What is Apartheid? - Nelson Mandela, and South Africa's history explained

Summary

Apartheid in South Africa was a system of racial segregation enforced by the white minority government starting in 1948. It led to the oppression of black South Africans, who were forced into designated areas, deprived of rights, and segregated in every aspect of life. Despite violent resistance, notably by Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress, apartheid persisted until the 1990s. In 1990, Mandela's release and the abolition of apartheid laws led to South Africa’s first multi-racial elections in 1994, where Mandela became the country's first black president, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of reconciliation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apartheid was a system of racial segregation in South Africa, where people were divided by race through government laws.
• 😀 The term 'apartheid' comes from the Afrikaans word meaning 'apartness'.
• 😀 In the 1940s, over 80% of South Africa's population was black, but the government was controlled by a white minority.
• 😀 The Afrikaner National Party, after winning the 1948 election, implemented apartheid laws to preserve white supremacy.
• 😀 Under apartheid, people were classified into one of four racial groups and forced to live in designated areas based on their race.
• 😀 The government allocated more than 80% of the land to less than 20% of the population, causing mass displacement of black South Africans.
• 😀 Black South Africans were denied citizenship, could not own land, and were subject to segregated facilities like schools and buses.
• 😀 The African National Congress (ANC), led by Nelson Mandela, opposed apartheid from the beginning and faced heavy repression.
• 😀 The 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where police killed 69 peaceful protesters, sparked international condemnation and protests against apartheid.
• 😀 The 1980s saw heightened violence as anti-apartheid groups, including the United Democratic Front, intensified their efforts to end apartheid.
• 😀 Apartheid officially ended in 1991 when the laws were abolished, and in 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president after the country held its first multi-racial election.

Q & A

What does the word 'apartheid' mean?

The word 'apartheid' is derived from Afrikaans, meaning 'apartness'. It refers to a system of racial segregation and discrimination that was implemented in South Africa.

How did apartheid begin in South Africa?

Apartheid began in the 1940s after the Afrikaner National Party won an election in 1948. The party, believing in the superiority of the white race, introduced laws to segregate white and non-white South Africans and maintain control over the country’s resources and land.

What were the key components of apartheid laws?

Under apartheid, South Africans were classified into four racial groups and forced to live in designated areas. Black South Africans were not allowed to own land, and they had separate schools, buses, and other facilities. Interracial marriage was also illegal.

How did the majority of South Africans react to apartheid?

There was significant resistance from the beginning, particularly from the African National Congress (ANC), led by Nelson Mandela. Anti-apartheid movements faced violent crackdowns, and many activists were imprisoned or forced into hiding.

What was the significance of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960?

The Sharpeville massacre occurred when peaceful protesters were fired upon by police, killing 69 people. The massacre sparked global protests and condemnation, including from the United Nations, and intensified the anti-apartheid movement.

How did the international community respond to apartheid?

The international community condemned apartheid, particularly after events like the Sharpeville massacre. Many countries imposed sanctions, and there was widespread global pressure to end the system of racial segregation.

What role did Nelson Mandela play in the fight against apartheid?

Nelson Mandela was a prominent leader of the African National Congress, advocating for peaceful resistance to apartheid. He was arrested in 1962 and spent 27 years in prison. His release in 1990 marked a significant turning point in the fight to end apartheid.

How did the 1980s differ from earlier decades in the anti-apartheid struggle?

The 1980s were marked by heightened violence as the government cracked down on anti-apartheid organizations. Many groups, including the United Democratic Front, formed alliances to push for an end to apartheid, while the government responded with force, including the use of tear gas and arrests.

What was the outcome of apartheid in South Africa?

In 1991, apartheid laws were officially abolished. Three years later, South Africa held its first multiracial election, and in 1994, Nelson Mandela became the country's first black president, marking the end of apartheid.

What is the significance of the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa?

The Day of Reconciliation, observed on December 16th each year, commemorates a day of importance to both Afrikaner and black South African cultures. It now symbolizes the country's efforts toward reconciliation and national unity after the end of apartheid.