Race law ‘softened’

Press, 23 June 1981, Page 8

Race law ‘softened’

NZPA Durban The South African Government is quietly softening its application of the mixed marriage law, a cornerstone of apartheid, by allowing some mixed couples to live together, the Durban “Sunday Tribune” reports. The “Tribune” said the South African Indian Council and other sources confirmed the Government had granted, in the past year, permission

for some Indian men to live with white women they had married overseas. Jimmy van der Merwe. director-general of internal affairs, refused to confirm or deny the granting of approval for some mixed couples to live tdgether without fear of prosecution. But he added, “I am not saying it’s not happening.” Boetie Abramjee, Transvaal provincial chair-

man of the Indian Council, told the “Tribune” that he had helped three Indians gain permission to live with white wives they married overseas.

“I am told there are several other such cases which were also approved. But I must stress that the whole issue is still very sensitive and the less said about it the better.” Mr Abramjee said.