Independence of Rhodesia
Ivor Richard, chairman of the Geneva conference, visits South African PM Vorster
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1977 in South Africa
Explore 16 historical events and records for South Africa in 1977.
Historical records for South Africa in 1977
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 16 of 16 unique records.
16Unique records
1 of 1Page
15Named events on this page
4Named people on this page
2Places on this page
January
Independence of South Africa
Ivor Richard, chairman of the Geneva conference, visits South African PM Vorster
June
Resignation of David Pieter de Villiers Graaff
Resigns as party leader. Resigns as opposition leader
September
Death in Detention
Dies in custody after being transported to Pretoria.
Fatal Injuries in Custody
His death becomes an international symbol of apartheid-era police abuse.
November
Invasion of Angola
The United Nations Security Council passes a motion for an arms embargo
UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council passes a motion for an arms embargo
UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council passes a motion for an arms embargo
United Nations
The United Nations Security Council passes a motion for an arms embargo
Other events (month unknown)
Biko Death Sparks International Criticism
Steve Biko died in police custody during Vorster's premiership, prompting worldwide condemnation of South African security practices.
Constitution of South Africa
The United Nations & SWAPO reject the results of white acceptance of the constitutional referendum. A referendum is held on the Turnhalle Conference constitution for South West Africa
Death of Steve Biko
Death of Steve Biko, dies in custody
Election
The United Party is dissolved and the New Republic Party is founded, of which Villiers Graaff briefly serves as interim leader before retiring
National Party Landslide Election
Vorster called an election and the National Party won a large majority amid growing foreign criticism of apartheid.
New Republic Party
The United Party is dissolved and the New Republic Party is founded, of which Villiers Graaff briefly serves as interim leader before retiring
Referendum
The United Nations & SWAPO reject the results of white acceptance of the constitutional referendum. A referendum is held on the Turnhalle Conference constitution for South West Africa
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.