving the land concerned. No claim to the land can be substantiated. The report has been made available to Chief Matanzima.
Under the Criminal Procedure Bill, opposed by both the United Party and he Progressive Reform Party, the judicial system is altered by the introduction of pre-trial interrogation by judicial officers.
1977
16 March
Indemnity Act No 2:
Retrospective to 16 June 1976
Commenced: 16 March 1977
IN FORCE: PUBLIC SERVICE.
1977
19 March
In a joint declaration the leaders of the United Party. Sir de Villiers Graaff and the Democratic Party, Theo Gerdener, express their agreement to form a new party on the basis of equal rights for all racial groups in South Africa. No actual unification is immediately announced.
1977
21 March
Steven Biko, former SASO leader, released on 30 November 1976 after temporary detention under security laws, is re-arrested.
1977
30 March
During an emergency debate in Transkei’s Parliament in Umtata, Chief Matanzima threatens to cut diplomatic links with South Africa and to launch an ‘armed struggle’ unless the land claim to East Griqualand is settled. The opposition leader, Cromwell Diko, hints at possible military assistance from the Soviet Union.
In the 1977-78 Budget introduced by the Minister of Finance, Senator Owen Horwood, the amount to be spent on defence is given as Rl,654 in., twenty-two per cent more than in 1976-77 and constituting more than 18 per cent of the national budget. To raise money the Defence Force will launch a Defence Bond scheme.
1977
31 March
A Defence White Paper analyzes South Africa’s defence requirements in the context of the Soviet and Cuban intervention in Angola. South Africa is to be placed on a war footing.
1977
1 April
‘Pik’ Botha becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs, in succession to Dr. Hilgard Muller who retires.
1977
2 April
The South African Newspapers’ Union issues its own press code for the daily handling of news.
South Africa:Signs treaty with Botswana on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
1977
15 April
South Africa:Signs multilateral agreement on the total catch quota of hake in 1977.
1977
25 April
The Chief of Staff (Operations) says that the development of South Africa’s defence has made the country completely self-sufficient from an arms point of view.
The government for the first time allows twenty local journalists, five correspondents of international news agencies and two official photographers to visit the prison on Robben Island, where 370 men convicted under security legislation are held. The material conditions are considered in general to be satisfactory, but the lack of contact with the outside world is very severe.
1977
27 April
Police confront some 10,000 students demonstrating against rent increases in Soweto and violence ensues. The offices of the Urban Bantu Council in Soweto are attacked. The government later suspends rent increases for one month, pending investigation of alternative financing.
1977
May
Sisulu's daughter Lindiwe released from prison.
1977
9 May
A Second Defence Amendment Bill passes its final stages in the House of Assembly, with the support of the entire opposition. The existing twelve months’ maximum national service will be increased to twenty-four months and the subsequent period of service increased to a maximum of 240 days.
1977
11 May
According to a report by the South African Institute of Race Relations, a total of 617 black persons, of whom it names 558, are known to have died by violence since June 1976 in the townships, including at least eighty five children and youths, of whom fifty three have been shot.
In a by-election at Westdene, Johannesburg, ‘Pik’ Botha as National Party candidate defeats the Herstigte Nasionale Party by 9,126 votes to 652 - the biggest majority ever obtained in a Parliamentary election. The opposition United Party did not contest the seat.
1977
12 May
Pik’ Botha sees his election victory as a mandate to bring about internal change and to move away from discrimination.
1977
16 May
Winnie Mandela, placed under restriction in Soweto on 28 December 1976 is now banished to a black township outside Brandfort, Orange Free State. She is free to live in Swaziland, or Transkei, but elects to remain in South Africa.
1977
17 May
A committee of inquiry appointed by the Administrators of Natal and the Cape Province, declares that East Griqualand (claimed by Transkei) has never been a black tribal territory, but has for 115 years been an area of Griqua, coloured and white settlement. The area is subsequently transferred from the Cape Province to Natal with effect from 1 January 1978.
1977
19 May - 20 May
The United States Vice President, Walter Mondale and the Prime Minister, John Vorster, meet in Vienna for two days of high level talks. Some measure of agreement is reached on the Namibia and Rhodesia situations, but on the central issue of the government’s apartheid policies, vital differences in outlook remain.
1977
21 May - 22 May
The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young, pays a two-day visit to South Africa at the invitation of Harry Oppenheimer. He meets Soweto student leaders, black and white community leaders, newspaper editors and addresses a business dinner. He maintains economic pressure can bring about radical changes.
1977
24 May
Minister of National Education, Dr. Piet Koornbof, tells a conference in Cape Town that South Africa is moving in the direction of a confederal or canton’ political system, and cultural pluralism. He is publicly supported by the Minister of Defence, P.W. Botha, chairman of the special committee on adaptations to the present Westminster-style of government.
The leadership of the Herstigte Nasionale Party is relinquished by its veteran founder, Dr. Albert Hertzog. He is succeeded by the deputy leader, Jaap Marais.
1977
27 May
The Independent United Party decides to adopt the name of the South African Party (SAP).
The Prime Minister rejects the idea of a ‘canton’ system saying it is certainly not practical politics at this stage.
1977
28 May
At its inaugural Congress in Pretoria, the South African Party commits itself to a federal or confederal solution to the country’s political future, the maintenance of separate group identities under white leadership, and the rejection of power-sharing at every level.
Differences about citizen and land become a major issue between the government and the Bophuthatswana ‘homeland’, due to become independent in December 1977.
1977
June
Sisulu's daughter Lindiwe goes into exile.
1977
June - October
Political unrest results in destruction of property by rioting demonstrators, in clashes with police and in hundreds of arrests. The authorities nevertheless reaffirm their ability to maintain law and order.
1977
June
The Urban Bantu Councils collapsed when the majority of its members resigned under pressure from students.
1977
3 June
The Explosives Amendment Bill is supported by all parties. It provides for a minimum sentence of three years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for threatening to explode any explosive device or knowingly to render false information in respect of a threatened explosion. During 1976 the police had had to investigate 149 bomb threats.
1977
4 June
A five year restriction order is served on Father S. Mkhatshwa, Secretary of the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), signed by the Minister of Justice.
1977
10 June - 11 June
Second International Trade Union Conference for Action against Apartheid, Palais des Nations, Geneva, organised by the Workers' Group of the ILO Governing Body in cooperation with the UN Special Committee against Apartheid.
1977
10 June - 11 June
Second International Trade Union Conference for Action against Apartheid, Palais des Nations, Geneva, organised by the Workers' Group of the ILO Governing Body in cooperation with the Special Committee against Apartheid.
1977
11 June
It is announced that Security Police have arrested the leader of the Soweto Students’ Representative Council (SSRC), Dan S. Montsitsi in connection with plans to commemorate the Soweto uprisings. Four white students are also arrested in the same connection.
Stellenbosch University announces that it is to open its doors to black, coloured and Asian students for all post-graduate degree courses and will also accept non-white undergraduates for courses not offered at their own universities.
1977
15 June
Sporadic outbreaks of violence occur on the anniversary of the Soweto, Sharpeville riots, but there are fewer incidents than were anticipated and the called for work stayaway is only partially successful.
1977
16 June - 19 June
A four-day conference to examine racism, colonialism and apartheid in South Africa is held in Lisbon, Portugal, organized by an Afro-Arab solidarity group, the United Nations and the Helsinki-based World Peace Council. It is timed to coincide with the Sharpeville anniversary.
1977
20 June
Twelve Africans (eleven men and one woman) appear in court in Pretoria accused of setting up a transport route to smuggle recruits out of South Africa through Swaziland into Mozambique for military training and of using the same route to bring arms, ammunition and explosives back into the country. The charges also include creating secret cells for banned organizations and sabotage of a railway line in October 1976.
1977
23 June
The Chief Executive Officer of the Kangwane Territorial Authority, Chief M. Dhlamini, is removed from office following a vote of no-confidence after he refuses to sign a land consolidation proposal by Pretoria. In a Supreme Court action against the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development, it is found that Dhlamini has been wrongfully deposed and that the subsequent election of Enos J. Mabusa, and six others, is null and void.
Violence erupts in Soweto again and at least 146 arrests are made by the police. 24 June 1977 The programme for a new white ‘centrist’ party is published by Sir de Villiers Graaff, leader of the United Party, Vause Raw, Chairman of the UP’s steering committee and Theo Gerdener, leader of the Democratic Party. A confederal basis is recommended. 28 June 1977 The United Party, the official opposition since 1948, disbands itself. The decision to disband is opposed by a group of Parliamentarians. a senator and six members of the House of Assembly led by J.D. du P. (Japie) Basson, who intends to cooperate with the Progressive Reform Party to form a new opposition.
1977
29 June
A new opposition party, the New Republic Party (NRP) is formed at a special congress in Johannesburg, by a merger between the United Party and the Democratic Party.
1977
30 June
The Security Police detain J. Tugwana of the Rand Daily Mail, the fifth journalist to be held without trial since February 1977.
1977
July
End July:Two contentious pieces of legislation come into operation. The first, the Criminal Procedure Act, replacing an earlier Act of the same name, effectively replaces the British-style ‘innocent until proved guilty’ system with the continental inquisitorial system, but without the checks and balances European countries have developed. The second, the Lower Courts Amendment Act, vests considerable new powers in the country’s regional courts, providing magistraters with the jurisdiction to hear terrorism and sabotage cases, greatly increasing the scope of the Terrorism Act.
1977
July
It is announced that heavily armed police are patrolling the border to intercept armed insurgents from entering the country and to prevent youths from leaving for military training.
1977
6 July
The Coloured Labour Party strengthened its position by forging an alliance with six members of the Coloured Representative Council (CRC) founded on the rejection of apartheid. Unity talks are held and it is decided unequivocally to tell the government that the present political dispensation is unacceptable.
1977
14 July
The New Zealand government announces steps to discourage sporting contacts with South Africa.
1977
22 July
Criminal Procedure Act No 51:
Consolidates the law relating to procedure in criminal proceedings. Repeals the 1955 Criminal Procedure Act and its numerous amendments except for ss 319(3) and 384.
Commenced: 22 July 1977
IN FORCE (as amended by the Criminal Procedure Second Amendment Act No 75 of 1995): CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE.
1977
22 July
Intelligence Service and State Security Council Act No 16:
Provided for a state security advisory board in which South Africa played a role.
Commenced: 22 July 1977
1977
23 July
The co-founder of the recently formed New Republic Party, Theo Gerdener, announces that he is withdrawing his support from it.
1977
23 July
With her underground cell arrested Phyllis is ordered to leave the
country. She leaves for Lesotho.
1977
25 July
The trial ends in the Natal Supreme Court in Pietermaritzburg of five Africans - all of whom have previous convictions for subversive activities or sabotage - with sentences of life imprisonment. Four others are sentenced to prison terms of from seven to eighteen years for various terrorist activities. Among the defendants, described by the Judge as dedicated revolutionaries, is Themba Harry Gwala. 26 July 1977 The ‘Committee of 10’ formed by prominent Soweto residents, issue a programme for the election of a new community board to have total autonomy in Soweto including powers to levy taxes and to control education, the police and local elections. The Minister of Justice rejects this and the government remains committed to community councils with limited powers, control being retained by the Bantu Administration Board.
1977
27 July - 31 July
There is further unrest in the townships throughout the country including those of Alexandra (Northern Johannesburg), Atteridgeville and Saulsville (Pretoria) and in Soweto.
1977
29 July
A prisoner in the isolation section at Robben Island is caught in possession of an exercise book in which notes were made of the history of the so-called freedom struggle. The documents are referred to a graphologist of the SA Police who, on 17 August 1977, certifies that the documents had been drawn up by Sisulu and Mandela.
1977
August - September
Long prison sentences are imposed in a number of trials for subversive activities.
1977
August - September
The government’s constitutional proposals are widely rejected by black and coloured leaders and severely criticized by white opposition leaders and academics.
1977
3 August
Dr. Motlana, on behalf of the ‘Committee of 10’ repeats the call for non-ethnic elections for an autonomous Soweto city council.
1977
10 August
About 100 white sympathisers join evicted black squatters in a passive protest against the demolition of shanty dwellings outside Cape Town. This was the third day of an operation to remove an estimated 26,000 squatters from three camps.
Signs multilateral treaty relating to the meeting of the whaling nations to allocate quotas for 1976/77 and 1977 whaling seasons.
1977
12 August
Military Discipline Act No 23:
Specified punishment for military disobedience.
Commenced: 12 August 1977
1977
13 August
The Foreign Minister of France said at a press conference in Nairobi that no new contract for arms sales to South Africa can be signed in France.
1977
16 August
The Minister of Justice asks for an extension of emergency powers granted to one area troubled by faction fighting to the entire KwaZulu ‘homeland’. His request is turned down.
1977
18 August
Aliens and Travellers Control Act No 29:
Provided for the control and monitoring of aliens, and for refusal of entry.
Commenced: 18 August 1978
1977
20 August
The constitutional proposals are approved by a special session of the National Party Parliamentary caucus. They are subsequently approved unanimously by National Party congresses in the Cape Province, Natal and the Orange Free State.
1977
22 August - 26 August
World Conference for Action against Apartheid, Lagos, organised by the United Nations in cooperation with the Organisation of African Unity and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
1977
22 August - 26 August
World Conference for Action against Apartheid, Lagos, organised by the United Nations in co-operation with the OAU and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
1977
23 August
American President Carter announces at a press conference that South Africa has promised that no nuclear explosive test will be made now or in the future.
1977
24 August
Government proposals for a new constitutional dispensation are disclosed by the Prime Minister John Vorster. They involve the creation of three separate Parliaments, for whites, coloureds and Asians, of the office of an executive State Presidents, of a Cabinet Council drawn from the three Parliaments, and of an advisory President Council.
1977
26 August
The Prime Minister attacks the double standards of foreign countries in the nuclear field, but announces, conditionally, his willingness to discuss South Africa’s accession to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
1977
31 August
The Prime Minister gives further details of the constitutional plan at a meeting in Durban. While Indian and coloured people are entitled to political rights no separate Parliament is to be created to accommodate urban blacks. Legislation already exists for them to elect their own town councils with powers greater than other local authorities. Also they exercise their political rights in their own homelands.
1977
2 September
The Bophuthatswana electoral office publishes the results of the general election giving Chief Lucas Mangope’s Democratic Party a landslide victory over the opposition Seoposengwe Party.
1977
2 September
Foreign Minister ‘Pik’ Botha pays a two-day visit to Israel when Southern African issues are discussed with Prime Minister Begin and Foreign Minister Dayan.
1977
2 September
Acquisition of Immovable Property Control Act No 21:
Provided for state expropriation and other powers.
Commenced: 2 September 1977
1977
4 September
Foreign Minister ‘Pik’ Botha meets the President of the Ivory Coast at Lake Geneva for talks covering the dangers threatening Africa internally and externally, and including the Rhodesian situation.
1977
5 September
The Progressive Reform Party and the Basson group merge as the Progressive Federal Party (PFP) with Cohn Eglin as party leader, Ray Swart as party chairman and ‘Japie’ Basson as deputy chairman. Its seven key principles include full citizenship rights for all South Africans and the negotiation of a new constitution at a national convention.
1977
9 September
Full details of the proposed constitutional dispensation are given in a memorandum delivered to the Coloured Persons’ Representative Council (CPRC) by the Minister of Coloured Relations, and released on 11 September 1977 by sources close to their Executive. The details are also revealed officially by the Transvaal leader of the National Party, Dr. Connie Mulder, who claims it to be an honest well-intentioned offer.
1977
12 September
Death in detention of Stephen Bantu Biko, the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement.
1977
12 September
The death in detention of Steven Biko, founder and first President of the South African Students’ Organization (SASO), and later honorary President of the Black People’s Convention (BPC) arouses serious internal and international reactions. The circumstances of his death are the subject of
statements by the Minister of Justice, J. Kruger, on 12, 14 and 16 September. Messages of concern continue including those from Cyrus Vance US Secretary of State and Dr. Kurt Waldheim, the United Nations Secretary-General.
1977
12 September
Steve Biko dies in detention in Pretoria after being tortured and beaten by security police. Magistrate Prins delivered the following verdict:
a)The identity of the deceased is Stephen Bantu Biko, Black man, approximately 30 years old;
b)Date of death: 12 September 1977;
c)Cause or likely cause of death: Head injury with associated extensive brain injury, followed by contusion of the blood circulation, disseminated intravascular coagulation as well as renal failure with uraemia. The head injury was probably sustained during the deceased was involved in a scuffle with members of the Security Branch of the South African Police at Port Elizabeth.
1977
12 September
The founder and first president of the South African Students Organisation (SASO). Mr Steve Biko, became the 40th person to die in detention. Ten people died in detention that year.
1977
13 September
At the Transvaal National Party Congress the constitutional proposals are accepted by 1,236 votes out of 1,243.
1977
19 September
The Coloured Persons’ Representative Council (CPRC) decide to reject the government’s constitutional proposals and call for a National Convention to negotiate a new constitutional dispensation.
The Trade Union Council of South Africa (TUCSA) elects its first black chairman, Ronnie Webb, at the Council’s annual congress in Durban.
1977
20 September
The Prime Minister announces in Pretoria that he has decided that the House of Assembly and the four Provincial Councils should be dissolved and fresh elections be held on 30 November 1977. Nominations must be declared on 20 October 1977.
Signs trade agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany.
1977
20 September
Foreign Ministers of the European Communities, meeting in Brussels, adopted a code of conduct for corporations operating in South Africa. (The United Kingdom and the Netherlands had adopted such codes earlier).
1977
21 September
Signs agreement with Mozambique on air pooling between SAA and DETA.
1977
22 September
It is reported that the President, Vice-President and Secretary-General of the Hervormde (Reformed Church of the Netherlands) have been refused visas to visit South Africa.
1977
23 September
The Netherlands government suspends its cultural agreement with South Africa and proposed visits by several other Dutch groups are cancelled.
1977
25 September
Steven Biko’s funeral in King William’s Town is attended by some 15,000 people. Twelve Western diplomats are present, including the American Ambassador.
1977
30 September
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva, bans South Africa from further meetings of the organization and to seek its expulsion from its membership.
The ban on open-air gatherings is further extended until 31 March 1978.
The Ciskei ‘homeland’ government proclaims the introduction of emergency powers, after violent incidents and rioting. The powers allow for ninety days without trial, banishment without decree, prohibition of unauthorized meetings and heavy fines or prison sentences for showing disrespect or disobedience to chiefs and headmen, who remain the instruments of official policy.
Radclyffe M. Cadman is elected national leader of the New Republic Party (NRP). He expects opposition parties to cooperate, but is confident the NRP will become the government of South Africa.
1977
October
The South African government bans 17 organisations and some newspapers.
1977
1 October
Labour Relations Act:
Transkei’s equivalent of the Labour Relations Act [SA].
Commenced: 1 October 1977
Labour Act No 14:
Set out further requirements for labour in Transkei.
Commenced: 1 October 1977
Wage Act No 15:
Provided for a minimum wage and wage regulation bodies.
Commenced: 1 October 1977
1977
3 October
M.C. Botha, Minister of Bantu Administration and Development announces that he will not stand for re-election and will resign as Minister in November 1977.
1977
5 October
Sir de Villiers Graaff announces his retirement from politics, having been leader of the opposition from 1956 until the dissolution of the United Party on 28 June 1977.
1977
7 October
A government notice gazetted on this date provides for the establishment of an Ndebele Tribal Authority.
1977
7 October
Public Security Act No 30:
Repealed all security laws applicable in South Africa (including the 1950 Suppression of Communism Act, the 1930 Riotous Assemblies Act and the 1960 Unlawful Organisations Act). Further, it repealed the Proclamation 400 of 1960 but retained some of its provisions (Horrell 1978: 230; SRR 1977: 336; Dugard 1978: 96).
Commenced: 7 October 1977
Sections 44 and 45 repealed by the State of Emergency Act No 86 of 1995.
1977
12 October
Signs multilateral agreement on the additional act of 1972, amending the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
1977
16 October
A total of 128 members of the United States Congress, from both the Democratic and Republican parties send a written request to the South African Ambassador in Washington urging the government to invite an appropriate international body to examine South Africa’s laws and practices relating to detention and to make recommendations, with special reference to the death of Mr. Biko.
1977
19 October
Following a Cabinet decision on 18 October 1977, the government, by proclamation under the Internal Security Act, declared eighteen organizations unlawful, arrested some seventy leading Africans, placed a number of people in restriction (including Donald Woods) and closed down the daily newspaper ‘The World’ and its associated ‘Weekend World’. The actions provoke worldwide shock and protest. The Minister of Justice issues a statement justifying these draconian measures, and declares the organizations concerned a threat to law and order. The principal associations affected include the Black People’s Convention (BPC), the South African Students’ Organization (SASO), the Black Parents’ Association, the Black Women’s Federation and the Union of Black
Journalists. Persons arrested included eight members of the Soweto ‘Committee of 10’.
Emergency powers are proclaimed by the government of Venda.
The Foreign Minister hands over a seventy-six room presidential palace, which cost an estimated R1 .8 m. to build to Transkei Head of State, Chief Botha Sigcau as a gift from the Pretoria government. Transkei will celebrate its first anniversary of independence on 26 October 1977.
The United States declares that the Carter Administration will be re-examining its relations with the South African government.
1977
19 October
South African Police (SAP) jail dozens of government opponents not previously detained, including The World editor Percy Qoboza.
Banning orders are issued to Beyers Naudé and Donald Woods, two prominent Whites who had publicly supported Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM). Justice Minister, Jimmy Kruger places bans on all movements affiliated with the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM). Along with South African Students' Organisation (SASO) and Black People's Convention (BPC) the following organisations are included in the bannings: AASECA, the Black Parents Association, the Black Women's Federation, the Border Youth Organisation, the Christian Institute of Southern Africa (a multi-racial organisation of anti-apartheid churchmen), the Eastern Province Youth Organisation, the Medupe Writers' Association, the Natal Youth Organisation, the Transvaal Youth Organisation, the Union of Black Journalists, and the Western Cape Youth Organisation.
1977
19 October
The South African Government banned 17 organisations, including major Black Consciousness organisations, in a massive repression of people’s resistance. World and Weekend World, black newspapers, were banned.
1977
19 October
Major black consciousness and other organisations were banned. Fourty-two people were detained and at least seven people were banned. Various newspapers including The World, the Weekend World and a Christian Institute publication, Pro Verlate, were banned.
1977
21 October - 25 October
The United States, the Netherlands, Great Britain, West Germany and Belgium all recall their Ambassadors for consultations.
1977
21 October
Lebowa: Bantu Administration Amendment Act:
Commenced: 21 October 1977
1977
24 October
As the United Nations Security Council debate on South Africa opens in New York, a major diplomatic effort begins to deal with South Africa’s severe treatment of its critics and with African demands for mandatory United Nations sanctions.
The Minister of Justice, Police and Prisons receives a report of a police investigation into Mr. Biko’s death and a post-mortem report submitted to the Attorney General of the Transvaal and signed by Professor Johan Loubser, Chief State Pathologist, by Professor 1W. Simpson (University of Pretoria) and by Jonathan Gluckman (pathologist appointed by the Biko family) whose findings are unanimous. Death has been caused by extensive brain damage. Mr. Biko has sustained at least a dozen injuries between eight days and twelve hours of his death.
1977
26 October
The Attorney General of the Transvaal, Jacobus E. Nothling, announces that an inquest into Biko’s death will be held, but that he would not institute criminal proceedings. On 28 October the Attorney General of the Eastern Cape, Carel van der Walt, also declines to institute criminal proceedings.
1977
27 October
President Carter announces that the United States government will support the decision against the sale of arms to South Africa.
1977
28 October
Newspaper and Imprint Registration Act No 19:
Required newspapers to be registered and conform to a code of conduct.
Commenced: 28 October 1977
1977
November
The UN Security Council declared that a further acquisition of arms by South Africa would be a threat to international peace. An indefinite arms embargo was imposed.
The National Party won 134 seats in the general election, the highest proportion ever gained by one party in South Africa. 401 people were charged in security trials.
1977
1 November
Signs Convention on Road Traffic.
1977
2 November
Benin, Libya and Mauritius insist that the United Nations Security Council bypass the Western powers arms embargo resolution and instead take up a series of hardline African resolutions paving the way for a total economic and diplomatic blockade of South Africa. They force their resolutions to a vote and America, Britain and France exercise their vetoes.
The South African Indian Council (SAIC) unanimously rejects the government’s proposed new constitution, after two days of lengthy debate and widespread opposition by other Indian leaders.
The United States Secretary of State, Cyrus Vance, announces that two further diplomats have been withdrawn from South Africa, and that the United States will prohibit all exports of military and police equipment to South Africa.
1977
3 November
After a meeting between the Prime Minister John Vorster, with his Ministers of Bantu Administration and seven of the eight ‘homeland’ leaders, a statement is issued in Pretoria that influx control regulations are to be amended to provide greater freedom of movement for urban blacks. ‘Pass books’ are to be abolished and replaced by documents issued by the ‘homeland’ governments.
1977
4 November
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopts a seven-point resolution imposing a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa.
1977
4 November
Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 418 (1977) imposing mandatory arms embargo against South Africa.
1977
4 November
Security Council resolution 418 (1977) imposing mandatory arms embargo against South Africa.
1977
8 November
The French Ministry of Defence will no longer permit delivery of two escort vessels (corvettes) and two submarines under construction in French naval yards.
The Prime Minister, reacting to the arms embargo, says that the measure, even if supplemented by an oil embargo, will not seriously harm the Republic.
1977
9 November
It is announced that Transkei and South Africa have signed an extradition agreement. Transkei authorities refuse to say whether it covers political offences. Transkei Interior Minister, Stella Sigcau, daughter of the country’s President Botha Sigcau, resigns. No reason is given.
The Prime Minister of Swaziland says that his government will not allow the country to be used as a base for guerrilla attacks against South Africa. He denies that there are training camps within Swaziland.
1977
10 November
The Minister of Finance, Senator Owen Horwood, announces the government is to spend an additional R250 m. on low-cost housing for Blacks, Coloureds and Asians during the next three years. Changes in property rights will give security of tenure to Blacks living in urban areas.
Signs agreement of co-operation with France regarding the Koeberg Nuclear Power Units 1 & 2.
1977
11 November
The government adopts powers enabling the Minister of Economic Affairs to compel companies to produce strategic and military goods should the need arise. The main consideration is preventing parent companies from controlling the operations of South African subsidiaries should they attempt to forbid local production of strategic equipment.
1977
13 November
The Anglican Bishop of Lesotho, the Rev. Desmond Tutu announces that he is giving up his current post to become Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) which is taking an increasingly radical position against apartheid.
1977
14 November
The Chairman of the Olympic Games organizing committee announces that Rhodesia and South Africa will be excluded from the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
The inquest into the death of Black Consciousness leader, Steve Biko, opens in Pretoria. Evidence given concerning the autopsy report is widely reported both locally and overseas.
1977
15 November
A non-aggression pact between Bophutliatswana and South Africa is the first of sixty-six treaties signed by the two governments at a special pre-independence ceremony in Pretoria. The agreements will take effect on 6 December 1977.
1977
17 November
A black high school student, Sipho Malaza dies while in Security Police custody. His death is the twenty-first in detention since March 1976.
The P.K. le Roux Dam, an integral part of the Orange River development project to provide electric power, irrigation and flood control - is officially inaugurated by John Vorster the Prime Minister. It was constructed at a cost of R94m.
1977
18 November
The United Nation’s Special Committee against Apartheid approves a draft international declaration against apartheid in sports.
1977
21 November
A Soweto Action Committee is formed to back the plan for the future of Soweto proposed by the ‘Committee of 10’ most of whose members are in detention.
1977
23 November
A National Party candidate and leading economist, Dr. Robert Smit and his wife, Jeanne-Cora, are found murdered in their home in Springs in curious circumstances. Police decline to offer any interpretation.
1977
24 November
A bomb explodes in the Carlton Centre, Johannesburg, injuring sixteen people.
1977
30 November
John Vorster achieves an overwhelming victory in the General Election, taking 136 of the 165 parliamentary seats. The National Party gains eighteen seats from the combined opposition parties. The only opposition party to hold its own is the Progressive Federal Party, which now becomes the official opposition with seventeen seats. The New Republic Party retain ten, the South African Party win three, the Herstigte Nasionale Party none.
1977
1 December
Counsel for Steve Biko’s family, Sydney Kentridge, makes his final submission calling for a verdict that Steve Biko died as the result of a criminal assault on him by one or more of the eight members of the Security Police in whose custody he was on 6 and 7 September. During his four hour address Sydney Kentridge reserves his most serious criticism for two Security Police officers, Colonel Piet Goosen and Major Harold Snyman and two doctors who examined Steve Biko, Dr. Ivor Lang and Dr. Benjamin Tucker.
1977
2 December
The fifteen-day inquest into the death of Steve Biko ends with a three-minute finding by the presiding magistrate, Martinus Prins, who rules that no one can be found criminally responsible for his death in detention. The verdict causes deep concern within South Africa and a storm of protest overseas. Shock is expressed by the United States Secretary of State and consternation by the United Nations Secretary-General.
Two members of Steve Biko’s family, as well as eight other blacks, some of them friends of the Biko family, are detained by police in a pre-dawn raid in Soweto.
1977
3 December
The record of the Biko inquest will now go to the Attorney General of Transvaal who can decide whether there should be any further investigation or any other action taken.
1977
6 December
Bophuthatswana becomes independent at midnight. Its Parliament sits for the first time and elects Chief Lucas Mangope as the country’s ñrst President. He immediately raises the issues of land consolidation and citizenship. A twelve-man Cabinet, including two whites, is appointed.
1977
6 December
Bophuthatswana becomes an independent homeland.
1977
8 December
Sir David Napley, President of the Law Society of England (who attended the Biko inquest as an independent observer at the invitation of the Association of Law Societies of South Africa) issues a twenty-five page report on the inquest in which he severely criticizes police procedure, evidence and investigation (‘perfuctory in the extreme’). Regarding the magistrate’s findings he is in accord, but adds I do not, however, apprehend that it would have been irregular for the Magistrate to have found that the death was caused by one or more of a group of persons without specifying such persons with particularity’.
1977
9 December
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopts an
African-sponsored resolution setting up a United Nations committee to monitor enforcement of the mandatory arms embargo decreed against South Africa on 4 November 1977.
1977
14 December
The United Nations General Assembly in its thirty-second regular session passes fourteen resolutions on the policy of apartheid and a further resolution on 16 December 1977.
1977
14 December
International Declaration against Apartheid in Sports proclaimed by the General Assembly [resolution 32/105M)].
1977
14 December
International Declaration against Apartheid in Sports proclaimed by the General Assembly [resolution 32/105M)].
1977
16 December
South Africa:Signs an agreement for the application of safeguards and privileges with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
1977
20 December
Canada announces it is to withdraw all government support for trade with South Africa. Trade commissioners will be recalled and the Consulate-General in Johannesburg will close. Diplomatic relations will be maintained to give Canada the opportunity to impress on the South African government the necessity for change.
1978
P.W. Botha replaces John Voster as Prime Minister.
1978
Fietas, Johannesburg: By this year all the traders in the area had left and the Oriental Plaza was established in Fordsburg. Fietas had disappeared.
1978 - 1988
Fietas, Johannesburg: The name Pageview is used more regularly and becomes the generally used term. The area during this period was known as the ‘Malay Location’, ‘Fietas’, ‘Pageview’ and even ‘Vrededorp’, although Vrededorp, a white area, was in fact situated opposite Pageview.
1978
A new black political movement, the Azanian People’s Organization (AZAPO), is formed at an inaugural conference at Roodepoort, near Johannesburg. It is open to Blacks, Coloureds and Indians, but closed to Whites. It adopts the slogan of the banned Black People’s Convention - ‘One Azania, one People’ and will oppose all institutions created by the government, from homelands to Community Councils.
1978
Riotous Assemblies Amendment Act
Amended the 1956 Riotous Assemblies Act [SA] and made provisions relating to the prohibition of gatherings and the dispersal of unlawful gatherings.
1978
Marriage Act No 21:
Made further amendments to the Marriage Act No 4 of 1972, largely in keeping with South African trends.
Commenced: 2 July 1979
1978
Lebowa: Social Pensions Act No 11:
Commenced: 1 September 1979
1978 - 1979
Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Irregularities in the Former Department of Information
Mandate: To evaluate and make findings and recommendations on certain evidence of alleged irregularities in the former Department of Information which had come to light through other authorities and through the press; and [for the supplementary report] to extend the inquiry into new facets and areas brought to light in the course of the Commission’s first inquiry.
Date of Report: 1978, supplementary report 1979
Chair: ERASMUS, R.P.B.
Ref: RP 63/1979 (supplementary report)
1978
Mr P. W. Botha is elected as Prime Minister.
The (Coloured) Labour Party, (Indian) Reformed Party and Inkatha formed the South African Black Alliance.
1978
It is estimated that 4 000 refugees were undergoing military training in Angola, Mocambique, Libya and Tanzania.
1978
9 832 persons were removed to the homelands.
1978
1 096 publications were banned and 300 films banned or subjected to age restrictions and excision.
1978
Helen Suzman receives a United Nations Human Rights Award
1978 - 1980
Robert McBride assists his father in his workshop 'Utility Services'. At some point in 1978/79 his father begins burglar guards, fire-staircases and other light engineering steel work. This draws him away from his studies and favourite sport, rugby, at which he is very skilled but has little scope for development.
Robert is also involved in the collection of payment from customers, and has many encounters with gangs.
1978
Wits University stuns Kaizer Chiefs (3-2) in the first Mainstay Cup final.
1978
The American Television Channel, CBS, interviews Thabo Mbeki age 36 on the South African political situation and apartheid. Thabo give a hint that the ANC is abandoning the arm struggle and is prepare to negotiate for a peaceful transition of a democratic elected government in South Africa.
1978
January
Dr Richard Turner was shot dead in his home.
1978
1 January
The study privileges of Sisulu and Mandela are permanently withdrawn.
1978
6 January
Donald Woods, banned editor of the Daily Dispatch (East London) reaches Britain with his family, having fled South Africa via Lesotho and Botswana. The pro-government Afrikaans press launches a virulent campaign against him: the British and American press in contrast give wide and sympathetic coverage to the story of his escape.
1978
8 January
The murder of political scientist and author Dr. Richard Turner, in Durban, by an untraced assassin, is thought to have political implications. As one of eight leaders of NUSAS (the National Union of South African Students) Dr. Turner was served with a banning order in 1973.
1978
11 January
A meeting is held in Ulundi between Chief Gatsha Buthelezi (Inkatha), Sonny Leon (Coloured Labour Party) and Y.S. Chinsamy (Indian Reform Party) who agree to formulate a common strategy against the government’s race policies.
1978
12 January
The Transkei government is to ban the South African Methodist Church, and replace it with a Transkei Methodist Church, which will acquire all the previous church’s assets. The South African Council of Churches calls on Transkei to reconsider its decision.
1978
22 January
At a meeting of the newly organized Soweto Students’ League it is decided to continue the students’ boycott of State schools, to call for a national conference to launch a new education system and to take no part in elections to the Soweto Community Council.
1978
25 January
Government assurances are given that reform will be introduced, appeals for return to schools are made and between fifty and seventy per cent of pupils respond.
In a government reorganization following the elections of 30 November 1977, John Vorster reappoints most his Ministers, but mades a limited number of changes.
1978
26 January
Signs agreement with Taiwan on mutual fishing relations.
Amnesty International’s detailed report on human rights violations in South Africa is banned. It presents comprehensive documentation on deaths in detention, detention without trial, treatment of convicted political prisoners, bannings and banishment.
At the request of the African delegates, Donald Woods addresses the United Nations Security Council and urges member states to pursue a policy of disengagement from all ties with South Africa.
1978
31 January
Jimmy Kruger announces in the House of Assembly that new measures for the protection of political detainees and prisoners are being considered and that all police instructions on their treatment will be reviewed.
1978
February
Thabo Mbeki delivers a speech at the Seminar held in Ottawa in Canada about the historical injustice in South Africa.
Thabo Mbeki is recalled into the political mainstream at African National Congress headquarters in Lusaka. He is appointed Oliver Tambo's political secretary and Director of Information.
1978
1 February
When nominations for the Soweto Community Council close, only twenty-nine candidates have been nominated. Sixteen are later disqualified on technical grounds, nine are returned unopposed and the other four will stand for election in two wards.
1978
2 February
Chief Matanzima announces that all South Africans seconded to the Transkei Army will leave Transkei by 31 March 1978.
The Attorney-General of the Eastern Cape states that he will not prosecute any police involved in the arrest and detention of Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko.
1978
3 February
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, ‘Pik’ Botha, says in the House of Assembly that the Biko affair has done unending harm to South Africa.
1978
9 February
Winnie Mandela, restricted to a black township at Brandfort (Orange Free State), is sentenced to six months’ imprisonment (suspended for four years) for breaking her banning and house arrest order by receiving unauthorized visits by friends and relatives. Earlier four white women had been sentenced to prison terms for refusing to give evidence as to whether they had visited Winnie Mandela.
South Africa is to make its own missiles. Kentron (Pty) Ltd, a newly formed subsidiary of ARMSCOR (the South African Armaments Corporation) will produce these.
1978
15 February
The Prime Minister states that South Africa is still committed to granting independence to Namibia before the end of 1978.
1978
16 February
The Minister of Bantu Administration and Development, Dr. Connie Mulder, announces that he will in future be known as the Minister of Plural Relations and Development, reflecting the plural nature of the population.
1978
18 February
The election of the first government sponsored Soweto Community Council is poorly supported. Nine candidates are returned unopposed, nineteen wards attract no candidates at all. In the two wards contested the percentage poll is less than 6 per cent. The elections fill only eleven of the thirty seats.
1978
27 February
Robert M. Sobukwe, founder of the Pan Africanist Congress, dies of cancer at the age of fifty-three and is buried in his home town, Graaff Reniet.
1978
28 February
The Minister of Justice announces that detainees held under security laws will soon he allowed to have monthly visits from doctors and legal representatives.
1978
1 March
KwaZulu: Black Taxation Amendment Act No 13:
Commenced: 1 March 1978
1978
10 March
Percy Qoboza, editor of the banned newspaper, The World, is released from detention, together with nine other black leaders seized in security raids in October 1976.
1978
11 March
The government agrees to eliminate racial segregation in theatres but not in cinemas.
1978
13 March
The first public rally of the new South African Black Alliance (SABA) is held under the leadership of Chief Gatsha Buthelezi in Cape Town. Its main objective is to convene a National Convention of representatives of all population groups to seek a peaceful, negotiated solution to the country’s problems. The Dikwankwetla Party from the Qwa Qwa ‘homeland’ is joining the alliance. The organizations represented will not merge, however, since to do so would infringe the Political and Interference Act of 1968 which bans inter-racial mixing in political parties.
1978
15 March
A Durban magistrate rules that no one is to blame for the death of a young Indian dentist, Dr. Hoosen Haffejee, who died in police custody in August 1977. It is found that he committed suicide.
1978
21 March
South Africa is informed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it may not re-apply to join the world sporting body. Consequently South Africa will not be able to send any teams to the Olympic Games in Moscow.
It is reported that about 15,000 students have returned to secondary schools in Soweto and that thirty-two of the forty state-run schools in the townships will re-open by the beginning of April.
1978 - 1979
21 March - 20 March
International Anti-Apartheid Year [proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 32/105B of 14 December 1977].
1978 - 1979
21 March - 20 March
International Anti-Apartheid Year [proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 32/105B of 14 December 1977].
1978
23 March
Three more detainees are released: the Chairman of the ‘Committee of, Dr. N. Motlana, a member of the Committee, L. Mosala, and Soweto Journalist, Aggrey Klaaste.
1978
29 March
Chief Minister of Venda, Chief Patrick Mphephu is to hold talks with John Vorster on the issue of homeland independence.
1978
April
Mid-April. Brigadier C.F. Zietsman, the head of the Security Police, confirms that African National Congress (ANC) guerrillas have been involved in skirmishes with counter-insurgency forces in the Eastern Transvaal.
1978
April
End April.A new black political movement, the Azanian People’s Organization (AZAPO), is formed at an inaugural conference at Roodepoort, near Johannesburg. It is open to Blacks, Coloureds and Indians, but closed to Whites. It adopts the slogan of the banned Black People’s Convention - ‘One Azania, one People’ and will oppose all institutions created by the government, from homelands to Community Councils.
1978
April
The Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) is formed.
1978
1 April
The Office of the Canadian Consul-General in Johannesburg closes.
1978
4 April
Dr. Andries Treurnicht is re-appointed as a Deputy Minister of Plural Relations. Opposition spokesperson Helen Suzman calls this an insensitive move.
1978
5 April
Formation of Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO)
1978
10 April
Chief Kaiser Matanzima, Prime Minister of Transkei, announces that his government has decided to sever its diplomatic relations with the Republic of South Africa. The announcement follows the adoption of a Bill transfering the control of East Griqualand from Cape Province to Natal, with effect from 1 April 1978.
1978
11 April
Fifty Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) members arrested by Swaziland government orders, are to be expelled from Swaziland. They are accused of being involved in faction fighting and of providing arms and training people in the use of arms. South Africa has not requested their detention or deportation.
The South African Prime Minister expresses regret at Chief Matanzima’s declaration, which is to his own disadvantage, but states that South Africa will continue to honour its obligations to Transkei, including financial assistance.
1978
13 April
Chief Matanzima says he will demand majority rule in South Africa.
1978
17 April
Minister of Defence, P.W. Botha, announces that a new army base is to be built at Phalaborwa, and that a new airhase has been constructed at Hoedspruit in the Eastern Transvaal.
1978
25 April
Sixteen of the independent members of the Transkei Assembly announce that they have formed the Transkei National Progressive Party (TNPP) under the leadership of C. Mda, a former chief whip of the TNIP and earlier a member of the Democratic Party.
1978
28 April
The South African Defence Headquarters state that Transkei soldiers will not be admitted for training courses in South Africa until diplomatic relations are normalized.
Venda’s request for ‘independence’ has been granted and the second half of 1979 set as the target date.
1978
May
The Azanian Peoples Organisation (AZAPO) is formed to fill the gap left by the black consciousness movement, banned in 1977.
1978
2 May
PAC Central Committee announce in Dar es Salaam that its chairman, Potlako Leballo, is to retire for health reasons.
1978
4 May
AZAPO’s two principal leaders, I. Mkhabela and L. Mabasa are arrested in Soweto. Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu protests and queries why the authorities are so unwilling to listen to the voices of authentic black leaders.
1978
4 May
South African troops attacked Cassinga in Angola and killed hundreds of SWAPO refugees.
1978
6 May
Eschel Rhoodie, the Secretary for Information, reveals that he has been operating a secret fund for which he was accountable only to a three-member Cabinet Committee and which has never been approved by Parliament.
1978
8 May
The newly-formed Transkei National Progressive Party (TNPP) is recognized as the official opposition in the National Assembly.
John Vorster declares that he has personally authorized the Department of Information to use secret funds without Parliamentary approval for purposes in the highest national interest. There will be a full investigation into alleged irregularities.
1978
10 May
Transkei abrogates its non-aggression pact with South Africa. From this date, Chief Matanzima says no South African military aircraft will be allowed overflying rights, neither will ships of the South African Navy be allowed into Transkeian waters.
1978
12 May
The Minister of Justice, Police and Prisons, Jimmy Kruger, tells Parliament that nearly 700 terrorists were arrested in 1977 and of these ninety-one bad had terrorist training. At present sixty-six terrorist trials are in progress.
1978
19 May
Undesirable Organisations Act No 9:
Granted the state power to act against illegal organisations.
Commenced: 19 May 1978
1978
24 May
Legislation for three major components of the governments plans to defuse black grievances is introduced. Bills provide for ninety-nine year leases to be granted to qualified urban blacks; for black identity documents to be replaced by travel documents issued by ‘homeland’ governments; and for the
word ‘Bantu’ to be replaced by the word ‘Black’ in all government legislation.
1978
26 May
The Transkei Minister of Justice orders the Methodist Church of South Africa to cease all activities, and cede its property within six months. The property is insured for R3.6m.
1978
2 June
A new independent Methodist Church of Transkei is proclaimed at a conference in Umtata.
1978
3 June
Security Police chief. Brigadier C.F. Zietsman, announces that about 4 | | |
