S. Africa Bans ‘Revolutionary’ Group Opposing Military Draft

The government banned an organization opposed to compulsory military service for white South Africans today, using sweeping emergency powers to silence a group engaged in “the revolutionary onslaught.”

The order, published in the official government Gazette, banned the End Conscription Campaign from engaging in “any activities or acts” less than three weeks after 143 white South Africans announced they would refuse compulsory service.

The conscientious objectors refused to serve in the South African Defense Force on the grounds it defends white minority rule and fails to safeguard the rights of all South Africans.

“The ECC attempts to create an impression of political neutrality, but it is not difficult to see the organization’s role in the revolutionary onslaught against South Africa,” Law and Order Minister Adriaan Vlock said in a statement.

The banning order was similar to those issued against 17 anti-apartheid organizations Feb. 24--among them the umbrella group United Democratic Front, many of whose leaders have been imprisoned under the more than 2-year-old state of emergency.

In handing down the ban, Vlock cited what he said was a plan by the End Conscription Campaign to establish closer links with the United Democratic Front, which the government maintains is a political arm of the outlawed African National Congress.

“There is abundant proof that the UDF is the tool of the ANC, who are carrying out the revolutionary onslaught against South Africa,” Vlock said.