APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA

KEY TERMS Afrikaners- A South African of Dutch descent African National Congress- A group formed in 1912 to represent the interests of blacks in South Africa in the struggle for political, social, and economic equality National Party- the ruling party in South African government from 1948 to 1994 who instituted the apartheid policy Nelson Mandela- a leader of the African National Congress who spent 27 years in prison and then went on to be the first black president of South Africa F.W. de Klerk- president of South Africa from 1989-1994 who brought apartheid to an end

Rich resources to lure colonists South Africa’s geography and climate support a variety of crops, and it has large deposits of diamonds, gold, and other minerals. In the 19th century, both Dutch (Dutch in 1652) and British colonists (centuries later) laid claim to these lands. The Dutch settlers, known as Boers or Afrikaners, formed their own republics. Boers enslaved Africans and imported other people as laborers from Asia. Both the British and Boers seized lands from many different native African tribes.

The beginning of apartheid In 1902, after a series of wars (known as the Boer Wars), the Boer territories became British colonies known as the Union of South Africa. The British colonial government divided South Africa into white and black areas. Most of the land was reserved for the white majority. Black Africans were left with the land that was less useful or productive. Cities were declared white, and black Africans could enter them only to work.

In 1948, the Afrikaner Nationalist Party gains control of the government and passed the first of 317 Apartheid laws, separating whites from blacks. Legal separation, divided by race South Africans could only own land in areas assigned to them. Black South Africans were required to carry identification papers at all times. (pass books) 1970- The government made all black South Africans citizens of a homeland instead of citizens of South Africa. Homelands were supposed to be self-governing areas, but the national government actually controlled them. The homelands separated the races even more. Black Africans could not vote. Creation of “white-only“ jobs Prohibition of mixed marriages

As you watch, listen how non-whites are being described and how they are treated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOA66AOG52M 5:00

1951- The African National Congress (ANC), a political organization for Africans, encouraged peaceful resistance to apartheid laws. South Africa outlawed the ANC and imprisoned its leaders, including Nelson Mandela. (sentenced to 27 years in prison) Public Safety Act – 1953 Government could declare a state of emergency and increase penalties for anyone protesting or supporting the repeal of a law. Penalties: fines, imprisonment or whippings

Sharpeville, 1960 A large group of black Africans in Sharpeville refused to carry their passes. Government declared a state of emergency. State of emergency lasted 156 days, leaving 69 people dead and 187 wounded.

Soweto, 1975-1977 Uprising led by black school children Response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction Police opened fire, killing two students 575 people killed and 3, 389 wounded

South Africa faced consequences for having an apartheid Up until 1989: Penalties imposed on political protests were severe. Detained without a hearing for up to 6 months While in custody many were tortured and died. If sentenced: death, banishment or imprisoned. South Africa was viewed as an outcast by the global community. Sanctions (ex. Economic aid) were brought against the country.

The end of apartheid In 1989, a new white president F. W. de Klerk began to change apartheid laws. He legalized the ANC and released its leaders, including Mandela. In 1994, voting rights were extended to all South Africans, and the people elected Mandela as president.

South Africa today Decades of apartheid left South Africa far from racial equality. The government has worked to give black South Africans access to better jobs and farmland, but a large economic gap remains between most blacks and whites in the country. Progress is slow: Black Africans make up 90% of the country’s poor population. 47% of SA’s population make less than $43/month. 70% of the land is owned by whites. 27% of black 6th graders are illiterate compared to 4% of white 6th graders.