 The negotiations led to the South African apartheid referendum , 1992 where voters approved the ending of apartheid . The referendum decision resulted in the International Rugby Board allowing the South Africa national rugby union team to play test matches again . The ANC agreed to endorse the team on the provision that the flag not be used . During the return test , the Conservative Party handed out numerous flags to the majority white crowd as a symbol of defiance against the ANC . At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona , the South African team performed under a specially designed flag for the National Olympic Committee of South Africa , although white South African spectators at the games waved the then national flag , despite attempts by officials to stop them . 
