Congress Overrides Reagan’s Veto of Anti-Apartheid Sanctions

Charles Diggs used Africa subcommittee hearings to examine racial discrimination and the conduct of American businesses. Ron Dellums and John Conyers proposed sanctions legislation in 1971 and again on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1972. [1]

The Senate voted 78 to 21 on 2 October 1986 to override Ronald Reagan’s veto of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act. The House had already voted 313 to 83 to do the same. The measure became law despite the president’s opposition. [1] [2]

Congress had debated how far sanctions should go. Ron Dellums secured House approval for a proposal calling for a trade embargo and total disinvestment. To obtain a law, he and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus ultimately backed the more limited Senate measure sponsored by Richard Lugar. [1]

Reagan argued that sweeping economic sanctions would hurt Black workers and reduce American influence in South Africa. After losing the veto fight, he maintained those objections but said his administration would implement the law. [4] [3]

The act barred new American investment, with an exception for firms owned by Black South Africans, and restricted loans, imports, and air links. It tied the lifting of sanctions to political changes, including freeing Mandela and other political prisoners, unbanning parties, and negotiating with representatives of the Black majority. [2]

Related Diplomats

1. Johannes Albertus Hermanus “Herb” Beukes [5]

Related Reading

• South Africa and the United States