South Africa House: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article

All Topics

South Africa House

	Email		Print
	Bookmark		Link

	South Africa House
	Home Discussion
	Topics South Africa House Topic Home The High Commission of South AfricaSouth Africa The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent.... in LondonLondon London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom.... is located at South Africa House, a building located in Trafalgar SquareTrafalgar Square Trafalgar Square is a square in central London that commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar , a British naval victory of the Na... , LondonLondon London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom.... . As well as containing the offices of the High Commissioner, the building also hosts the South African consulate. South Africa House was built by Holland, Hannen & CubittsHolland, Hannen & Cubitts Holland, Hannen & Cubitts was a major building firm responsible for many of the great buildings of London.... in the 1930s on the site of a derelict hotel. The building was designed by Sir Herbert BakerHerbert Baker Sir Herbert Baker was the dominant force in South African architecture for two decades, 18921912.... , with architectural sculpture by Sir Charles WheelerCharles Wheeler (sculptor) Sir Charles Thomas Wheeler KCVO RA was a British sculptor, and the first sculptor to hold the Presidency of the Royal Acade... , and opened in 1933. The building was acquired by the government of South Africa, and intended as its main diplomatic presence in the UK. During World War IIWorld War II World War II, or the Second World War, was a worldwide conflict fought between the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers ,... Prime Minister Jan SmutsJan Smuts Field Marshal Jan Christiaan Smuts, OM, CH, ED, KC, FRS was a prominent South African and Commonwealth statesman, military l... lived there while conducting South Africa's war plans. In 1961, South Africa became a republicRepublic In a broad definition, a republic is a state or country that is led by people whose political power is based on principles t... , and its membership of the Commonwealth of NationsCommonwealth of Nations The Commonwealth of Nations, usually known as the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 53 independent sovereign... expired. Accordingly the building became the South African Embassy. During the 1980s, the building was a focal point of Anti Apartheid protestors in the UK. As the only South African diplomatic building in a public area, the site was targeted by protestors from around the world. During the 1990 Poll Tax RiotsPoll Tax Riots The Poll Tax Riots, as they became known, were major acts of civil disobedience carried out in the United Kingdom.... , the building was set alight by rioters, although not seriously damaged. 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 MandelaNelson Mandela Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela OM, CC, AC, QC was the first President of South Africa to be elected in fully-representative dem... appeared on the balcony of South Africa House to mark the 7th anniversary of Freedom Day, when the system of Apartheid ended. The first democratic elections in South Africa were held on the 27th April 1994. See also South African diplomatic missions