Reaction in South Africa have been mixed following the news that the Union is to leave the British Commonwealth.

In Parliament at Cape Town, Opposition members unsuccessfully tried to interrupt the Budget debate to get the situation discussed. In the city streets, life went on as usual: a parade for entertainer Ruby Murray went on as planned.

But newspapers and news placards reflected the big shock of the forthcoming separation. The "Cape Times" carried a bitter attack on Dr. Verwoerd and his policies.

Late reports speak of overall support among the European community - Afrikaners and those of English descent alike - for Dr. Verwoerd and apartheid. But, in contrast, Opposition elements are planning moves to get South African back into the Commonwealth.

The Africans, reports say, are jubilant over the result of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference in London, showing as it did the firm opposition in other African and Asian countries towards apartheid.

The news from London at first caused a marked fall in gold shares on the Johannesburg stock exchange, but there was soon a slight recovery. Dr. Verwoerd has since said he hopes preferential trading conditions can be continued on a bilateral basis between South Africa and friendly Commonwealth countries.