A Meaningful Symbol

LAST WEEK THE SENATE voted to override the President's veto--only the fifth such occurrence in Reagan's current term--and so voted into law economic sanctions against the Republic of South Africa. The image of a U.S. government sharply divided between the Administration and Congress may send a somewhat ambivalent diplomatic signal to other nations, but Congress's unambiguous stand, confirmed by the uncharacteristic veto override, is important for the message it sends to Black South Africans.

While Secretary of State George P. Shultz last week affirmed the "common objective which unites us," the Reagan Administration's persistent attempts to salvage business interests in that nation and to protect the regime in Pretoria from sanctions has belied any meaningful opposition to apartheid. The veto override finally makes clear that the United States is on the right side of the struggle in South Africa.

Harvard President Derek C. Bok deserves praise for his recognition of the importance of the sanctions package and for his efforts on its behalf. Although Bok should recognize that Harvard also has an obligation to show which side it is on in South Africa, his trips to Washington and communications with lawmakers represent time well spent.

The sanctions ban all new investments and bank loans to South African companies and prohibit the importation of uranium, coal, textiles, iron, steel, ammunition and agricultural products produced in South Africa. The law also establishes an embargo on the export of oil and munitions to that nation.

However, the newly-adopted sanctions are more than just blind punitive measures. Congress has stipulated concrete goals to be met by the South African government, such as the release of the jailed leader Nelson Mandela. In addition, the sanctions package provides $40 million in aid for Black South Africans suffering under the apartheid system.

The sanctions are above all a symbolic action; they will result only in an estimated two percent loss in South Africa's international trade. Ironically, most American banks had already cut off loans to South African companies for business reasons. And as to the prohibition on American airline traffic on South African runways, currently there is none. The demands Congress has made on the Pretoria government are important as an impetus to change, but most important is the clear statement that the United States is with Black South Africans, not against them.