Countries Opposed Apartheid in South Africa: A Historical Overview

The systematic and legalized discrimination known as apartheid in South Africa initially faced opposition from a limited number of countries. However, as the norms and global sentiments evolved, international opposition grew significantly. By 1960, South Africa was expelled from the Commonwealth and suspended from numerous international organizations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Olympic Games, under pressure from economic sanctions.

Initial Resistance and Sanctions

From 1948 when apartheid officially began, very few countries openly opposed the regime. This changed gradually, with major turning points such as the UN's suspension of South Africa in 1960. By 1980, the United States (US) imposed economic sanctions, which marked a significant shift in international stance toward apartheid. These sanctions played a crucial role in weakening the economic underpinnings of apartheid.

Exceptions to International Opposition

Despite widespread opposition, there were notable exceptions, with Israel and Taiwan being the most prominent. Israel supported apartheid from 1973 until the fall of the Shah in 1979, when Iran held similar views. However, these countries were often motivated by their own geopolitical interests rather than a genuine commitment to ending apartheid.

National Priorities and Interests

Many countries, including Australia, the United States, and Canada, opposed apartheid primarily out of self-interest. Their opposition was driven by their strategic need to maintain access to South Africa's natural resources, such as diamonds and gold. These minerals were crucial for the economies of these countries, especially when faced with potential trade disruptions due to policy changes elsewhere. For instance, maintaining the flow of these resources was essential for keeping supply chains open, particularly if the Suez Canal was closed or if other trade routes became less reliable.

The US Reconsideration

The US was a latecomer in withdrawing its support for apartheid. It did not fully denounce the regime until later, despite being portrayed in movies like Lethal Weapon as its nemesis. This portrayal is misleading and does not reflect the true historical context. Major media often influences public perception, sometimes inaccurately highlighting certain aspects of history over others.

Strategic Dismantlement and Its Consequences

While international pressure was significant, the dismantlement of apartheid was both a gradual and complex process. South Africa had to gradually integrate its society, focusing on educating its black population and bringing them up to western standards. However, these changes were poorly managed, leading to significant socio-economic challenges. Today, South Africa still faces immense challenges, including the lack of basic infrastructure such as electricity, reflecting the far-reaching and often unintentionally harmful consequences of such rapid societal changes.

Conclusion

The opposition to apartheid was not uniform, with many countries primarily acting in their own strategic interests. While this opposition was crucial, it was often driven by less than altruistic motivations. The transition to a post-apartheid South Africa has been more difficult and problematic than initially anticipated, with the country now facing profound socio-economic challenges.