The World - News from April 8, 1986

Blacks resumed a consumer boycott in the South African city of Port Elizabeth, crippling some white-run businesses. Reports from shopkeepers said there were virtually no black customers. The boycott was suspended last November to give the government a chance to reform racial policies. Its supporters seek the withdrawal of troops and police from riot duty in black townships and the release of jailed anti-apartheid activists. Meanwhile, the white town council of George, in Cape province, fired 215 blacks who stayed away from work and said they will be sent to a tribal homeland and replaced with Colored (mixed-race) employees.