South Africa announces withdrawal from the Commonwealth

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.

Dag Hammarskjöld reported that talks with South Africa had failed to produce a mutually acceptable arrangement on racial policy, underscoring the government's refusal to change course.

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

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.

The law permitted twelve-day detention without bail and criminalized prohibited gatherings, strengthening the state's tools against political organizing.

The ANC-organized action opposed the establishment of a white republic without democratic participation by the Black majority. Large numbers of workers stayed home despite intimidation.