By Bob Van Leer

  (SUN CITY, BOPHUTHATSWANA, June 13, 1986) - This is one of the semi-independent black tribal states set up by South Africa as a part of its attempt to sort out racial problems. No nation besides South Africa recognizes these as independent states, considering them vassals to South Africa. But there are differences.

  This is the only place we have seen in southern Africa where there is a free mixing of the races. Sun City is a plush resort community set up by South African business interests with full casino gambling. South Africa does not allow gambling but Bophuthatswana does. Sun City is to Johannesburg what Las Vegas is to Los Angeles. Sun City is a short plane ride or a three-hour drive from Jo-burg. 

  We started the day at Durban and had a short flight to Jo-burg where we boarded a bus for the trip to Sun City. On the way to Sun City our bus driver pointed out what he said is one of the results of "disinvestment". This is an Alfa-Romeo automobile plant closed because of "disinvestment" which he said caused the layoff of 3000 black workers. With the present poor economy it will be difficult for them to find new jobs. 

  All the news in the papers is the declaration of the State of Emergency and its impact. Estimates of the number of persons detained range up to 2000. There are no firm figures available. The press is now under some rather tight restrictions, especially on the taking of photographs. Journalists face 10 years in prison or a 20,000 Rand fine if they "Photograph, sketch or make sound recordings of any public disturbance, strike, riot or boycott without the permission from a commissioned police officer. "It is also forbidden under the new restrictions to photograph, sketch or record the 'conduct' of any member of the security forces with regard to the maintenance of the safety of the public or the public order or for the termination of the state of emergency."

  This has had a definite impact on our group. Cameras have almost disappeared. There is always the chance there is something in the background of the picture that would fit in the definition of a public disturbance. And none of us wants to bet the next 10 years on whether the U. S. Ambassador could get us out. The South African government is not in a compromising mood.

  Sanctions by the U. S. or anyone else are not likely to change much here. The government has considered what might be done by other countries and discounted it. Pres. P. W. Botha said, in his speech declaring the emergency, "I want to make it perfectly clear that neither the international community at large, nor any particular state, will dictate to us what the contents of our political programme should be . . .. If we are forced to go it alone, then so be it."

  The key date coming up in just three days is June 16, the 10th anniversary of the Soweto riots. Much of what the government has done is aimed at preventing demonstrations that day. The result could be to increase the level of demonstrations on the 16th. That one day could decide the future of South Africa.