Becoming a republic

Question 1

Why did SA become a republic? (1961)

Answer 1

NP came to power advocating SA should be a republic (freed from the constraints of British authority).
- Little Britain could or was prepared to do to contain apartheid policy (not a priority in the 50’s).

Question 2

Verwoerd’s Aims

Answer 2

• Early 60s, Verwoerd confident to announce white only referendum on question of Republic.
• Determined to stamp authority as a hardliner, gained support from hardliner party members & Broederbond.
• Friend P.J Meyer in charge of SA broadcasting cooperation but didn’t introduce TV until 1976 as it helped curtail influence of global opinion and news.

Question 3

Macmillan ‘Wind of Change’

Answer 3

British Prime Minister – visited 1960 during month long tour
- Attempted to steer a careful line, celebrate 50 years of union of SA, not wanting to polarize position.
- Aware of criticism from Indian & African leaders for visiting and being hosted by NP.
- Spent time praising their economy (2/3 external investment from Britain) & emphasized independent government.

Attempted to present African nationalism as natural & to indicate White SA’s need to accept it Didn’t directly mention the need for rights to blacks but it was implied. He warned SA against going it alone.
- The visit to SA & the changing face of SA cemented Verwoerd’s idea of internal decolonization through Bantustans.

Question 4

Establishing Republic & Leaving Commonwealth

Answer 4

October 1960 – Narrow majority to become a republic (52%) – Done without the consultation of the majority of South Africa.
Became a republic on the 31st May 1961 – office of state replacing the queen – but this republic did not have as a dramatic effect as leaving the Commonwealth.

• March 1961: special conference called to consider SA’s position. Verwoerd attended with an application to remain a republic in the Commonwealth (India had done so).
• Asian & African heads of state against this as long as apartheid was policy (Britain supported SA)
• Commonwealth may have compromised but when asked if he would allow diplomatic representation for newly independent African states in Pretoria Verwoerd said no (even Britain advised against them staying).

Question 5

International reactions

Answer 5

• Cuban Missile Crisis – USA & Britain keen to have allies against communism. NP took role as a bastion against communism & keen to point out links between the ANC and communist party. It affirmed to the west the benefits of white minority rule in the short term.
• Scene now set for massive overseas investment (opponents of apartheid aghast).
• 1962: UN passed a resolution to ban imports & exports to and from SA. But, these were voluntary & countries supporting SA did not adopt them.
• 1963: UN passed a resolution advocating an arms embargo – external powers not supplying weapons. But, this too was voluntary (in 1964 Britain adopted it).