South Africa - What is to be Done
Article Summary and Author Biography
The October 19 decision of the South African government to continue a policy of total repression of internal dissent all too clearly marks the end of one era in American-South African relations and opens a new and more dangerous period. Among the most ominous attributes of the repressive measures were the arrest of Percy Qoboza, editor of the World, the largest "black" newspaper in South Africa; the banning of Donald Woods, editor of the "white" Daily Dispatch; and the closure of the World itself. The effect of the government's action was to silence some of the major voices of moderation in the Republic. The arrest and then death of Steve Biko under highly suspicious circumstances had already removed another spokesman for a policy of evolutionary change in South African society.
Clyde Ferguson, Professor of Law at the Harvard Law School, served as U.S. Ambassador to Uganda from 1970 to 1972. He was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, 1972-73, and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, 1973-75. William R. Cotter is currently President of the African-American Institute. He was Assistant Attorney General of Northern Nigeria, 1962-63, and White House Fellow, 1965-66. This article reflects his personal views; the African-American Institute is not a position-taking organization.
The October 19 decision of the South African government to continue a policy of total repression of internal dissent all too clearly marks the end of one era in American-South African relations and opens a new and more dangerous period. Among the most ominous attributes of the repressive measures were the arrest of Percy Qoboza, editor of the World, the largest "black" newspaper in South Africa; the banning of Donald Woods, editor of the "white" Daily Dispatch; and the closure of the World itself. The effect of the government's action was to silence some of the major voices of moderation in the Republic. The arrest and then death of Steve Biko under highly suspicious circumstances had already removed another spokesman for a policy of evolutionary change in South African society...
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