Apartheid was and still is one of the worst periods in South African history. Apartheid was an oppressive system that established a white minority rule over the black South African majority. The system led to thousands of South Africans being evicted from their homes into segregated areas, just like the Jim Crow era in America. The apartheid system also banned interracial relationships and marriages. Many South Africans protested against the system, these protests were never peaceful and always erupted in violence and looting.
Apartheid is an Afrikaans word that literally translates ”apartness”. It was a system of rule that made white superiors over black and Asian inferiors. Apartheid gave the white man every advantage but subjugated and stripped blacks and people of Indian decent of basic human rights.
How Apartheid Controlled The Lives Of Black South Africans
Apartheid started as legislation when the National Party gained power in 1948, it was an all-white government and as soon, as they were in office they started implementing racial segregation policies. These policies affected the everyday lives of Black South Africans. A typical example is, segregated public bathrooms and public schools. It was common to see ”whites only” signs in public spaces.
Legislations that were enforced
The Group Areas Act; In this act, the government had the power to decide where black people should live. The government could forcefully remove you from your home and land and give it to ”deserving” whites. They will then put you in a segregated and clustered place with other Blacks who have suffered the same fate.
The Immorality Act; It was a crime for whites and blacks to be in any form of sexual relationship and marriage. Blacks also needed passes to be around or work in white areas.
The fight for freedom
There were countless protests against Apartheid. One notable one is the Soweto Uprising. It was a peaceful protest against using Afrikaans as the official language for teaching in schools. The protest erupted into violence when the police opened fire on the protestors majority of whom were students. In response to several civil unrests and protests across the country, the government endorsed and fully backed a culture of police brutality. There was a group of police known as the Secret Police who targeted groups that spoke against the Apartheid system.
When did Apartheid end
The downfall of the Apartheid system and government began in 1990 after the release of Mandela from prison. It officially ended after the first democratic election on April 27, 1994.
