The South African government announced on 31 August that it was seizing control of the port of Walvis Bay on the Namibian coast with immediate effect. Under the terms of a proclamation issued in the Government Gazette on 31 August, Walvis Bay, which had been the responsibility of the SWA Administration in Windhoek since 1922 reverted to South Africa as from 1 September 1977. According to the proclamation it was 'expedient and desirable' that Walvis Bay, the only deepwater port on the Namibian coast, be administered as part of South Africa's Cape Province. (GN 1.9.77)
The annexation includes a 374 square mile enclave in the surrounding Namib desert and the 13 off-shore Penguin islands, which are rich in minerals, crayfish and guano. The important South African military base of Rooikop housing elements of 2 SAI Battalion Group is situated south of the town of Walvis Bay. The base is used for training in desert warfare and counter-insurgency techniques, reportedly with Israeli assistance. (New African Development October 1977). As the only deep water port between Cape Town and Lobito in Angola, Walvis Bay possesses considerable strategic significance in addition to its use for the export of Namibian minerals and other primary commodities. Oil is imported into Namibia from tankers calling at the port en route for the Middle East. Walvis Bay is fifth in importance out of the seven commercial harbours controlled by the South African Railways and Harbours Administration. (New African, ibid).
Under newly-amended legislation, South Africa extended its territorial waters from 9.6 km to 19.3 km and its fishery waters from 19.3 to 321 km, with effect from 30 November 1977. The extension is reported to cover all the areas and islands in the possession of the South African government, including Walvis Bay. (BBC 26.9.77). The proclamation means that South Africa has in fact annexed all fishing rights along more than 600 km of Namibia's coastline, prior to Namibia being granted its 'independence'. (GG No. 5635, 6.7.77, No. 5745, 23.9.77)
South Africa's annexation prompted protests from United Nations member states and the UN Council for Namibia. The US administration described the move as 'untimely and unhelpful' (WA 2.9.77). SWAPO has always regarded Walvis Bay as an integral part of Namibia and likewise strongly condemned the transfer. Vorster's response was to threaten to break off negotiations over Namibia's future with the five western members of the UN Security Council, should the Security Council also condemn the move. The Administrator of the Cape Province stated on 1 September, however, that the SWA Administration would continue to exercise its usual functions in Walvis Bay for the time being (WA 2.9.77). Although the bulk of the electoral district of Walvis Bay now falls under the South African parliamentary constituency of Namaqualand, registered white voters in the enclave will not take part in the South African general election on 30 November. (WA 4.10.77)
