Business and South Africa: pressures against apartheid mount in the USA

Article Abstract:

Despite the Reagan Administration's continued support for the South AFrican government in 1984, U.S. public outrage has led Congress, state legislatures and city governments to enact economic sanctions against apartheid. A November 1983 law requires the U.S. director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to oppose credits to South Africa, which in effect bars any such credits because the U.S. has an influential 20 percent voting strength at the fund. Pending in Congress in 1984 were several measures passed by the House of Representatives, but not by the Senate, restricting U.S. investment in South Africa, and limiting trade in nuclear materials, police and military equipment, and gold coins. South Africa has depended significantly on external financing and trade to develop strategic industries and acquire new technology, so the sanctions would have an effect. Divestment of South Africa-related corporate stocks had reached a cumulative value of more than $1 billion by 1984, with the divestors including the huge New York City Employees' Pension Fund, other City and four state funds nationwide, and about 40 universities. Divestment was encouraged by studies indicating that stocks not linked to South African holdings had outperformed those so linked since 1975.

United States, Foreign investments, International Monetary Fund, Economic policy, Political aspects, United States foreign relations, Civil rights, South African foreign relations

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The crisis in South Africa: rising pressures on multinationals

Article Abstract:

After meeting with leaders in South Africa, the Commonwealth investigative mission group concluded that the government is not open to negotiation with any black group concerning apartheid, and that international economic pressures should be levied. This review of apartheid and the South African economy emphasizes the debt crisis and the position of multinationals (MNCs) in South Africa. While the UK, the U.S., and West Germany are still the three largest MNC representatives, divestment pressures are increasing and the French motor companies and Japanese investors have withdrawn. The seven existing codes of conduct for MNCs in South Africa do not challenge apartheid structures and are just 'camouflage'. Pressures on MNCs can be predicted to increase until steps to dismantle apartheid are taken.

Economic aspects, Investments, Foreign corporations, Apartheid, Segregation, Anti-apartheid movements, Antiapartheid movements

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After Bhopal : multinationals and the management of hazardous products and processes

Article Abstract:

The Bhopal accident signaled a turning point in multinational corporations' approach to environmental hazards. A study conducted by the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations indicates that 60 to 70 percent of environmental accidents happen in the home country of the multinational corporation. Only 5 percent of accidents involving multinational's subsidiaries occur in underdeveloped countries. According to findings on environmental research and control in Malaysia and the Philippines, local companies do not spend as much money on environmental protection as multinational corporations.

Research, Management, International aspects, Hazardous substances, United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations

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