Sanctions and counter-sanctions and their implications for frontline states and SADCC

Abstract

The history of agitations to impose economic Sanctions on South Africa is as old as independent Africa itself. Following Sharpville, there were widespread discussions on the desirability of the economic isolation of racist South Africa with the aim of forcing the Republic to adopt social and political policies conforming to internationally acceptable standards of moral behavior. As such, international condemnation of racism in South Africa has always been on the forefront. The initial idea was to impose economic sanctions backed by a complete blockade. However, this early notion of pressure soon died down, a feature which characterized the late 1960's and 1970's.