APARTHEID 46 YEARS IN 90 SECONDS - BBC NEWS

Summary

Apartheid, a policy of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa, began in earnest in 1948, legally establishing white superiority and marginalizing the black majority. It led to separate public facilities, banned interracial marriage, and denied citizenship to many. The 1960 Sharpeville massacre, where 69 were killed during a peaceful protest, intensified opposition and radicalized liberation movements. Despite violent crackdowns on anti-apartheid activism in the 1980s, gradual reforms eventually led to the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and his election as South Africa's first black president in 1994, marking the end of apartheid.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Apartheid was a system of racial segregation enforced by the South African government, which began in earnest in 1948.
• 🔱 Apartheid laws established white people as officially superior and led to widespread discrimination against the black majority.
• 🈲️ The system included bans on living in white areas, separate public facilities, transport, schools, and interracial marriage.
• 📜 Many black South Africans were denied citizenship and were considered aliens or citizens of 'Bantustans' or homelands scattered throughout the country.
• 🚫 Resistance to apartheid grew, culminating in a significant event in 1960 when a peaceful protest at Sharpeville resulted in a massacre with 69 deaths.
• 🔥 The Sharpeville massacre galvanized opposition and radicalized liberation movements, such as the African National Congress (ANC).
• 🗣️ There was a sentiment among some that peaceful and nonviolent approaches were futile, leading to a call for more aggressive tactics.
• 💥 Open conflict erupted in the 1980s, with anti-apartheid activists facing violence, arrests, and suppression of mass protests.
• 🔄 Despite the harsh crackdowns, the apartheid establishment gradually crumbled due to internal and international pressure for reform.
• 🔑 Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned since shortly after the Sharpeville incident, was released in 1990.
• 🏆 Mandela's release led to significant political change, and he was elected as South Africa's first black president in 1994, marking the end of apartheid.

Q & A

When did apartheid officially begin in South Africa?

Apartheid officially began in 1948 with laws that made white people officially superior and led to discrimination against the black majority in every aspect of their lives.

What were the consequences of the apartheid policy for black Africans?

Black Africans faced discrimination in all areas of life, including living, doing business, and owning land in white areas. They were banned from using certain public facilities, transport, and schools, and interracial marriage was prohibited.

What significant event happened in 1960 that increased opposition to apartheid?

In 1960, a peaceful protest against apartheid laws at Sharpeville ended in a massacre where 69 people were killed, which galvanized opposition and radicalized liberation movements.

How did the apartheid establishment respond to the growing resistance in the 1980s?

The apartheid establishment responded with force, frequently shooting at, beating, or arresting anti-apartheid activists and firmly suppressing mass protests.

Who was Nelson Mandela, and what was his role in the fight against apartheid?

Nelson Mandela was a key figure in the fight against apartheid. He was imprisoned not long after the Sharpeville massacre and was set free in 1990. In 1994, he was elected as South Africa's first black president, marking the end of apartheid.

What was the impact of the Sharpeville massacre on the anti-apartheid movement?

The Sharpeville massacre had a profound impact, as it not only increased opposition to apartheid but also radicalized liberation movements, leading to a more determined fight against the oppressive system.

How did the apartheid government attempt to control black South Africans through citizenship?

The apartheid government made many black South Africans citizens of 'bantustans' or homelands scattered throughout South Africa, rather than citizens of major cities, effectively segregating and controlling them.

What were the separate public facilities, transport, and schools that were established under apartheid?

Under apartheid, separate public facilities, transport, and schools were established for white and black people, enforcing racial segregation and inequality.

What was the significance of Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990?

Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990 was a significant milestone in the struggle against apartheid. It symbolized the beginning of the end for the oppressive regime and paved the way for his eventual election as president.

How did the gradual reforms lead to the end of apartheid in South Africa?

Gradual reforms, along with increased international pressure and internal resistance, weakened the apartheid establishment. These reforms eventually led to Nelson Mandela's release and his election as president, marking the official end of apartheid.

What was the role of international pressure in the dismantling of apartheid?

International pressure played a crucial role in the dismantling of apartheid. Sanctions, divestment, and global condemnation contributed to the isolation of the apartheid regime and facilitated its eventual collapse.