The sanctions debate and the challenges of the recent political reforms in South Africa

The apartheid reforms announced by South Africa’s President F.W. De Klerk on 2 February 1990 brought the debate on sanctions against the racist enclave into sharp focus. After outlining the background to the sanctions debate, the author appraises the basic arguments for and against the imposition of sanctions on South Africa and reflects on the recent political reforms in South Africa which have given rise to the current debate. He concludes that, in spite of the prevailing political reforms, international sanctions should not only be maintained but vigorously intensified until the apartheid system is completely abrogated and the legitimate democratic rights of all South Africans, irrespective of colour or creed, are constitutionally guaranteed. Notes, ref., sum.