General · 31 May 2026
South Africa’s Commonwealth Exit at 65: How Relations Have Changed Since 1961
Sixty-five years ago today, South Africa ended its membership of the Commonwealth after facing opposition from several member states over its apartheid policies. The country remained outside the organisation for more than three decades before returning in 1994 following the establishment of democratic rule. Today, South Africa is an active Commonwealth member, cooperating with other nations on economic, political and development issues.