Suppression of Communism

• The Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) was formed in 1921 and focused on organising African workers, workers' rights and trade unions
• During industrialisation, the CPSA organised workers in new factories
• CPSA membership grew during WW2, but was never widespread
• The government saw the CPSA as a threat to Afrikaner unity. The CPSA's role in organising the 1946 Mineworkers' strike made the National Party accuse the United Party of being too lenient on Communism
• The 1950 Suppression of Communism Act banned the CPSA and the spreading of communist ideas
• Banning orders under the Suppression of Communism Act restricted political leaders and activists
• The 1953 Native Labour Act banned employers from recognising African union and stopped African unions from negotiating with other unions
• The 1953 Criminal Law Amendment Act gave punishments for people who protested or supported campaigns against the law
• The 1953 Public Safety Act gave the government the power to declare a state of emergency and detain people without trial
• After the CPSA was disbanded in 1950, the members formed the South African Communist Party (SACP) in 1953 or joined other protest groups like the SAIC, ANC, CPC or CD