White S. African Who Refused to Serve in Military Gets 6-Year Prison Term

David Bruce, a white South African who refused military service on the grounds that it exists “purely to maintain white supremacy,” was sentenced Monday to an unprecedented six years in prison.

In an emotional court hearing at which about 100 supporters and friends wore yellow chrysanthemums in solidarity with Bruce, the 25-year-old conscientious objector received the maximum penalty for violating a law requiring young white men to serve in the South African Defense Force.

The crowd broke into a strain of “Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika” (God Bless Africa), the national anthem of the black resistance, moments after the sentence was handed down. Bruce remained silent but appeared shaken as he left the dock to embrace friends, who wept openly and raised clenched fists.

Bruce’s lawyer said he will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

Magistrate Pieter Bredenkamp rejected appeals for leniency, saying the state has a duty “to protect all individuals” and that military service is an obligation vital to safeguarding state security.

The case has received widespread publicity in the South African media and refocused attention on demands by the End Conscription Campaign for changes in the military service law to provide alternatives for conscientious objectors.