During the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in London, South Africa under the leadership of Prime Minister Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd formally announced its intention to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Nations. This declaration was closely tied to the impending enactment of the new South African Constitution, which was designed to strengthen the apartheid system. Verwoerd justified the decision by insisting that South Africa's internal governance should not be subject to international scrutiny, thereby rejecting the growing pressure from Commonwealth countries advocating for racial equality and human rights.

The atmosphere at the conference was tense as delegates grappled with the implications of South Africa's decision. Many Commonwealth leaders had already expressed their dissent regarding apartheid, viewing it as an affront to the principles of equality and justice promoted by the Commonwealth. Verwoerd's announcement was not just a rejection of the Commonwealth's values but also a declaration of South Africa's intention to assert its dominance in the region without interference.

This decision significantly affected South Africa's diplomatic relations, leading to increased isolation as many countries withdrew their support or refused to engage with a nation implementing institutionalized racial discrimination. While some countries struggled with their own racial issues, others, particularly those in Africa and the Caribbean, stood firmly against apartheid, signaling a growing divide within the Commonwealth.