The Effectiveness of Economic Boycott in Ending Apartheid in South Africa
The campaign to boycott Apartheid South Africa, particularly in the form of an economic and cultural boycott, has been a subject of much debate. This article aims to examine the impact of these actions on the apartheid regime, especially focusing on the economic dimension and its tangible effects.
Economic Consequences of the Boycott
The effectiveness of the economic boycott against Apartheid South Africa is still a matter of debate. While some argue that the cultural boycott, such as the ban on theater and music, primarily affected the white enemies of apartheid, others contend that the economic boycott had a significant impact. For instance, gold, which was a crucial resource in South Africa, was not exclusively owned by whites, and its price fluctuated during the apartheid era. Gold, which was worth $35 per ounce in the early stages of apartheid, saw a significant jump to hundreds of dollars and later surpassed $1,000 per ounce. This significant hike in gold prices illustrates the value and importance of the mineral during this period.
The Role of Gold and Other Resources
Despite the cultural boycott targeting white opponents, the economic boycott targeted across the board. South Africa's economy was heavily reliant on the export of gold and other minerals. The country's diversified economic landscape gave it the ability to sustain despite international pressure. The South African government developed its own arms industry, becoming one of the largest non-nuclear exporters of arms to various regions. This industry, combined with a highly functional defense force, allowed for financial support even during times of economic sanctions. Agricultural production also contributed significantly, with the country exporting tons of food, often using cover labels to avoid detection.
Political and Military Struggles
The effectiveness of the economic boycott was also challenged by other political and military struggles. For example, Fidel Castro's campaign against the apartheid army in Angola had significant consequences. The Angolan conflict played a key role in leading South Africa to dismantle the apartheid regime. However, for the most part, the sports and cultural boycotts were considered ineffective. While these actions did raise awareness and political pressure, they did not directly impact the economic stability of the apartheid regime.
The final push towards dismantling apartheid came from financial sanctions. These sanctions, particularly when financial institutions like The Bank of America refused to finance the national airline’s fleet of Boeing aircraft, had a substantial impact. Additionally, the efforts of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who traveled to the US to shame American companies into financial divestment, led to significant repercussions.
Conclusion and Reflection
The ending of apartheid in South Africa was a result of a multifaceted approach, with financial sanctions playing a crucial role. While the economic boycott had a tangible impact, it was not the sole factor. The realization that the apartheid system was unsustainable and the collapse of the Soviet Union also contributed to the eventual dismantlement of apartheid. Now, while the rest of the world celebrated the fall of apartheid, they have largely turned their backs on the current corrupt government that replaced it, leaving South Africa facing new challenges.