Get Out!

No nation could ask for better citizens than the members of Rhodesia's Apostolic Sabbath Church of God. Forswearing tobacco, alcohol and profanity, they live and care for one another in close community under a religious code in which even physical uncleanliness is punishable by excommunication. In 1947 some 600 men, women and children of the Sabbath Church went to South Africa to weave baskets and make furniture in Korsten, a suburb of Port Elizabeth. Their industry and thrift led to a prosperous industry.

Last week, in line with racist Premier Strydom's new native policy, the Negro basketmakers of Korsten. now numbering more than 1,300, were told to pack up and go home by Oct. 12. The government's reason: the basketmakers are self-sufficient, will not join South Africa's low-paid labor force. All expenses of the move (at least $20,000), said the government order, must be borne by the basketweavers themselves, and anyone refusing to go will have his assets seized and be put to work until he has earned enough to pay his fare.

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