1961 in South Africa.html |
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See also: 1960 in South Africa, other events of 1961, 1962 in South Africa and the Timeline of South African history.
Contents |
Events
March
- 12 March - The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions submits a memorandum to the United Nations General Assembly calling for economic sanctions against South Africa
- 15 March - South Africa withdraws from the Commonwealth
May
- 30 May - Charles Robberts Swart resigns as Governor-General of South Africa
- 31 May - South Africa becomes a republic
- Charles Robberts Swart becomes the first State President of South Africa
June
- 4 June - The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hassim Jawad, announces that it will not recognise the South African government because of its apartheid policies
December
- 16 December - The African National Congress launches its armed struggle with the formation of the Umkhonto we Sizwe
Unknown date
- Eendrag Mens' Residence opens its doors for the first time to students of Stellenbosch University
- Mimi Coertse is awarded the Medal of Honour of Die Suidafrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns
- The Department of Indian Affairs is established (led, of course, by a white minister).
- Decimalisation of currency: the South African rand replaces the South African pound.
Sport
Football (Rugby Union)
- 13 May - The South Africa (Springboks) beat Ireland 24-8