San Francisco, August 1 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of California, former congress-member and anti-apartheid activist Ron Dellums has died at the age of 82.  Dellums was a legendary figure in Washington for leading the Congressional opposition to the Vietnam War and against apartheid in South Africa.  His political activism earned him a prominent place on Richard Nixon's infamous Enemies List.  

In 1972, Dellums began his campaign to end the apartheid policies of South Africa.  Fourteen years later, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Dellums' anti-apartheid legislation, calling for a trade restriction against South Africa and immediate divestment by American corporations.  The bill, the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, had broad bipartisan support.  It called for sanctions against South Africa and stated preconditions for lifting the sanctions, including the release of all political prisoners.  President Reagan called for a policy of "constructive engagement" and vetoed the bill; however, his veto was overridden.  It was the first override in the 20th century of a U.S. presidential foreign policy veto.