The UN Secretary-General reports no agreement on apartheid

The act gave the government power to declare organizations unlawful. It created the legal mechanism used immediately against the main African liberation movements.

The African National Congress and Pan Africanist Congress were outlawed. Their members were forced underground or into exile, reshaping the liberation struggle.

Acting on ANC instructions, Tambo left South Africa to build international support and an external mission after the state banned the organization.

The government ended emergency rule after months of detention and repression. The ANC and PAC nevertheless remained banned and many activists faced restrictions.

Bram Fischer completed the defence case for the remaining accused, bringing the long political prosecution closer to judgment.

Reeves, an outspoken critic who documented the Sharpeville killings, resigned as Anglican Bishop of Johannesburg after the government prevented his return.

Facing criticism from Commonwealth leaders over apartheid, Verwoerd withdrew South Africa's application to remain after becoming a republic.

About 1,400 delegates from many bodies demanded a national convention elected by all adults. Nelson Mandela was chosen to coordinate action through the National Action Council.

After a trial lasting more than four years, the remaining defendants were found not guilty. The judgment was a major defeat for the state's attempt to criminalize the Congress movement.

The apartheid state developed Robben Island as a maximum-security site for political imprisonment. It later held leaders and members of several liberation movements.