The Origins of the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth's roots lie in the British Empire, which spanned the globe from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

Vocabulary: Dominions were self-governing states within the British Empire, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.

Key milestones in the Commonwealth's formation:

• 1600-1900: Britain established colonies worldwide for various purposes, including settlement, economic exploitation, and military strategy
• 1926/27: The Empire Conference abolished the dependence of dominions on Britain
• 1931: The Statute of Westminster transformed the British Empire into the Commonwealth

Definition: The term "Commonwealth" refers to the public welfare or the welfare of the community of states.

As more colonies gained independence, the Commonwealth evolved into a multiethnic community of nations. Member states are now self-governing and equal to Great Britain, with the British monarch serving either as head of state (represented by a governor-general) or as a symbolic head of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Today

The modern Commonwealth plays a vital role in promoting cooperation and understanding among its member states.

Quote: "A voluntary association of sovereign states consulting and cooperating in the common interests of their peoples and in promotion of international understanding and world peace"

Key aspects of the Commonwealth today:

• Member states support each other and work together towards international goals
• The organization functions as a 'family' of peoples
• Regular Commonwealth Conferences are held to discuss shared issues
• The Commonwealth Secretariat coordinates activities and initiatives
• The Commonwealth Games bring member nations together through sport

Highlight: The Commonwealth Games serve as a powerful symbol of unity and friendly competition among member states.

South Africa's History and the Commonwealth

South Africa's relationship with the Commonwealth has been shaped by its complex history of colonization, apartheid, and eventual transition to democracy.

Key events in South Africa's history:

• 1806: South Africa became a British colony
• 1910: South Africa gained dominion status and the South African Union was founded
• 1948: The National Party won the election, leading to 40 years of racial segregation under apartheid
• 1961: South Africa left the Commonwealth due to international pressure against apartheid
• 1994: After the end of apartheid, South Africa was readmitted to the Commonwealth

Example: The apartheid system in South Africa led to the banning of the African National Congress (ANC) and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela, which resulted in South Africa's exclusion from the Commonwealth.

Highlight: South Africa's readmission to the Commonwealth in 1994 marked a significant milestone in the country's transition to democracy and its reintegration into the international community.