The press release says U.S. anti-apartheid activists celebrate the release of Nelson Mandela, imprisoned leader of the African National Congress (ANC), announced by South Africa's President F.W. de Klerk. Mandela's release comes after mounting economic and political pressure on the Pretoria government imposed by sanctions and intensifying campaigns by internal and external anti-apartheid forces. The Washington Office on Africa, a church and trade union sponsored organization, was instrumental in developing the current U.S. sanctions law and has called for increased sanctions. According to U.S. sanctions law and the leading South African anti-apartheid organizations - the ANC and the Mass...
The press release says U.S. anti-apartheid activists celebrate the release of Nelson Mandela, imprisoned leader of the African National Congress (ANC), announced by South Africa's President F.W. de Klerk. Mandela's release comes after mounting economic and political pressure on the Pretoria government imposed by sanctions and intensifying campaigns by internal and external anti-apartheid forces. The Washington Office on Africa, a church and trade union sponsored organization, was instrumental in developing the current U.S. sanctions law and has called for increased sanctions. According to U.S. sanctions law and the leading South African anti-apartheid organizations - the ANC and the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) - additional conditions must be met before current reforms can signal meaningful change by the white minority government. These conditions include releasing all political prisoners, lifting all bans on political organizations, ending the state of emergency and removing troops from the townships, repealing all legislation limiting political activity, and ending all political trials. WOA director Aubrey McCutcheon says Mandela's release is the result of increased international pressure and the impact of economic sanctions against the Pretoria government. According to Chris van Wyk, chief executive of one of South Africa's largest banking groups, Bankorp, disinvestment and sanctions have cost South Africa $158 in foreign exchange since 1984. Congress is scheduled to debate additional U.S. sanctions this year. H.R.21 and S.507, introduced in 1989 by Congressman Ronald Dellums and Senator Paul Simon, would tighten the existing law, limit trade with South Africa, and demand disinvestment by U.S. corporations operating in South Africa. The press release mentions Bantustans, apartheid laws, group privileges based upon race, and the vote.
