What was the main goal of the economic sanctions imposed on South Africa?

The main goal of the economic sanctions imposed on South Africa was to pressure the government to end Apartheid policies. During the Apartheid era, the South African government enforced a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination against the non-white population. In response to these injustices, the international community, including countries and various organizations, sought to apply economic pressure in an attempt to compel the South African government to dismantle its Apartheid system.

Sanctions included measures such as trade restrictions, investment bans, and divestment campaigns aimed at isolating South Africa economically and politically. The hope was that the economic strain would push the apartheid regime to reconsider its policies due to both domestic unrest and international condemnation, thereby supporting the struggle for equality and human rights. These sanctions played a significant role in raising global awareness of the anti-Apartheid movement and contributing to the eventual transition to democracy in the early 1990s.

In contrast, promoting international trade, boosting local economies, and enhancing diplomatic relations were not the primary goals of the sanctions. Instead, they were specifically designed as a form of protest and an instrument for change against the human rights abuses perpetrated by the apartheid regime.