A history of apartheid in South Africa | Explained | Newsround

Summary

This video chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa, starting from its establishment in 1948, a system designed to segregate and discriminate against black people. The script highlights the struggles and protests against apartheid, focusing on the African National Congress (ANC) and key figures like Nelson Mandela. After decades of resistance, apartheid ended in the 1990s with Mandela’s release and election as president in 1994. Despite significant progress, challenges persist in addressing poverty, inequality, and the ANC’s leadership issues, with many questioning whether enough has changed since apartheid’s end.

Takeaways

• 😀 Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, was heavily influenced by apartheid, which segregated and discriminated against black people.
• 😀 Apartheid, enforced by the white government, began in 1948 and kept black and white people separate in various aspects of life.
• 😀 Black South Africans were denied the same opportunities as white people, including in education, public spaces, and employment.
• 😀 Black people had limited rights, such as not being allowed to vote, and were often punished with violence or imprisonment for defying apartheid rules.
• 😀 The African National Congress (ANC) was one of the main political groups that opposed apartheid, despite being banned by the government in 1960.
• 😀 Nelson Mandela, a key figure in the ANC, was imprisoned in 1964 for life, yet his image and quotes were banned by the government.
• 😀 International pressure, including protests and sanctions, continued against South Africa throughout the 1960s and beyond.
• 😀 In 1989, F.W. De Klerk became president, signaling the start of gradual changes in the apartheid system, with Mandela released from prison in 1990.
• 😀 Mandela's release was a global celebration, but the journey toward true equality in South Africa still required significant work.
• 😀 In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic election with both black and white people voting, leading to Mandela becoming president.
• 😀 Despite the progress since apartheid ended, challenges persist in South Africa, with ongoing inequality and dissatisfaction with the ANC's performance.

Q & A

What is apartheid and when did it begin in South Africa?

Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the white government in South Africa. It began in 1948 and kept black and white people separated, denying black South Africans basic rights and opportunities.

How did apartheid affect black people in South Africa?

Under apartheid, black people faced severe discrimination. They were segregated from white people in public spaces, denied access to quality education, had limited job opportunities, and were not allowed to vote. They were also subjected to violence and imprisonment for defying apartheid laws.

What role did the African National Congress (ANC) play in the fight against apartheid?

The ANC was a political group that led protests against the apartheid government. Despite being banned in 1960, the ANC continued to resist, with Nelson Mandela as a key figure, pushing for the end of apartheid and equal rights for all South Africans.

Why was Nelson Mandela imprisoned, and what was the global response?

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in 1964 for leading the ANC and resisting apartheid. His imprisonment sparked global protests, and he became a symbol of the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa. His image was banned, and even speaking his quotes was made illegal.

How did Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 impact South Africa and the world?

Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 marked a turning point in the fight against apartheid. It sparked celebrations worldwide and signaled the beginning of the dismantling of apartheid. The event was broadcast globally and brought hope for a more equal South Africa.

What happened in South Africa's 1994 election?

In the 1994 election, black and white South Africans were allowed to vote for the first time. The ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, won, and Mandela became the country's first black president, symbolizing the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era.

What challenges remain in post-apartheid South Africa?

Despite the end of apartheid, challenges remain, including high poverty rates, unemployment, and unequal access to education, particularly for black South Africans. Many believe that the ANC, while making progress, has not done enough to address these issues.

What is the current state of the ANC in South Africa?

The ANC, which led the fight against apartheid, has faced criticism for not effectively addressing the needs of the people. Former leaders like Thabo Mbeki have acknowledged the party's problems, and there are ongoing efforts to fix the party and improve the country's situation.

How did global protests affect the apartheid government?

Global protests, including boycotts and calls for sanctions, put significant pressure on the apartheid government. In 1964, South Africa was banned from participating in the Olympics, a major international rebuke, which isolated the country and contributed to the eventual dismantling of apartheid.

What are some of the lasting effects of apartheid on South African society?

Apartheid's legacy is still evident in South Africa today, with significant economic disparities and social inequalities. Black South Africans remain more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to higher education, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving true equality.