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Why does South Africa's South and West Africa policies cause international controversy? Do you understand the history behind this?
South West Africa (now Namibia) was a colony and later occupied territory of South Africa for a long time. The region was governed by South Africa from 1915 to 1966, and then fully under South African control from 1966 to 1990. During this period of history, the apartheid policy of the South African government had a profound impact on the lives of local ethnic groups and triggered strong opposition and protests from the international community.
"South Africa's governance of South and West Africa completely ignores the freedom and rights of the local people."
South West Africa was occupied by South Africa in 1915 during World War I. South Africa subsequently gained administrative rights over the region under the Treaty of Versailles. Although the League of Nations mandated the region to South Africa, South Africa maintained a firm grip on the land. Especially in 1946, the South African government even attempted to incorporate South and West Africa into its own provincial system, fully demonstrating its sense of power in the region.
As time goes by, South Africa's management in South and West Africa not only has many problems, but also becomes the focus of attention of the international community. After the local ethnic organization SWAPO (South and West African People's Organization) was established in 1960, it continued to carry out resistance movements and seek independence.
"Under the oppression of South Africa, the people of South and West Africa still firmly pursue their freedom."
In 1966, the United Nations passed Resolution 2145, stating that South Africa's management of South and West Africa had lost its legitimacy. This move aroused strong condemnation of South Africa from the international community, making South Africa's policy in South West Africa highly criticized internationally. And became a shining example of the anti-racist movement at the time.
Also in 1971, the International Court of Justice also ruled that South Africa's presence in Namibia was illegal, requiring South Africa to immediately withdraw its troops and administrative agencies in Namibia. These actions were not only an indictment of South Africa but also reflected the international community's continued rejection of the colonial regime.
South Africa's control of South and West Africa gradually increased nominally autonomous governments in the 1980s, trying to achieve its control purposes through political blurring. However, SWAPO still showed an indomitable spirit in fighting the South African government. Over time, the independence movement in the region gradually intensified, eventually leading to the birth of independent Namibia in 1990.
"In the changes of the twentieth century, the Namibian people finally ushered in their own moment of independence."
South Africa's South and West Africa policy is not only a practical manifestation of the country's racial discrimination, but also an important reference for the global colonial liberation movement. This historical battle for justice ultimately led to Namibia’s independence and freedom. At the same time, this period of history also reminds future generations how we should make choices in the face of unfair laws and oppression. What implications does this have for today's society?
