Apartheid was a political and social system that was used in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. During this period, South Africa was segregated based on race, with white people having a privileged position over non-white people. In this article, we'll look at 20 facts about apartheid in South Africa, exploring how the system worked, its impact, and how it was eventually dismantled.

What was apartheid?

Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination that was used in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. Under apartheid, people were classified into different racial groups, with white people having the most privilege and non-white people being oppressed and discriminated against. The system was based on the belief that white people were superior to other races and that they should have control over South Africa.

The origins of apartheid

Apartheid was first introduced in 1948 by the National Party, which had won the general election that year. The party was made up mainly of white Afrikaners, who were descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa. They believed that the country should be governed by white people and that other races should have limited rights. Apartheid was seen as a way to maintain white dominance and prevent other races from gaining political power.

The apartheid laws

Apartheid was enforced through a series of laws that separated people based on their race. The Population Registration Act of 1950 classified everyone in South Africa into one of four racial groups: white, black, coloured, or Indian. This classification determined where people could live, work, and go to school, and it limited their access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

Other laws included the Group Areas Act of 1950, which forced people of different races to live in separate areas, and the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act of 1953, which segregated public facilities such as parks, beaches, and toilets.

How apartheid worked

Apartheid was enforced through a system of pass laws, which required non-white people to carry identity documents that stated where they were allowed to live and work. The pass laws also restricted people's freedom of movement, making it difficult for them to travel or find work.

The government also used violence and intimidation to maintain control over non-white people. This included the use of the police and military to suppress protests and uprisings, as well as the imprisonment and torture of political activists.

Segregation in daily life

Under apartheid, segregation was enforced in every aspect of life. Non-white people were not allowed to use the same facilities as white people, and they were often forced to use inferior services. For example, non-white people were not allowed to enter certain shops or restaurants, and they had to use separate entrances to public buildings.

Education under apartheid

Under apartheid, education was also segregated. Non-white people were only allowed to attend separate schools that were often underfunded and provided a poor quality of education. White people had access to better schools that provided a high-quality education, giving them a significant advantage in the job market and wider society.

Health and welfare

Non-white people had limited access to healthcare and welfare services under apartheid. The government spent far less on healthcare for non-white people than for white people, resulting in lower life expectancies and higher rates of infant mortality. Welfare services were also limited, with non-white people often receiving less financial support than white people.

Economic inequality

Apartheid created significant economic inequality in South Africa. Non-white people were largely excluded from skilled jobs and were paid far less than white people for doing the same work. This meant that non-white people were far more likely to live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet.

The role of the media

The media played a crucial role in promoting apartheid in South Africa. The government used censorship and propaganda to control what people saw and heard in the news, ensuring that only pro-apartheid messages were broadcast. This made it difficult for people to understand the true nature of apartheid and to challenge the government's policies.

Resistance to apartheid

Despite the government's efforts to suppress dissent, there was significant resistance to apartheid in South Africa. This resistance took many forms, including protests, boycotts, and strikes. Political organizations such as the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) were formed to fight against apartheid, and many people were imprisoned or killed for their activism.

International isolation

South Africa's policy of apartheid led to its international isolation. Many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, imposed economic and political sanctions on South Africa, refusing to trade or do business with the country. This put significant pressure on the government to change its policies.

The Soweto Uprising

One of the most significant events in the fight against apartheid was the Soweto Uprising in 1976. This began as a student protest against the use of Afrikaans in schools but quickly escalated into a larger protest against apartheid. The government responded with violence, killing hundreds of people and sparking further protests and unrest.

The end of apartheid

Apartheid officially ended in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first black president. This followed years of negotiations and protests, and the eventual collapse of the apartheid government. Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists worked to create a new constitution and a new government that would be inclusive and democratic.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In the years following the end of apartheid, South Africa established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This was a body that was designed to help the country come to terms with its past and to move forward. The commission heard from victims of apartheid and from those who had committed crimes, offering amnesty to those who were willing to tell the truth about what had happened.

The legacy of apartheid

The legacy of apartheid is still felt in South Africa today. The country remains deeply divided along racial lines, and economic inequality continues to be a major issue. However, there have been significant improvements since the end of apartheid, with many people gaining access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.

The impact on art and culture

Apartheid had a significant impact on art and culture in South Africa. Many artists and writers used their work to challenge the government's policies, and there was a thriving underground art scene that provided a space for non-white artists to express themselves. Today, South African art and culture is celebrated around the world.

The role of sport

Sport played a significant role in the fight against apartheid. South Africa was banned from international sporting events for many years, putting pressure on the government to change its policies. The country's success in rugby and cricket helped to unite people of different races and to break down racial barriers.

Celebrating Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is one of the most revered figures in South African history, known for his tireless work in the fight against apartheid and for his commitment to building a more just and equitable society. In addition to his political activism, Mandela was also a philanthropist, human rights advocate, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

The Rainbow Nation

After the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa became known as the “Rainbow Nation” for its diversity and multiculturalism. While the country still faces many challenges, including poverty, inequality, and corruption, it has made significant progress in overcoming the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive society.

Moving forward

While South Africa has made significant progress in the decades since the end of apartheid, there is still much work to be done to address the ongoing challenges facing the country. This includes issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and social unrest.

FAQs

What is apartheid?

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racism and segregation that was implemented in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

What were the key features of apartheid?

Apartheid was characterized by the segregation of different racial groups and the enforcement of strict racial categories in all aspects of life.

How did the international community respond to apartheid?

Many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, imposed economic and political sanctions on South Africa, refusing to trade or do business with the country.

What was the Soweto Uprising?

The Soweto Uprising was a student protest against the use of Afrikaans in schools that quickly escalated into a larger protest against apartheid.

What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a body that was established in South Africa to help the country come to terms with its past and to move forward. It heard from victims of apartheid and from those who had committed crimes, offering amnesty to those who were willing to tell the truth about what had happened.