This Day in History: May 17, 1962
Additional Date: May 17, 1962
Dr. Jan Steytler, leader of the Progressive Party, which was later renamed Progressive Federal Party (PFP) launched a nationwide protest campaign against the General Laws Amendment Bill, published by the government on 12 May 1962 defining the crime of sabotage in the widest terms. Steytler believed it was within the party's rights and mandate to launch such a protest as they were inclusive in their membership, henceforth Black people, being the most going to affected should the bill be passed into law. Despite this protest, the General Law Amendment Act was enacted into a law on 2 May 1963 by Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd's National Party (NP) government.