In the mid-1980s, nearly everyone feared it would take decades for South Africa’s racist legal system to change. So leaders of the sanctions drive accepted a compromise as the price of dismantling Reagan’s policy of “constructive engagement” with the apartheid regime. The compromise law demanded demolition of the legal structure of apartheid–but not full citizenship rights for its victims (box). In less than two years, South African President F. W. de Klerk has stripped away most of the elaborate scaffolding used to build one of the world’s most unjust societies. Although the nation’s wealth remains concentrated in white hands–and blacks still can’t vote–Bush declared last week that the sanctions law itself forced him to act. Whether or not it was time to reward de Klerk, there is no denying that he deserves some credit. He already has moved further to lay the groundwork for a democratic society than any South African leader since 1948, at considerable risk to his own political base.
Bush’s decision wasn’t de Klerk’s only triumph last week. The International Olympic Committee rescinded its 1970 expulsion of South Africa, a major psychological boost. Israel and Japan were reported to be considering removal of economic sanctions. Even the Soviet Union, once the ANC’s main supporter, plans to permit a South African trade office in Moscow. But the lifting of the U.S. restrictions was the biggest payoff yet on de Klerk’s 1989 campaign pledge to end his country’s isolation.
Still, the U.S. sanctions debate isn’t dead yet. The most potent U.S. sanctions measure remains in force. Enacted in 1983 as an amendment to the law that set up the International Monetary Fund, it blocks access to loans that South Africa desperately needs to finance economic growth. The U.S. Congress likely will leave that law intact until a new constitution is drawn up. In addition, 27 states, 88 cities, 24 counties and many private institutions have restricted their dealings with companies that do business in South Africa. Herman Cohen, the State Department’s top Africa hand, last week threatened to challenge such local sanctions measures in court. But mayors like. David Dinkins of New York and Tom Bradley of Los Angeles were unlikely to submit without a fight; Dinkins last week announced new rules limiting city business with banks linked to South Africa.
Business will be easier to sell on Bush’s appeal to “help build a new South Africa” by creating badly needed jobs. American assets in South Africa have fallen from $2.6 billion to $1.5 billion since 1981, but the administration already is working to turn that around. Secretary of State James Baker met last week with a group of corporate CEOs who have expressed interest in reinvesting. In South Africa, Apple Computer Inc. and H.J. Heinz Co. have made inquiries, and a delegation from Digital Equipment Corp. visited the country in June. None would confirm planning to set up shop.
Bowing to the inevitable, the African National Congress was evolving a new strategy. ANC leader Nelson Mandela said it was, “premature” to ease international pressure before blacks get a new political franchise. But he has told the party faithful to consider endorsing the phased withdrawal of sanctions. His U.S. allies were only beginning the task of carving out a new consensus. “We have to go back to the American people to talk about conditions that still exist in South Africa, to illustrate how awful things remain,” said Randall Robinson of TransAfrica, a Washington-based antiapartheid group. But with South Africa in transition, it maybe impossible to rekindle the fire.
Demand Status An end to the state of State of emergency lifted emergency in October 1990 Repeal of the Group Areas Apartheid “pillars” Act and the Population scrapped in June, but Registration Act; no new law allows com- replacement munities to enforce " norms and standards," a possible hedge Legalization of banned Blacks still can’t vote political parties Release of all political pris- Mandela and thousands oners, including Mandela of others are free; ANC says some 800 political prisoners still in jail Negotiations to be conducted Although negotioations in good faith between the have begun, they so far government and the black haven’t led anywhere majority
