Apartheid in South Africa

Colonization South Africa was first colonized by the English and the Dutch (Boers or Afrikaners) in the 17th century. English domination of the Dutch settlers led them to form new colonies. Orange Free State and Transvaal. The discovery of diamonds in the Dutch colonies led to the Boer War between the Dutch and the British.

Independence South Africa was given its independence in 1910, with power of the country given to the whites.

Apartheid “separateness” Race laws were passed to classify South Africans Whites Blacks (African) Coloured (Indian/ Pakistani/Asian) (based on appearance & birth parents)

Race Laws Prohibited marriages between “whites” and “non-whites” Sanctioned white-only jobs Required all non-whites to carry pass books (which contained fingerprints, identification & info to access non-black areas)

Homelands In 1951, the Bantu Authorities Act established a basis for ethnic government in African reserves, known as ``homelands.'' These homelands were independent states to which each African was assigned by the government according to the record of origin. All political rights, including voting, held by an African were restricted to the designated homeland. The idea was that they would be citizens of the homeland, losing their citizenship in South Africa and any right of involvement with the South African Parliament which held complete hegemony over the homelands.

Forced Removals In the 1960s, 70s, & 80s, non-whites were removed from their homes to designated “homelands”. Soweto- a black township

Opposition to Segregation 1912 The African National Congress (ANC), a nonviolent, political organization forms, joining South Africans opposed to white domination.

1955 3,000 antiapartheid South Africans publish the Freedom Charter, which claims that South Africa belongs to all who live in it & that wealth be distributed equally among blacks & whites.

1960 – The Sharpeville Massacre 69 people are shot to death after police attach a nonviolent, anti-pass law demonstration.

In The Aftermath Non-whites boycotted work Prime Minister Verwoerd declared a state of emergency, giving security forces the right to arrest and detain protestors without a trial The ANC moved underground and became militant

Albert Luthuli President of the ANC at the time of Sharpeville Marked the massacre by declaring a day of mourning and burned his pass book publicly Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961

Spear of the Nation A militant wing of the ANC Its leaders included Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, & Govan Mbeki. All were arrested for sabotage against the government, put on trial, & given lifetime imprisonment

The Soweto Riots In Soweto township, thousands of students peacefully protest the use of Afrikaans language in schools. The South African police respond by shooting at the students, killing approximately 700 people.

Steven Biko A medical student & president of the Black Consciousness Movement (which emphasized positive black self-image & action) Was banned to speak to more than one person at a time & was arrested in Aug. of 1977.

Steven Biko He suffered a major head injury while in police custody, and was chained to a window grille for a full day. The police loaded him into the back of a car and began the 740-mile drive to Pretoria. He died shortly after arrival at the Pretoria prison. The police claimed his death was the result of an extended hunger strike. He was found to have massive injuries to the head, which many saw as strong evidence that he had been brutally clubbed by his captors.

International Sanctions During the 70s, 80, & 90s the Union enforced trade sanctions (arms) International pressure came in the form of an economic & cultural boycott. Countries stopped doing business with South Africa Sporting events were boycotted if they included a South African Team

F.W. de Clerk Was the last president of apartheid South Africa He pushed the ending of apartheid & free elections (1994)

Free Elections The first free election were held in 1994 over a three day period The date, April 27th, is now a public holiday. (Freedom Day)

Nelson Mandela After spending 27 years in prison, he became the 1st president in a fully-representative democratic election