SAIC conference opposes proposed legislation
Legislation
Date: 12 February, 1946
A five day conference of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) held in Cape Town, unanimously resolved to oppose the proposed Asiatic Land Tenure and Indian Representation Act (No. 28 of 1946) or "Ghetto Act". During the conference, a large deputation of sixty Indians called on the prime minister, Gen J.C. Smuts, on 11 February and urged him to postpone the legislation, pending a proposed round table conference with India. The SAIC proceeded immediately to prepare the Indian people of South Africa for concerted and prolonged resistance, which started in June and continued for several months. Delegations were also sent to India, Britain and the United States.
The Indian government protested against the Act by breaking off trade relations with South Africa and recalling its representative. In June 1946, India requested the secretary-general of the United Nations to put South Africa's treatment of the Indian population on the agenda of the General Assembly.
References:
- Muller, C.F.J. (ed)(1981). Five Hundred years: a history of South Africa; 3rd rev. ed., Pretoria: Academica, p. 459.
- http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/chronology/main-chronology-1940snew.html