Protest to Sth Africa

Salient Reporter

Victoria Students are still trying to deliver a protest petition to the South African Government.

South African consul in New Zealand, Mr. Oxley, refused to accept the 1000-signature petition, which protests at banning orders imposed on the South African student leader, Ian Robertson.

Victoria student leaders tried to present the petition as part of a 24-hour student protest outside the South African Embassy a fortnight ago.

About 40 student demonstrators watched the attempt. They were some of the hundred or more students who took part in the 24-hour vigil.

On hand to prevent any forcible attempt to enter the embassy were about a dozen police.

Consul Oxley had sought police assistance to prevent students entering the embassy property.

But police escorted a four-man student delegation into the embassy.

National Union of South African Students' president. Ian Robertson, was served with three banning orders on the 11th May.

No reason was given, there Is no right of appeal to the courts, any breach is punishable by several years' imprisonment, and the orders last for five years.

Mr. Robertson, a teacher by profession, is banned from teaching, entering any educational institution, or taking any part in NUSAS or any other organisation of any kind.

Nothing he says may be quoted in South Africa, nor may he compile, write, print, publish, or disseminate any documents.

He may not enter any non-white area, any factory, any harbour, or any printing works.

He may not address or attend any meeting, nor may he leave the magisterial district of Capetown.

He must report to the police weekly.

Mass protests have taken place in South Africa. Three thousand students marched in Johannesburg in protest, and a mass protest meeting at Capetown University was Followed by a march to present a petition to a magistrate.