During the South African Border War, Namibia (at the time known as South West Africa) was fighting for its independence against South Africa which had occupied the country in 1915 from Germany. In 1972, Mexico joined as a member the United Nations Special Council for South West Africa and as a member, Mexico advocated for South African troops withdraw from Namibia; supported Namibia's Independence from South Africa and officially recognized the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO). In 1980, Mexico offered scholarships for Namibian nationals to complete their university studies in Mexico. From 1980 to 1981, Mexico was non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council. While on the council, Mexico voted in favor of United Nations Security Council Resolution 475 condemning the continuing attacks on Angola by South Africa through occupied South West Africa. In 1985, during a UN meeting for Namibia in Vienna, Mexico called for full-sanctions against the South African government.