Apartheid
Decades strict racial segregation had the colored people of South Africa to outlive.
A time of consequent discrimination and exploitation of the non-white population.
But the people began to rise against that misanthropic and contemptuous system and in 1994 Nelson Mandela, a black leader of the independence movement, became first president of the new republic.
Even though there were trends that separated people, the Apartheid itself, in terms of statutory segregation between black and white people, started in 1948. The National Party (NP), under the rule of Daniel Francois Malan, won the parliament elections and built an authoritarian regime which primary goal was to keep people apart for the benefit of the whites. From then on, colored people could not live next to white people, could not go to certain areas that were reserved for the whites("Whites only"), Intermarriages were strictly forbidden, black people had to carry a pass, etc.
A time of consequent discrimination and exploitation of the non-white population.
But the people began to rise against that misanthropic and contemptuous system and in 1994 Nelson Mandela, a black leader of the independence movement, became first president of the new republic.
Even though there were trends that separated people, the Apartheid itself, in terms of statutory segregation between black and white people, started in 1948. The National Party (NP), under the rule of Daniel Francois Malan, won the parliament elections and built an authoritarian regime which primary goal was to keep people apart for the benefit of the whites. From then on, colored people could not live next to white people, could not go to certain areas that were reserved for the whites("Whites only"), Intermarriages were strictly forbidden, black people had to carry a pass, etc.
Women probably suffered the most under Apartheid. They were discriminated both because of their origin and their gender, seldomly had a job and wages were regrettably low.
The segregation was so intense, there were even different national associations , depending on the skin color, for the same sport.
People were classified into 4 categories: White, Black, Indian or Colored. Each ethnicity had different rights and everybody had to register at the "Race Classification Board". All non-whites, even though a majority, were strongly underprivileged compared to the whites. From 1960-1980 3.4 million people were forced to resettle due to orders of the white government. The ones who disagreed or even protested were arrested.
Good education was exceedingly hard to get for most of the non-white people. White people were provided with a better education in order to eliminate competition of other ethnicities than the white and to maintain the Apartheid system. As a result, the poorly educated could hardly get a reasonable job. he government wanted a broad unqualified population stratum that does low works for low wages. Therefore, whites were privileged by law in all parts of life and freedom of press was not a bit warranted.
But what legitimized that regime in the eyes of the whites?
Various reasons, such as cultural relativity, "great efficiency for the benefit of all ruled by the white", demand on land by distortion of history, religion and many others were used in order to "not affect" each other's culture by segregation.
Resistance
But this insane system should not last forever. The Anti Apartheid Movement (AAM) was founded in 1960 in order to fight Apartheid. It began with a large boycott of British products.
"We will buy nothing tomorrow" -Mkhuseli Jack
By refusing to buy British products they were able to cause two so called states of emergency. The economy broke down immediately. In addition, (mostly non violent) protests began even though the government responded with violence. Although unorganized and chaotic, leaders like Nelson Mandela (who spent 27 years in jail) or Mkhuseli Jack could unite the people against the regime. As a result black people gained more attention for their demands.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) was formed and developed beyond expectations. Boycotts were extended and the government is finally forced to resign.
Elections were held and Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) was formed and developed beyond expectations. Boycotts were extended and the government is finally forced to resign.
Elections were held and Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa.
"I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days." -Nelson Mandela
During the Anti-Apartheid movement, there were a number of non-violent movements that very significant, non-violent movement could develop the movement better compared to violent movement. Next, you will see three famous non-violent movements.
No.1 In the city of Port Elizabeth,a automobile manufacturing center,The government’s tough management bring misery to people. The government wanted to expelled all the black people who lived in a town called Wamo. Wamo people panicked over and there are about six thousands people organized a rally and decided to set up ‘ Black Civic Organization in the city of Port Elizabeth’ to represented all the black town in this city in October 1979. This residents organization boosted parliament abolished the rising of rents successfully and prevent the fee of water of one town.
No.2 In some black towns around Durban, people lived in Indian residential area organized a women march to protest the rising charge of public transportation. In the African town called Ramon Vail, Durban bus line is the only vehicle for most of people to go to work.
The Bus company raised the charge, it caused a bus boycott for 18 months. Local people raised a mini bus fleet to carry workers. Finally, the bus company made a concession.
No.3 On the May,1985, a number of middle-aged women raised an idea that boycott to the white business in city of Port Elizabeth to the black citizens organization. And MKHUSELI JACK became the the spokesman of boycott committee. In a Funeral( this is the only public gatherings allowed by the government), JACK published a speech to large public, he declared that we won’t go shopping on Monday, even a box of matches! On Monday, there was no one in the Northern shopping district that once full of black who for shopping.
No.1 In the city of Port Elizabeth,a automobile manufacturing center,The government’s tough management bring misery to people. The government wanted to expelled all the black people who lived in a town called Wamo. Wamo people panicked over and there are about six thousands people organized a rally and decided to set up ‘ Black Civic Organization in the city of Port Elizabeth’ to represented all the black town in this city in October 1979. This residents organization boosted parliament abolished the rising of rents successfully and prevent the fee of water of one town.
No.2 In some black towns around Durban, people lived in Indian residential area organized a women march to protest the rising charge of public transportation. In the African town called Ramon Vail, Durban bus line is the only vehicle for most of people to go to work.
The Bus company raised the charge, it caused a bus boycott for 18 months. Local people raised a mini bus fleet to carry workers. Finally, the bus company made a concession.
No.3 On the May,1985, a number of middle-aged women raised an idea that boycott to the white business in city of Port Elizabeth to the black citizens organization. And MKHUSELI JACK became the the spokesman of boycott committee. In a Funeral( this is the only public gatherings allowed by the government), JACK published a speech to large public, he declared that we won’t go shopping on Monday, even a box of matches! On Monday, there was no one in the Northern shopping district that once full of black who for shopping.
PEople
MKHUSELI JACK He was not satisfied with the law in South Africa. With the support of local organizations, he gained admission and developed as a natural leader of his peers. He became a key leader of strikes, boycotts, and other grassroots efforts, which, during the 1980s, reverberated throughout the country and were instrumental in creating the national and international climate that defeated apartheid.
JANET CHERRY Cherry’s adult literacy program was also no longer permitted to operate, so she turned her focus on creating a crisis information center which could support people who disappeared or been detained during the uprising. Cherry herself was detained in 1985, in 1986Â 1987, and again in 1988 before being put under house arrest in 1989.
Timeline
- June 1976: The Town Soweto riots and resistance to Apartheid begins
- August 1983: The UDF(United Democratic Front) is established
- July 21 1985: 1st state of emergency
- June 12 1986: 2nd state of emergency; thousands of arrestments
- October 1989: Imprisoned leaders are released
- February 11 1990: Nelson Mandela is released
- August 29 1994: Nelson Mandela wins first free independent elections