Apartheid

Apartheid was a system of strict racial separation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 until the early 1990s. It was designed to keep the small white population in control of the country politically, socially, and economically. People were divided into four racial groups—white, Indian, Coloured, and Black—and each group had different rights and opportunities. The white group held the highest status, while Black South Africans faced the most restrictions.

The rules of apartheid affected nearly every part of daily life. Laws prevented people of different racial groups from marrying or even having close relationships. People were forced to live in separate areas, and millions of Black South Africans were moved from their homes to special regions called "bantustans." These changes caused deep unfairness and anger, leading to many protests and struggles against the government.

Over time, people both inside and outside South Africa worked hard to end apartheid. International sanctions and pressure helped, and talks between the government and anti-apartheid groups led to important changes. In 1994, South Africa held its first elections where everyone could vote, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new, more equal country. The effects of apartheid still influence South Africa today, especially in areas like economic inequality.

Precursors

Main articles: History of South Africa (1815–1910) and History of South Africa (1910–1948)

Apartheid is an Afrikaans word meaning "separateness". Racial discrimination against Black people in South Africa began when European settlers arrived in 1652. Over time, laws were created to separate different racial groups and limit the freedoms of Black and mixed-race people.

In the 1800s, pass laws required people to carry documents to travel or work. Later laws stopped Black people from voting, buying land outside certain areas, and living where they chose. These laws built up to the system of Apartheid that began in 1948.

Institution and development

Apartheid grew from the racism of colonial times and South Africa's unique industrial growth. This industrialization led to separating people by race, especially to support early industries like mining. The economy relied on cheap labor from groups classified as peasants and migrants.

The 1948 election brought the National Party to power. They promised to keep control over non-white populations, which many white voters supported. The National Party believed in strict racial separation, calling their plan "apartheid." They passed many laws to separate races in all areas of life, from where people could live to schools and public spaces. These laws created unequal services and opportunities, mainly benefiting the white population.

Homeland system

Main article: Bantustan

Under the homeland system, the government tried to split South Africa and South West Africa into separate areas for different ethnic groups. This idea was not new, as earlier policies had already set aside land for black people. However, under apartheid, only 13 percent of the land was given to these homelands, and it was often in areas that were not good for farming or jobs.

The government believed that each group should have its own nation. They created 20 homelands, with 19 for black groups and one for a group of mixed-race people called Basters. Four of these homelands were declared independent by the South African government, but in reality, they were controlled by South Africa and had very little real power or resources.

Society during apartheid

The government of South Africa passed many laws to separate people by race. One law stopped marriages between white people and people of other races. Another law made it illegal for white people and people of other races to be together in certain ways.

Black people needed special permits to work or live in areas meant for white people. Without these permits, they had to leave those areas and live in separate places called homelands. Trains, hospitals, and even buses were separated by race. Schools, jobs, and neighborhoods were also divided, with black people often getting fewer resources and opportunities than white people.

Different race groups were strictly controlled, and people were often moved to different areas based on their race. This separation affected many parts of daily life, including where people could live, work, and play.

Internal resistance

Main article: Internal resistance to apartheid

Apartheid caused many people in South Africa to oppose the government. They formed groups to protest peacefully, but sometimes protests turned into clashes with police. In 1949, younger leaders in the African National Congress (ANC) started more active resistance, including strikes and boycotts. In 1959, another group called the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) formed and organized protests that led to serious conflicts with police.

Over time, resistance grew stronger. In 1976, students in Soweto protested against unfair school rules, leading to violent confrontations. Labour unions also became important in fighting against apartheid. By the 1980s, many groups worked together to oppose the government, with leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu speaking out against the unfair system. Even some white South Africans joined the fight for change.

International relations during apartheid

South Africa's strict racial laws faced global criticism starting in the 1960s. In 1960, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan spoke out against these policies during a speech in Cape Town. Tensions grew even more after the Sharpeville massacre, leading to more international disapproval. In response, Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd held a vote asking white South Africans if the country should become a republic. The majority voted yes.

Because of this change, South Africa had to reapply to join the Commonwealth group of nations. However, many members opposed South Africa because of its apartheid policies, so South Africa left the Commonwealth in 1961. In the 1980s, the Commonwealth pushed for economic sanctions to end apartheid. In 1986, several countries agreed on a strong plan of sanctions.

The Organisation of African Unity, created in 1963, also condemned apartheid and called for sanctions against South Africa. African nations supported groups fighting against apartheid. In 1969, leaders from several African countries signed the Lusaka Manifesto, which criticized racism and unfair treatment, and asked for majority rule for Black people in all African countries. When South Africa refused to change its policies, the Organisation of African Unity announced in 1971 that freeing Black South Africans might require military action.

During the 1980s, some Western countries took different approaches. The United States and the United Kingdom often supported South Africa for political reasons, even though many people in those countries wanted stronger actions against apartheid. It wasn't until the late 1980s that more Western nations began supporting economic sanctions and pushing for negotiations to end apartheid.

Sports and culture

South Africa faced increasing isolation in sports and culture during the apartheid years. Because apartheid laws forbade mixed-race sports teams, many international teams refused to play in South Africa. In the 1950s and 1960s, South Africa lost its place in international sports events like the Olympics. Cultural events also saw boycotts, with artists and writers refusing to perform or exhibit in South Africa. These boycotts helped people around the world understand how unfair apartheid was.

Western influence

While many countries opposed apartheid, some Western nations, like the United States under Presidents Nixon and Reagan, maintained ties with South Africa for strategic reasons. They saw South Africa as an important ally against communist influences in Africa. However, by the late 1980s, even these countries started supporting economic sanctions and pushing for an end to apartheid.

Effect of the Cold War

The Cold War also influenced apartheid. South Africa often portrayed itself as a defender against communist threats, which helped justify its strict military policies. The government built up its military forces and supported anti-communist groups in Africa. This led to South Africa being involved in several conflicts in neighboring countries, often to fight groups opposed to apartheid or to support anti-communist forces. These actions sometimes drew international criticism and led to further isolation for South Africa.

Main articles: Sporting boycott of South Africa and Rugby union and apartheid

Main article: Foreign relations of South Africa during apartheid

See also: Lusaka Manifesto

See also: International sanctions during apartheid

State security

See also: Military history of South Africa, South Africa and weapons of mass destruction, Project Coast, and South African Institute for Maritime Research

During the 1980s, the government of South Africa, led by P.W. Botha, focused heavily on security. They created a strong state security apparatus to protect against expected rises in political violence. This period saw much political unrest, with the government controlled by generals and police chiefs known as securocrats.

The government took strong actions against those who opposed apartheid. Many people were arrested, and strict laws limited what people could do or say. The government also worked to stop groups fighting against apartheid, both inside and outside the country.

Final years of apartheid

Main article: Negotiations to end apartheid in South Africa

The last years of apartheid saw important changes in South Africa as the government tried to reform the system. Economic problems and international pressure made it clear that the old ways were not working. In the 1970s and 1980s, protests against apartheid grew stronger, especially after South Africa lost control of nearby countries like Mozambique and Angola.

In the 1980s, the government made some changes. They allowed more people to vote and gave some rights to Black South Africans, but these changes were not enough. In 1989, F. W. de Klerk became president and began serious talks to end apartheid. In 1990, he announced that bans on anti-apartheid groups would end and that Nelson Mandela would be released after many years in prison.

Talks continued through the early 1990s, with many challenges along the way. There were violent clashes between different groups, but leaders worked hard to find peace. In 1994, South Africa held its first elections where everyone could vote, marking the end of apartheid and the start of a new, democratic nation.

Legacy

Further information: Inequality in post-apartheid South Africa and Wealth inequality in South Africa

After apartheid ended in South Africa, the country faced big challenges in fixing the unfairness left behind. Many Black South Africans still struggle with less money, fewer job opportunities, and shorter lives compared to white South Africans. Even though the economy grew, most wealth and land were still owned mostly by white people, making South Africa one of the most unequal places in the world.

Some leaders who once supported apartheid later said they were sorry for the harm it caused. For example, F. W. de Klerk, who was president during apartheid, apologized for the suffering of many people. The old apartheid flag is now banned in South Africa because it reminds many people of painful times. The word "apartheid" is also used today to describe unfair treatment in other places, like when people are separated based on their religion or economic status.