Apartheid in South Africa and Nelson Mandela's Role

Introduction

• 1994 marks a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela casts his vote in the first free democratic elections in South Africa.
• Significance: End of racial oppression and apartheid.

What is Apartheid?

• Definition: Literal meaning is 'apartness'; a system of racial segregation.
• Origin: Enforced by Afrikaner National Party in 1948.
• Historical Context: Segregation existed before apartheid, e.g., 1913's Natives Land Act limited Black land ownership.

Implementation

• Goal: Separate white minority from non-white majority, and non-whites from each other.
• Methods:
  • Enacted hundreds of race laws.
  • Restricted living, working, and educational rights based on race.
  • Prohibited interracial relationships and marriages.
  • Denied voting rights to non-whites.

Racial Classification

• Race Classification Act: Categorized people into four races: White, Indian, Colored, and Black.
• Subgroups: Further divided ethnic and tribal groups.
• Tests for Classification: Pseudo-scientific tests like the pencil test.
• Requirements: Black South Africans required to carry passbooks.

Resistance

• Non-violent Protests: Led by Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and Ahmed Kothrada.
• 1952 Defiance Campaign: Encouraged breaking apartheid laws; aimed to overload the jail system.
• Consequences: Thousands jailed; harsher laws passed in 1953.

Key Events

• 1960 Sharpeville Massacre: Police killed nearly 70 unarmed protesters.
• State of Emergency: National emergency declared; opposition parties banned.
• 1964 Rivonia Trials: Mandela and other leaders sentenced to life imprisonment.

Global and Domestic Pressures

• International Response: Global movement to divest and boycott South Africa.
• Internal Unrest: Continuous arms struggle within South Africa.
• Negotiations Begin: ANC and National Party start dialogues.

Dismantling Apartheid

• 1990 Events: Nelson Mandela released from prison at age 71.
• 1994 Elections: ANC wins 62% of the vote; Mandela becomes president.
• Legacy: End of apartheid and a new era for South Africa.

Conclusion

• Mandela's famous words: "Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another."