| 1960 |
1 January |
|
|
Minister of Bantu Education assumes control of University College of Fort Hare.African students are prohibited from attending formerly "open universities" except the University of South Africa and Natal Medical School. |
|
| 1960 |
24 January |
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|
Rioting by Africans in Cato Manor (Durban) results in the death of nine policemen. Commissioner of Police subsequently testifies that South African police are meeting increasing hostility from Africans in the routine performance of their duties. (New York Times) |
|
| 1960 |
February |
|
|
The Pondoland Rebellion: an uprising of peasants in the Transkei
Protests and open rebellion breaks out in Pondoland.
Albert Luthuli warns White South Africans that resentment among Africans is building up. |
|
| 1960 |
3 February |
|
|
British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan states in South African Parliament that Britain cannot support South Africa's racial policies. |
|
| 1960 |
6 February |
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|
|
|
| 1960 |
March |
|
|
The ANC announces that its anti-pass campaign will start at the end of March 1960. |
|
| 1960 |
March - April |
|
|
Nation-wide strikes in response to banning of the ANC. |
|
| 1960 |
20 March |
|
|
Rioting and arson in Pondoland. |
|
| 1960 |
21 March |
|
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At Sharpeville the police open fire on the unarmed and peaceful crowd, killing 69 and wounding 186.
Sharpeville Massacre: In the wake of Sharpeville, African students loyal to the African National Congress (ANC) establish the African Students' Association (ASA), PAC sympathising students form the African Students' Union of South Africa (ASUSA), and those loyal to the Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM) form other organisations in the Cape and Natal. However none of these organisations survives long, since identification with banned movements is hazardous, and university authorities are hostile to student political groups. Non-cooperation between peers in different student political groupings makes matters worse.
Police shooting at peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville against Pass Laws for Africans: 69 men, women and children are killed and about 200 wounded.
The PAC mounts its anti-pass campaign. Police at Sharpeville open fire on peaceful protesters killing sixty-nine and injuring 180. In the Western Cape, police opens fire and two people are killed. The PAC retaliates by calling a work stoppage that lasts for two weeks. Ninety five percent of the workforce goes on strike. PAC youth takes control of the Cape Town townships of Langa and Nyanga, setting up roadblocks and distributing food. 30 000 residents of Black townships of Cape Town march on Caledon Square, led by Philip Kgosana, but the march is thwarted when Kgosana is tricked into calling it off on the promise of top level negotiations. The state calls in the military and the marines, the townships are cordoned off and the situation is brought under government control. A state of emergency is declared, thousands are arrested throughout the country and the ANC and PAC are declared banned organisations. Nelson Mandela is among those imprisoned.
The bloodiest massacre in the history of South Africa takes place in Sharpeville resulting in the Sharpeville Massacre
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| 1960 |
22 March |
|
|
Hendrik Verwoerd tells the South African Parliament that the riots can in no way be described as a reaction against the Government's apartheid policy and has nothing to do with passes. Such disturbances are a periodic phenomenon and has nothing to do with poverty and low wages. He further states that his first duty is to thank the South African police for the courageous, efficient manner in which they handled the situation. The police at times found it difficult to control themselves, but they had done so in an exemplary manner. He announces that 132 members of the PAC, including Robert Sobukwe, are being held in Johannesburg and are to be charged with sedition. |
|
| 1960 |
23 March |
|
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Robert Sobukwe, President of the PAC and Kitchener Leballo, its national secretary, as well as 11 others are charged with incitement to riot. |
|
| 1960 |
24 March |
|
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The Government bans all public meetings of more than 12 persons until June 30 in an effort to disrupt the wave of protests against the pass laws. |
|
| 1960 |
25 March |
|
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Representatives of 29 African and Asian members request an urgent meeting of the Security Council to consider ,"the situation arising out of the large-scale killings of unarmed and peaceful demonstrators against racial discrimination and segregation in the Union of South Africa". |
|
| 1960 |
27 March |
|
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The Commissioner of Police announces that the pass laws are to be suspended until a normal situation has been restored, an occasion taken by Chief A. J. Luthuli to burn his pass. The Police Commissioner says that the pass laws are not being suspended to appease the unfounded protests of Bantu agitators, but because the jails can no longer accommodate the many Africans who present themselves for arrest by openly violating the pass laws. |
|
| 1960 |
28 March |
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|
ANC calls a nation-wide stay-at-home in protest to the Sharpeville massacre. Pass books are burned in countless bonfires.O. R. Tambo leaves South Africa illegally on the instruction of the ANC to carry on work outside the country
Albert Luthuli publicly burns his pass. |
|
| 1960 |
30 March |
|
|
At the request of 29 African and Asian Member States the Security Council begins consideration of the situation in South Africa, under an agenda item entitled: "The situation arising out of the large-scale killings of unarmed and peaceful demonstrators against racial discrimination and segregation in the Union of South Africa".
The Regime declares a State of Emergency and arrests over 2 000 people. At lunchtime, 30 000 Africans from surrounding African townships march into the centre of Cape Town and demand an interview with the Minister of Justice. The Chief of Security promises to approach the Minister and the crowds march out of Cape Town. Immediately after they disperse, Erasmus announces in Parliament that a State of Emergency has been declared in 80 of the 300 magisterial districts, including every important urban area, and that 18 regiments of the Citizens Force have been mobilised to supplement the police, army and air force.
Albert Luthuli is detained and held until August, When he is tried he is sentenced to a fine of £100 and a six-month suspended sentence.
Unlawful Organisations Act used to ban the ANC and PAC. |
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| 1960 |
31 March |
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|
Four more regiments of the Citizens Force are mobilised. Legal authorities in Johannesburg claim that the emergency regulations are creating a situation of virtual martial law.One of the basic reasons for declaring the Emergency is to obtain a return to work by the African population. Under the emergency regulations, refusal to work is punishable by a fine of £1400, five years in prison, or both. |
|
| 1960 |
1 April |
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|
The Security Council, in its first action on South Africa, adopts Resolution 134 (1960) deploring the policies and actions of the South African Government which have given rise to loss of life of so many Africans and have led to international friction. They call upon the Government to abandon its policies of apartheid and racial discrimination. It requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the South African Government, "to make such arrangements as will adequately help in upholding the purposes and principles of the [United Nations] Charter." The vote on the resolution was 9 in favour and 2 abstentions (France and the United Kingdom).
Proclamation of a State of Emergency in 31 more magisterial districts.Ten thousand Indians and two thousand Coloureds are ordered to vacate Pietermaritzburg. |
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| 1960 |
2 April |
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|
The Bishop of Johannesburg, Ambrose Reeves, takes refuge in Swaziland following continued massive arrests of persons of all races. The New York Times states that the most conservative official estimates place the membership of the ANC and PAC at 70 000. |
|
| 1960 |
6 April |
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|
The pass system is revived. |
|
| 1960 |
7 April |
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|
Unlawful Organisations Act No 34: Provides for organisations threatening public order or the safety of the public to be declared unlawful. The ANC and the PAC are immediately declared unlawful. Commenced: 7 April 1960 Repealed by section 73 of the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982.
The Extension of University Education Amendment Act, Act No 34, bans Black students from attending White universities. |
|
| 1960 |
8 April |
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|
The ANC and the PAC are banned in South Africa.
Passage of the Unlawful Organisations Act.Banning of the African National Congress and the Pan Africanist Congress. Justice Minister Erasmus announces the banning of ANC and PAC for a minimum of one year and states that there can be no political organisation among urbanised Africans. |
|
| 1960 |
9 April |
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|
Attempted assassination of Prime Minister Verwoerd at the Rand Easter Show in Johannesburg results in serious wounds in the face. His assailant, a white farmer, is promptly described as mentally unstable. |
|
| 1960 |
19 April |
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|
First interim report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjold, pursuant to the Security Council resolution of 1 April. |
|
| 1960 |
May - June |
|
|
Boycotts of South African goods are being implemented in many countries. Labour organisations refuse to service South African cargoes |
|
| 1960 |
4 May |
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|
Robert Sobukwe, President of the PAC, is sentenced to three years' imprisonment for incitement of Africans to urge the repeal of pass laws. He refuses to appeal, and refuses the aid of an attorney, on the grounds that the court has no jurisdiction over him because it cannot be considered either a court of law or a court of justice. |
|
| 1960 |
6 May |
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|
The Government states in Parliament that 18 000 persons have been arrested and detained since the proclamation of the emergency. |
|
| 1960 |
25 May |
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|
Tribal clashes continue to take place in Pondoland (Transkei) between supporters and opponents of the African territorial authorities. 29 Africans are killed, 50 wounded. |
|
| 1960 |
June |
|
|
Representation of Africans in Parliament ends. |
|
| 1960 |
15 June - 24 June |
|
|
Second Conference of Independent African States, at Addis Ababa, calls for sanctions against South Africa. |
|
| 1960 |
14 July |
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|
|
|
| 1960 |
31 August |
|
|
The state of emergency is lifted. 10 500 opponents of the Government are still being detained. |
|
| 1960 |
5 October |
|
|
In a referendum limited to white voters only, 52% of South African voters favour the establishment of a Republic. (850,000 in favour; 776,000 opposed). Prime Minister Verwoerd subsequently tells British Prime Minister Macmillan that South Africa wants to remain in the Commonwealth. |
|
| 1960 |
11 October |
|
|
Second interim report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the Security Council resolution of 1 April. |
|
| 1960 |
23 November |
|
|
A police convoy is ambushed in Pondoland. |
|
| 1960 |
26 November |
|
|
A week of violence continues in which it is officially estimated that 200 huts have been burned. The Botha Sigcau High School is closed following threats by Pondo who objected to government education. |
|
| 1960 |
30 November |
|
|
The Government closes all lines of communication with five districts in Pondoland and reintroduces emergency regulations for the second time in eight months.Paramount Chief of the Zulus, Cyprian Bhepezulu, and 12 Kraals occupied by his followers are attacked by hostile Africans for their support of the Government's "betterment schemes". |
|
| 1961 |
|
|
|
Walter Sisulu's mother, Alice Sisulu dies.
All-in African Conference held in Pietermaritzburg. Calls for a national convention are made, so as to decide on a new constitution.
The ANC takes up arms against the South African Government, goes underground and continues to operate secretly.
Malmesbury Convention of Coloured leaders
The Group Areas Development Board begins to provide public housing in Lenasia.
Urban Blacks Council Act No 79:The first provision for black ‘self-government' in the urban townships. Assent gained: 30 June 1961; commencement date unknown.Repealed by sect. 14 of the Community Councils Act No 125 of 1977.
When Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) comes into being Phyllis Naidoo's work becomes all the more crucial. She joins the CPSA
The ANC and the PAC establish religious and welfare front organisations. ANC and SACP members set up the armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe. There is a strict undertaking that life will not be endangered, only installations will be attacked. A central high command, with regional commands is set up under the direction of Mandela. The first explosion occurs on 16 December in Durban, followed by explosions in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The president general of the ANC, Chief Albert Luthuli is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize a week before the first explosion. Zindziswa is born to Nelson and Winnie Mandela.
FIFA suspends the Football Association of South Africa (FASA).FASA includes some Black players within its structure. African, Indian, and Coloured officials in the anti-apartheid South African Soccer Federation (SASF) form the anti-racist professional South African Soccer League (SASL). SABFA (the South African Bantu Football Association) launches a National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), which shuts down the following year.
The Port Elizabeth Bus Boycott commences. |
|
| 1961 |
6 January - 12 January |
|
|
The United Nations Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjold, visits South Africa. He reports to the Security Council on 23 January. |
|
| 1961 |
23 January |
|
|
Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjold, on implementation of Security Council resolution of 1 April 1960. He stated that in the course of his discussions with the Prime Minister of South Africa, "so far no mutually acceptable arrangement" had been found on racial policies in South Africa. |
|
| 1961 |
27 January |
|
|
Justice Minister Erasmus tells the Assembly that during the recent disturbances (November-December 1962) in Pondoland, 4 769 Africans, 2 Europeans and 2 others had been taken into custody |
|
| 1961 |
February |
|
|
Delegations of South Africa United Front visit capitals of Commonwealth States to lobby for expulsion of South Africa |
|
| 1961 |
26 February |
|
|
Announcement of the continuation of current defence relations with the United Kingdom. |
|
| 1961 |
March |
|
|
The accused in the Treason trial are found not guilty, after a trial lasting four years.
The remaining 30 accused in the Treason Trial are acquitted of charges of treason |
|
| 1961 |
March - April |
|
|
Debate on apartheid at the resumed 15th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. African and Asian delegations press for sanctions against South Africa.The representative of UK says on 5 April that while the importance attached by UK to Article 2 (7) of the UN Charter remains undiminished, it regards apartheid as being now so exceptional as to be sui generis, and his delegation felt able to consider proposals on the question of its merits.The Special Political Committee recommends two draft resolutions: an African resolution calling for specific measures and another by 5 Asian countries asking all States to consider separate and collective action as was open to them. In the Plenary on 13 April, the key paragraph of the African draft was voted separately and received 42 votes in favour and 34 against, with 21 abstentions, and was thus not adopted. The sponsors then withdrew the resolution.The Asian draft - which condemned apartheid as a "reprehensible and repugnant to human dignity" - was adopted by 96 to 1, with 0 abstentions as resolution 1598 (XV). Only Portugal voted against it. The United Kingdom voted for a resolution against apartheid for the first time. (India, sponsor of this resolution, voted in favour of both drafts). |
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| 1961 |
2 March |
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|
The Bishop of Johannesburg, Ambrose Reeves, resigns after having been deported from South Africa in September 1960 for his strong condemnation of the Government, particularly at the time of Sharpeville and the subsequent emergency. Reeves' action is vigorously supported by the Archbishop of Cape Town, Joost de Blank |
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| 1961 |
12 March |
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|
The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions submits a memorandum to the UN General Assembly calling for economic sanctions against South Africa. |
|
| 1961 |
12 March |
|
|
The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions submits a memorandum to the UN General Assembly calling for economic sanctions against South Africa. |
|
| 1961 |
15 March |
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|
Following ostrong opposition in the Conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, Dr. Verwoerd annunces the withdrawal of South Africa from the Commonwealth "in the interests of South Africa's honour and dignity".
Dr. Verwoerd announces the withdrawal of South Africa from the Commonwealth.This provokes a strong reaction amongst the English-speaking white population. Dismay is voiced by the latter and by leaders of the industrial community.Sections of the Afrikaaner population said the country was better off outside the Kafir Commonwealth. Albert Luthuli, former President of the banned ANC says in regard to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' strong opposition to apartheid: "I am overjoyed".The Synod of 350 delegates of the Dutch Reformed Church endorses the Church's current policy of racial separation. The Synod expresses support for the Government's policy of apartheid and asks that its implementation be expedited. The Church states its conviction that its work would be handicapped if it allowed itself to be diverted from its proven way for the sake of world opinion.Professor A.S. Geyser, who queried whether Article 3 of the Church's principles, which discriminates between white and black, was in line with the Scriptures, was bitterly attacked. The Chairman of the Synod condemned his attitude as arrogant. |
|
| 1961 |
25 March - 26 March |
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|
All-in African Conference, with 1 400 delegates from 145 religious, cultural, peasant, intellectual and political bodies, is held in Pietermaritzburg. Conference calls for a national convention of elected representatives of all adult men and women, without regard to race, colour or creed. The Republic, it declares, "rests on force to perpetuate the tyranny of minority". If the Government ignores the demand for a national convention, the people are called upon to organise mass demonstrations on the eve of the proclamation of the Republic. Mr. Nelson Mandela is appointed secretary of the National Action Council. |
|
| 1961 |
29 March |
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|
Sisulu and other accused are found not guilty on a charge of High Treason, in the special court at Pretoria, and released.
Twenty-eight persons (22 Africans, 3 Indians, 2 Whites, 1 Coloured) on trial for high treason since 1956 are found not guilty and discharged. The three judges of the High Court unanimously say there is no evidence of communist infiltration into the African National Congress. "On the evidence presented and our findings, it is impossible for this court to come to the conclusion that the ANC had acquired or adopted a policy to overthrow the State by violence".Hours later the Government retaliates by renewing the ban on the ANC and PAC for another year, placing a nation-wide ban on all meetings, and breaking up the African conference in Pietermaritzburg.
The ‘Treason Trial' ends. The total cost of the four-year trial is estimated at R1 million. Twenty-eight people, including Albert Luthuli and Walter Sisulu, who have been on trial for high treason since 1956, are found not guilty and discharged. Hours later the Government retaliates by renewing the ban on the African National Congress and Pan Africanist Congress for another year.
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|
| 1961 |
30 March |
|
|
African and Asian delegations at the UN press for sanctions against South Africa. |
|
| 1961 |
April |
|
|
Conference of the Nationalist Organisations of the Portuguese Territories (CONCP) founded in Rabat. |
|
| 1961 |
1 April |
|
|
|
|
| 1961 |
5 April |
|
|
United Kingdom Government announces support for a UN General Assembly resolution against apartheid for the first time. |
|
| 1961 |
6 April |
|
|
Renewal of the ban on the African National Congress and the PAC. |
|
| 1961 |
13 April |
|
|
The UN General Assembly condemns South African racial discrimination as "reprehensible and repugnant to human dignity" by vote of 95-1. |
|
| 1961 |
27 April |
|
|
Walter Sisulu and his home at Orlando West are searched and various documents are seized, in which blacks are instigated to strike on 29, 30 and 31 May 1961. A case in compliance with Section 2 (A) of the Act 8/1953 (Instigation) is made against him. |
|
| 1961 |
3 May |
|
|
All police leave is cancelled in anticipation of expected strikes at the end of May. Defence legislation is amended to enable use of the armed forces for the suppression of internal disorder. Reorganise of the police so as to co-ordinate its command headquarters with that of the military. Nationalist Party (NP) wins three by-elections with a larger majority than in the 1958 general election. |
|
| 1961 |
12 May |
|
|
The General Law Amendment Act provides for detention of people for twelve days without bail, and trial without jury in cases of murder and arson; also the proof of innocence rests on the accused. |
|
| 1961 |
14 May |
|
|
South Africa signs an agreement with Great Britain in regard to guaranteed preferences on the British market |
|
| 1961 |
19 May |
|
|
General Law Amendment Act No 39:Provides for twelve-day detention. Amended: • the Arms and Ammunition Act 28 of 1937 regarding the issuing and cancellation of firearm licences; •the 1955 Criminal Procedure Act regarding powers of the Attorney-General to prohibit release on bail or otherwise; and •the 1956 Riotous Assemblies Act.Commenced: 19 May 1961Sections 6 and 7 repealed by the Internal Security Act No 74 of 1982. |
|
| 1961 |
29 May |
|
|
Nation-wide general strike. It is reported that only 10-15 % of the labour force joins the strike. In Johannesburg, however, there was high African absenteeism. More than 40 % of the Rand's huge labour force stays at home. Fifty % of the Asians are out at Durban and 25 % of the Cape Coloureds.A split develops within the African leadership at the last moment. Nelson Mandela and the ANC take the initiative in organising the strike, but leaders of the banned PAC call on non-Whites to ignore it. |
|
| 1961 |
29 May - 31 May |
|
|
Nation-wide Stay-At-Home commences. |
|
| 1961 |
30 May |
|
|
The Union of South Africa officially ceases to exist at midnight |
|
| 1961 |
31 May |
|
|
South Africa is declared a republic, independent and outside the commonwealth. C.R. Swart, the former Governor-General, is sworn in as the first President of the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa formally withdraws from the Commonwealth and proclaims itself a Republic.
Country placed on a war footing to smash the nation-wide strike called to protest against the establishment of the so-called Republic of South Africa. |
|
| 1961 |
4 June |
|
|
The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hassim Jawad, announces that Iraq will not recognise the government of South Africa because of its apartheid policies. |
|
| 1961 |
14 June |
|
|
South Africa signs an agreement with Great Britain in regard to guaranteed preferences on the British market. |
|
| 1961 |
21 June |
|
|
South Africa:Signs multilateral protocol on international civil aviation. |
|
| 1961 |
26 June |
|
|
South Africa:Signs International Labour Organisation Convention, no. 116, concerning the partial revision of conventions adopted.
While underground, Nelson Mandela writes a letter in which he states the famous words: "The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days. " |
|
| 1961 |
27 June |
|
|
The government of Ghana imposes a total ban on the export of all Ghanian produce to South Africa and South West Africa, as a protest against apartheid. |
|
| 1961 |
29 June |
|
|
During its plenary conference in Geneva, the International Labour Organisation adopts a Nigerian resolution condemning the racial policies of the South African government and calling for South Africa's withdrawal from the ILO, by 163 votes to nil, with 29 abstentions. The South African Government has no intention of acceding to this request
The International Labour Organisation votes 163 to 89 in favour of a resolution calling for South Africa's withdrawal from the Organisation. |
|
| 1961 |
4 July |
|
|
A United Nations eight-man committee with instructions to investigate conditions in the Mandated Territory of South Africa, is refused permission to enter the Territory. The minister for External Affairs, Eric Louw announces that if members of the committee try to enter they will be detained and sent back and that this will involve the United Nations in an act of aggression.
The Sierra Leone government imposes a ban on all trade and commerce with South Africa, as a protest against its apartheid policies. Ports and airports will be closed to all South African ships and aircraft; no white South Africans will be allowed to enter Sierra Leone; those already in the country will not be granted re-entry visas. |
|
| 1961 |
5 July |
|
|
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announces it has entered into a stand-by agreement with South Africa under which South Africa may draw up to the equivalent of $75, 000,000 in a various currencies, during the next twelve months.
Indemnity Act No 61:With retrospective effect from 21 March 1960. This Act indemnifies the government, its officers and all other persons acting under their authority in respect of acts done, orders given or information provided in good faith for the prevention or suppression of internal disorder, the maintenance or restoration of good order, public safety or essential services, or the preservation of life or property in any part of the Republic.Commenced: 5 July 1961 |
|
| 1961 |
8 July - 10 July |
|
|
Malmesbury Convention of Coloured leaders. |
|
| 1961 |
15 July |
|
|
H.A. Fagan, former Chief Justice and Minister of Native Affairs, agrees to become leader of the National Union. Its founder, J. du P. (Japie) Basson will remain party chairman. |
|
| 1961 |
22 July |
|
|
Sisulu, together with Moses Kotane and P.P.D. Nokwe, travel through the country to rally support. |
|
| 1961 |
24 July |
|
|
South Africa signs multilateral agreement under article 18 of the Antarctic Treaty. |
|
| 1961 |
August |
|
|
Sisulu visits Cape Town and organises for the extension to the ANC Youth League.
The Group Areas Development Board is replaced by the Department of Community Development. |
|
| 1961 |
1 August |
|
|
The Prime Minister announces that there will be a general election on 18 October 1961. The necessary proclamation will be issued on 28 August 1961, nomination day 15 September 1961, and the House of Assembly will be dissolved. |
|
| 1961 |
2 August |
|
|
A re-organisation of the Cabinet is announced by Dr. Verwoerd. |
|
| 1961 |
4 August |
|
|
South Africa: Signs treaty with France amending the air agreement of 17 September 1954. |
|
| 1961 |
15 August |
|
|
An electoral alliance is announced between the United Party (UP) and the National Union (NU) in Bloemfontein, in a form of a nine-point pact determining the basic objectives. |
|
| 1961 |
26 August |
|
|
A.K. Ganyile, a Pondo leader and refugee in Basutoland is kidnapped with two companions by six South African policemen, taken across the border into South Africa, and imprisoned in the Transkei. |
|
| 1961 |
September |
|
|
Government establishes a Department of Indian Affairs and recognised that "the Indians are a permanent part of the population of this country". |
|
| 1961 |
1 September |
|
|
Establishment of the Department of Indian Affairs. |
|
| 1961 |
18 September |
|
|
South Africa signs multilateral agreement on aviation. |
|
| 1961 |
October |
|
|
Albert Luthuli is informed that he has been awarded the 1960 Nobel Prize for Peace for his “fight against racial discrimination” through non-violent means. Luthuli is the first African to win the prize. |
|
| 1961 |
4 October |
|
|
Separate elections for the four Cape Coloured representative seats are held. They are won by Independents with the United Party support. |
|
| 1961 |
6 October |
|
|
Sisulu is sentenced to R30-00 or 90 days imprisonment because he is not in possession of a reference book. |
|
| 1961 |
8 October |
|
|
The Nationalist Party wins the general election and shows a gain of 10% in its popular vote. In addition, it increases its Parliamentary majority by three seats. The results are:Nationalist Party - 105 seatsUnited Party - 49 seatsProgressive Party - 1 seat. National Union - 1 seat. First case of sabotage on Government installations near Johannesburg. |
|
| 1961 |
11 October |
|
|
South Africa signs multilateral treaty amending the Phyto Sanitary Convention of 1954.The Foreign Minister, E. Louw, defends South Africa's apartheid policy in the United Nations, against African criticism. On the same day the Assembly adopts a Liberian censure motion on South Africa, with sixty-seven in favour, one against, twenty abstaining, nine not participating in the vote (including the Britain and the United States) and three absent.
The General Assembly decides - by 67 votes to 1, with 20 abstentions - to censure the Foreign Minister of South Africa for his offensive speech in the General Assembly. Only South Africa votes against the censure. |
|
| 1961 |
13 October |
|
|
The Minister of Justice issues the first house arrest order. |
|
| 1961 |
17 October |
|
|
Sisulu is arrested on a charge that he does not own a reference book. Sisulu is confined to his house for 5 years. |
|
| 1961 |
18 October |
|
|
The government increases its strength in the elections. The final results are: Nationalists 105, United Party 49, Progressive Party 1, and National Union 1.
General Election: The National Party increases its majority in Parliament and obtaina a majority of the total vote. Progressive Party is reduced from 11 seats to one. The seat is given to the party leader Helen Suzman. |
|
| 1961 |
20 October |
|
|
The Minister of Justice bans all meetings to protest against arrest, trial or conviction of any person. |
|
| 1961 |
23 October - 26 October |
|
|
The Special Political Committee in the United Nations, with South Africa participating, debates South Africa's racial policies. |
|
| 1961 |
25 October |
|
|
South Africa signs treaty with Italy regarding air services. |
|
| 1961 |
26 October |
|
|
South Africa signs multilateral treaty for protection of performers, producers of phonograms and broadcasting organizations. |
|
| 1961 |
28 October |
|
|
Sisulu attends a gathering in the form of a welcome party at the house of Lilian Ngoyi. He is, together with Lilian Ngoyi and Alfred Nzo, arrested and charged under inter alia section 9(1) of Act 44 of 1950. The case is later withdrawn because sufficient evidence could not be supplied to prove that the party was in fact a meeting. |
|
| 1961 |
29 October |
|
|
Forty-five ANC leaders meet in Lobatsi, Bechuanaland, to plan increased political activity against the Government of South Africa. |
|
| 1961 |
14 November |
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The British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, informs the House of Commons that responsibility for the conduct of Britain's relations with South Africa will be transferred from the Commonwealth Relations Secretary to the Foreign Secretary, from 1 December 1961. Sir John Maud will continue to hold the posts of Ambassador to South Africa and of High Commissioner. |
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| 1961 |
28 November |
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The United Nations General Assembly adopts an eight nation resolution, by seventy-two votes to two, with twenty-seven abstentions, calling on all member states to take such separate and collective action, as is open to them to bring about the abandonment of South Africa's racial policies. It does not specifically call for sanctions. |
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| 1961 |
December |
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Handbills are distributed by Umkhonto we Sizwe (the Spear of the Nation) announcing new methods to be adopted in the struggle for freedom and democracy. |
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| 1961 |
1 December |
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South Africa signs an agreement with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. |
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| 1961 |
5 December |
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Albert Luthuli and his wife board a plane in Durban to be flown to Oslo via London to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for 1960. The government issues him with a special ten-day passport, with restrictions on his movements and public appearances. |
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| 1961 |
11 December |
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Wearing a Chief's ceremonial garb, Albert Luthuli receives the Nobel Peace Prize in the presence of King Olaf of Norway, many diplomats and other dignitaries, and is given a standing ovation. In his acceptance speech, Albert Luthuli declares: “I regard this as a tribute to Mother Africa, to all peoples, whatever their race, colour or creed”.
Albert Luthuli delivers his Nobel Peace Prize address entitled ‘Africa and Freedom' and pays tribute to the late Dag Hammarskjöld, “a distinguished world citizen and fighter for peace,” a previous recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. At the conclusion of his address, Albert Luthuli sings the liberation anthem Nkosi Sikel'I Afrika and all the assembly soon joins in singing or humming the anthem.
South Africa signs multilateral treaty extending the declaration on the provisional accession of Tunisia to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. |
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| 1961 |
12 December |
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Verwoerd tells the Council of Coloured Affairs that it will be transformed into a coloured ‘Parliament' with a ‘Cabinet', initially of four members, within the framework of a ten-year plan for the development towards self-determination of the Cape Coloured population. |
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| 1961 |
16 December |
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Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) is formed to "hit back by all means within our power in defence of our people, our future and our freedom".
Five bomb explosions occur in Johannesburg and five others at Port Elizabeth.
Handbills calling for sabotage are distributed in English and Zulu. During the night a series of explosions are set off, damaging a post office, several African affairs offices and electric power stations near Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. |
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| 1961 |
18 December |
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Three further attempts to sabotage buildings in and near Johannesburg are discovered.South Africa signs treaty with Sweden to further extend the period of validity of traffic rights granted to Scandinavian Airlines System.South Africa sgns treaty with Norway to further extend the period of validity of traffic rights. |
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| 1961 |
21 December |
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As a result of investigations into the Port Elizabeth explosions, Security Police arrest and charge Robert H. Strachan with causing malicious damage to property. |
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| 1962 |
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The Programme of action: the South African Communist Party adopts “The Road to South African Freedom”.
Fietas, Johannesburg: In 1962 there are 177 shops in the area with two mosques, four churches, two cinemas, 4 Islamic schools, 1 Hindu school, 1 Tamil school/temple/hall, 1 Indian girls' school, 1 ‘coloured' junior school, 1 ‘coloured' college, 1 Indian junior school, a communal hall and a number of social clubs. The Queenspark Sports Grounds next to the cemetery on Krause Street is also considered part of Fietas. The residential stands in the area have an average of 4 cottages on them.
The Minister of Justice continues issuing a series of house arrest orders confining people to their homes for a period of five years.
Sonia Bunting is placed under house arrest.Florence Matomela is banned and restricted to Port Elizabeth, where she is subsequently sent to prison for five years for furthering aims of ANC. Winnie Mandela is banned under Suppression of Communism Act, and restricted to Orlando Township.After ANC is outlawed, Dorothy Nyembe becomes President of Natal Rural Areas Committee a |
