Beginning in November 1984, a carefully orchestrated campaign against South Africa was launched by TransAfrica, the militant black lobbying group based in Washington, D.C.
The so-called "Free South Africa Movement" enlisted the participation of many members of Congress, including Representatives Ron Dellums (D-California), Gus Savage (D-Illinois), John Conyers (D-Michigan) and George Crockett (D-Michigan). These activists and a variety of well known public figures ranging from Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) to Amy Carter to Lane Kirkland of the AFL-CIO have demonstrated in front of the South African Embassy, often breaking the law in order to be arrested.
It is ironic to recall that when South Africa was committed to maintaining apartheid, there were no protests on the streets of American cities. Now, when the South African government has embarked upon a course of change and reform, such protests have been launched. In an editorial, the Johannesburg Sunday times (July 14, 1985) asks "How has it happened that, at a time when serious reform is finally being introduced in South Africa, the country is facing a rising crescendo of overseas critics, and economic sanctions have been introduced by America? … Perhaps it is because reform is seen by the well-organized anti-apartheid lobby around the world as a threat to its existence? Perhaps the whole campaign has more to do with America's internal political maneuvering and South Africa is a convenient stick for liberals and Democrats to beat the Reagan administration?"
The Star, which has traditionally opposed the South African government from a liberal point of view, declared: "Whatever the reasons, it remains a fact that reformist South Africa is facing a barrage of criticism and activist opposition as great, if not greater, than at any time during Nationalism's three-decade march through the age of apartheid. Many South Africans may feel nonplussed and hurt; many may be feeling that the lack of international recognition negates the process of reform. Natural though such reactions may be, they must be guarded against…. What South Africa needs, and what its many proponents and well-wishers in the world need, is continuing commitment to reform…"
Enter: TransAfrica
Since the anti-South Africa campaign began in the United States, the press has been filled with reports about TransAfrica and its efforts. Randall Robinson, TransAfrica's leader, has been a frequent guest on ABC's Nightline, The MacNeil-Lehrer Report, and This Week With David Brinkley, among others. He has been frequently interviewed by ABC, NBC and CBS for their nightly news programs. Whenever any news event concerning South Africa takes place, TransAfrica is almost immediately asked for its reaction.
In fact, TransAfrica has been given credit for recent congressional action in voting sanctions against South Africa. Writing in the Washington Post of July 24, 1985, Barry Sussman states that, "Current congressional moves toward economic sanctions against South Africa offer evidence of what a band of dedicated activists can accomplish when it knows how to attract and rally public opinion… Emerging spokesman for the movement was Randall Robinson, the executive director of a foreign policy lobby, TransAfrica… the activists'…success is beyond
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