Apartheid in South Africa and Nelson Mandela's Role

Overview of Apartheid

• Inception: Apartheid officially began in 1948.
• Policy Aim: Separation of black Africans from the white minority.
• Impact:
  • Discrimination in all areas of life for the black majority.
  • White people were made officially superior by law.
  • Prohibition on living, doing business, or owning land in white areas.
  • Segregation in public facilities, transport, and education.
  • Interracial marriage was banned.
  • Many black individuals lacked citizenship rights, considered aliens in cities.
  • Designated as citizens of homelands known as Bantustans.

Resistance and Conflict

• 1960 Sharpeville Massacre:

  • Peaceful protest against pass laws ended in tragedy.
  • 69 people were killed.
  • The event galvanized opposition and radicalized liberation movements.

• Escalation in the 1980s:

  • Open conflict between the apartheid regime and anti-apartheid activists.
  • Frequent shootings, beatings, and arrests of protesters.
  • Mass protests were harshly suppressed.

Nelson Mandela's Impact

• Imprisonment: Mandela was imprisoned shortly after the Sharpeville events.
• Release and Reforms:
  • Released in 1990 after gradual reforms within the apartheid system.
  • In 1994, became South Africa's first black president.
  • Marked the official end of apartheid with his election.

Conclusion

• Apartheid crumbled due to internal resistance and gradual reforms.
• Nelson Mandela's release and subsequent election were pivotal in ending apartheid.