Suppression of Communism Act

The Suppression of Communism Act of 1950 in South Africa was a key piece of legislation used to suppress opposition to the apartheid regime. This act, along with subsequent amendments and later laws like the Internal Security Act of 1982, granted the government broad powers to outlaw organizations and restrict individuals deemed to be promoting communism or posing a threat to state security.1

The definition of communism under these laws was extensive, encompassing activities that allegedly promoted disturbances, disorder, or any form of social, political, or economic change. This allowed for the banning of major anti-apartheid organizations such as the Communist Party of South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), and the Pan-Africanist Congress.1

Furthermore, the act enabled the banning of individuals, effectively rendering them public nonentities. Banned persons faced severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, association, and speech, and could not be quoted in publications. This tool was used against over 2,000 people between 1950 and 1990. The government lifted these bans on February 2, 1990, marking a significant step towards dismantling apartheid.12