1961 in South Africa

	1961 in South Africa
1958 1959 1960 « 1961 » 1962 1963 1964
Timeline of South African history

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 Men's 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.
• Decimalisation of currency: the South African rand replaces the South African pound.

Sport

Football (Rugby Union)

• 13 May - South Africa (Springboks) beat Ireland 24-8

Births

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Deaths