S.A. to tighten grip on economy

Press, 12 November 1977, Page 8

S.A. to tighten grip on economy

NZPA-Reuter Johannesburg The South African Government will today bring in sweeping powers which could give it control over almost every aspect of the economy — including the fight to force foreign firms in the country to produce strategic materials. Announcing the measures, which come after the United Nations arms embargo and increasing calls for other economic sanction, against South Africa, the Economic Affairs Minister (Mr Chris Heunis) said last' Wednesday he would only use the powers as a last resort. He also emphasised that arms manufacture was not a particular target of the Government move. The catch-all measures, which will be proclaimed in the Government Gazette, give the Economics Minister power to order the manufacture or delivery of any goods, for which the supplier will be compensated. However, the Government will have the right to enter any premises and to seize any goods if a supplier refuses to deliver them. The powers have been in suspense since 1970, when the Government rounded up emergency measures still on the books from World War II into one piece of legislation. The promulgation means they could be invoked at any time. Most of South Africa’s own industry and commerce seems to have taken the Government more calmly.

The Government had talks with business leaders before deciding on its action, and Mr Heunis said there would be further consultations before any measures were implemented. In Pretoria, the South African police have swooped on two black townships, sealing off roads, checking the identity papers of travellers, and arresting more than 600 people. Almost 200 of the arrested blacks were children. The local police chief, Brigadier H. L. Abbott, said the six-hour series of raids was intended to combat crime and had nothing to do with black political unrest. A police helicopter flew overhead to direct the raids. Brigadier Abbott said 198 children were rounded up to see whether they were “in need of care” and should be sent to institutions. For months schoolchildren have been roaming the streets of South Africa’s black townships and boycotting classrooms in protest against the country’s segregated education system. Brigadier Abbott said that 410 people were arrested in the townships of Atteridge.ville and Saulsville for contravention of the pass laws, the regulations which govern movement of blacks and where they are allowed to live. Eight people were charged with possessing stolen property, five with violence, four with having cannabis, and one with illegal possession of petrol.