South Africa–United Kingdom relations facts for kids
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The relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom has a long history. Today, South Africa is a very important trading partner for the UK in Africa. Both countries share many things, like the English language, similar cultures, and a love for the same sports. They also have similar legal and financial systems. Many South Africans live in the UK, and many British people live in South Africa. This is partly because South Africa used to be a colony of the British Empire.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Relationship
The United Kingdom played a big role in shaping modern South Africa. Their official relationship began on May 31, 1910. This is when the Union of South Africa was formed as a Dominion (a self-governing country) within the British Empire. From 1910 until 1961, South Africa fought alongside the British Empire in both World War I and World War II.
South Africa Leaves the Commonwealth
In 1961, South Africa left the Commonwealth of Nations. This happened because of its policy of apartheid, which was a system of racial segregation. The United Kingdom did not support economic sanctions (penalties) against South Africa at that time. This was mainly because the UK had strong trade ties with South Africa, especially needing its gold.
There were also important military reasons. South Africa was a key location for sea trade routes. It was the only place between Australia and South America with modern naval bases and airfields.
The "Wind of Change" Speech
In 1960, UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan gave a famous speech in Cape Town. He spoke about the big changes happening in Africa. He gently told South Africa that its racist policies were going against the flow of these changes. He said that some of South Africa's policies made it hard for the UK to support them fully.
Leaders Meet About Apartheid
In 1984, South African president P.W. Botha visited the UK and met Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She told him about the UK's strong feelings against apartheid. She was especially worried about "forced removals" (when people were made to leave their homes) and the continued imprisonment of Nelson Mandela.
Margaret Thatcher did not want to impose full economic sanctions. However, she met with anti-apartheid leaders like Bishop Desmond Tutu. At a Commonwealth meeting in 1985, Thatcher agreed to some limited sanctions. This was to prevent the Commonwealth from breaking apart. In return, calls for a complete trade ban were stopped. Later, in 1986, the UK extended its sanctions to include a "voluntary ban" on tourism and new investments.
South Africa Returns to the Commonwealth
After apartheid ended, South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations. Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron later disagreed with Margaret Thatcher's earlier approach to apartheid.
Modern Relations After Apartheid
Since apartheid ended, the two countries have generally had good relations. However, there have been some disagreements. In 2010, the UK made it harder for South Africans to get visas to visit. This was due to concerns about corruption with South African passports. This decision made relations a bit cooler between the two nations.
In 2013, the British government announced it would stop giving development aid to South Africa from 2015. In response, South Africa then made it harder for British diplomats to get visas in 2014.
Economy and Trade
The United Kingdom is one of the biggest investors in South Africa's economy.
Trading Goods Between Countries
The UK used to be a very big source of imports for South Africa. It was also the top buyer of South African goods in the early 2000s.
South Africa mainly sends things like:
- Precious stones (like diamonds)
- Minerals
- Vehicles (cars, boats)
- Machinery
- Fruits and vegetables
- Metals
- Prepared foods and drinks
The UK mainly sends things like:
- Jet engines and turbines
- Machinery
- Electrical equipment
- Vehicles (including aircraft)
- Chemicals
In 2011, a UK official said that trade between the two countries should double by 2015. In 2018, then-Prime Minister Theresa May promised £4 billion (about R70 billion) to support the South African economy. This was to help with trade after Brexit.
Working Together: The Bilateral Forum
The South Africa-United Kingdom Bilateral Forum was started in 1997. It helps improve relations by allowing officials from both countries to meet twice a year. They discuss important economic and political issues.
Embassies and Consulates
- South Africa has a high commission (like an embassy) in London, UK.
- The United Kingdom has a high commission in Pretoria, South Africa, and a consulate-general in Cape Town.
More to Explore
- High Commission of South Africa, London
- South Africans in the United Kingdom
- White South Africans
