Apartheid in South Africa

Understanding Apartheid: A History of Oppression and Resistance in South Africa

Apartheid, an oppressive system of racial segregation, was enforced by the National Party (NP) governments of South Africa from 1948 to 1994. During this period, the majority black population suffered from curtailed rights, while white supremacy and Afrikaner minority rule were upheld. Even South West Africans endured the injustices of apartheid, as the country was administered by South Africa until it gained independence as Namibia in 1990.

The implementation of apartheid as official policy followed the general election of 1948. The legislation categorized inhabitants into four racial groups: “native,” “white,” “colored,” and “Asian.” Segregation extended to residential areas, often enforced through forced removals. Non-white political representation was eradicated in 1970, and from that year onwards, black people were stripped of their citizenship. The government furthered segregation by providing inferior services in education, healthcare, and public amenities to black people compared to their white counterparts.

Apartheid ignited significant internal resistance and violence, alongside international condemnation and sanctions. The embargoes placed on South Africa by Western nations added pressure on the government to dismantle the regime. President Frederik Willem de Klerk initiated negotiations to end apartheid in 1990, leading to multi-racial democratic elections in 1994. The African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, emerged victorious, marking a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history as apartheid came to an end.