Global integration  Even before the new government came to power, many countries started to normalise trade relations with South Africa when it became apparent that the political transition would be negotiated in a peaceful manner. Trade boycotts, economic sanctions and the disinvestment campaign were suspended.
However, debtors in South Africa had to continue making repayments on debt affected by the standstill arrangements for a number of years. The standstill only ended on 15 August 2001 when the final repayment on the affected debt was made.