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Dief reflects on South Africa leaving Commonwealth
For almost 50 years, South Africa was ruled by apartheid — a brutal system of racial separation that kept the nation's black majority in poverty while a white minority held the wealth and power. As unrest grew, South Africa seemed destined for a bloodbath. Canada — like many nations — was slow to react but, by the 1980s, assumed a leading role in forcing economic sanctions against South Africa. Canadian business people, activists and clergy also played parts in bringing about all-race elections in 1994, and a surprisingly peaceful end to apartheid.
Program: Cross Country Checkup
Broadcast Date: Jan. 10, 1971
Guest(s): John Diefenbaker
Host: John Dafoe
Duration: 4:44
Last updated: December 10, 2012
Page consulted on March 25, 2013
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Canadian journalist Norman Phillips is arrested for criticizing the So...
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Groups conspire in secret to get South Africa out of the Commonwealth.
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Pierre Berton challenges the Canadian government to isolate South Afri...
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Dief thinks this conference will determine the future of the Commonwea...
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