Political change comes only at the price of perseverance.

For true change to occur in South Africa we must abide by the hands of time and let economic sanctions continue to help dismantle the oppressive system of apartheid.

South Africa's President de Klerk has agreed to release all political prisoners by April 30, eliminate discriminatory housing and land ownerships laws and laws that register people by race.

Some aspects of apartheid are being dismantled, and President Bush wants to reward South Africa by lifting some economic sanctions.

But before the administration pats de Klerk on the back, it should note the policies that segregate education and do not allow black South Africans the right to vote.

Despite all de Klerk's policy changes, African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela cannot vote in his own country. In fact, the majority of South Africa's citizens cannot vote. De Klerk has not mentioned a remedy to this discrimination.

And many South African educators are confused about the future of education in their country. De Klerk's comments regarding the country's segregated educational system have been vague and far from assuring.

The United States decided to impose sanctions on South Africa in 1986. While de Klerk has reversed some discriminatory South African laws during the last five years, many more need to be changed before sanctions are lifted.

The current lack of consistency in U.S. foreign policy makes the administration's call for relaxed sanctions particularly ironic. At the same time Bush is risking hundreds of thousands of American lives to free Kuwait of Iraqi occupation, he wants to reward the still oppressive South African government.

While everyone is anxiously watching events unfold in the gulf, the rest of the world must not be overlooked. Although de Klerk's recent words offer hope, only time will tell if his actions will offer justice.

It will be about two months before Congress takes action on Bush's suggestion to lift South African sanctions. This leaves time for students to get the word to Congress. They can use that time to write and urge representatives not to ease sanctions against South Africa.

Until all South Africans have the right to vote and receive a proper education, the Bush administration should reserve its praise and continue economic sanctions.