High Commission of South Africa - Trafalgar Square - London, UK. - Diplomatic Missions on Waymarking.com

"South Africa House was built by Holland, Hannen & Cubitts in the 1930s on the site of a derelict hotel. The building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, with architectural sculpture by Coert Steynberg and Sir Charles Wheeler, and opened in 1933. The building was acquired by the government of South Africa as its main diplomatic presence in the UK. During World War II, Prime Minister Jan Smuts lived there while conducting South Africa's war plans.

In 1961, South Africa became a republic, and withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations due to its policy of racial segregation. Accordingly the building became an embassy, rather than a High Commission. During the 1980s, the building, which was the only South African diplomatic building in a public area, was targeted by protestors from around the world. During the 1990 Poll Tax Riots, the building was set alight by rioters, although not seriously damaged.

The first democratic elections in South Africa were held on the 27 April 1994, and on 31 May of that year, the country rejoined the Commonwealth, 33 years to the day after it withdrew on becoming a republic. Along with country's diplomatic missions in other Commonwealth countries, the mission once again became a High Commission.

Today, South Africa House is no longer a controversial site, and is the focal point of South African culture in the UK. In 2001, Nelson Mandela appeared on the balcony of South Africa House to mark the seventh anniversary of Freedom Day, when the system of Apartheid ended". Text Source:
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Mission's address: South Africa House. Trafalgar Square. London, UK WC2N 5DP Business hours: Not listed Website: Not listed

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