Anti Apartheid Movement - Effects, Policy and End of Apartheid
Apartheid was the term given to the system of racial discrimination implemented by white European settlers in South Africa. Continue Reading to learn more!
Izhar Ahmad15 Nov, 2023
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Anti Apartheid Movement: The Dutch led an authoritarian political framework that ignored black South Africans both officially and economically. Basic life needs were denied to them, and non-whites faced hard treatment, being banned from visiting areas inhabited by whites. Apartheid deliberately stopped social harmony among different racial groups and prohibited mixed marriages.
Policies Under the Apartheid System
Denial of Voting Rights: The system divided people based on their skin color, with non-whites being treated as lesser by the white masters. Non-whites were deliberately stripped of voting rights, further strengthening the racial split. Stringent Segregation: The apartheid government placed severe limits on black individuals, banning them from living in white areas. A pass was needed for them to work in white places. Various public services such as trains, buses, cabs, hotels, hospitals, schools, libraries, movies, theaters, beaches, swimming pools, and public toilets were tightly separated, keeping a full split between whites and blacks. Additionally, blacks were barred from visiting the same churches as whites. Prohibition of Associations and Protests: The apartheid policies went to stopping blacks from forming associations or calmly marching against the extreme racist practices. This limit hindered their ability to act in non-violent resistance against racism.Effects of the Apartheid System on South African People
Apartheid's effects in South Africa are as follows:- White South Africans occupied the pinnacle of the country's racial hierarchy, enjoying unparalleled advantages, while black South Africans were relegated to the lowest tier, lacking access to even the most fundamental needs.
- The apartheid system criminalized interracial marriages, leading to the separation of children born from such unions. This policy had profound demographic implications for South Africa.
- Black South Africans were denied the right to own property, often being displaced from their homes and compelled to work for minimal wages.
- Educational gaps were clear, with white people getting better education while black Africans faced abuse and restricted access to only one university. The 1953 Bantu Education Act worsened the problem by labeling black people as a working class.
- The Population Registration Act of 1950 classified individuals based on skin color, fostering discrimination and animosity among the population.
- The African National Congress (ANC), led by Nelson Mandela, was banned by the government, and Mandela himself was arrested in 1962, subsequently receiving a life imprisonment sentence in 1965.
- Black South Africans were mandated to carry passbooks containing fingerprints, photos, and information on access to non-black areas, subjecting them to harsh treatment by the police.
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India's Role in Anti Apartheid Movement
Upon taking office, Nehru announced India's resolve to ending slavery globally, especially in Asia and Africa. He stressed the ideals of racial equality and the end of one country ruling or abusing another.Impact of Gandhi:
Despite Gandhi's deep respect for Africans, his political efforts were mainly focused on the Indian society. While his impact on South Africa's freedom fight was secondary, his deeds set a strong pattern. Leaders like Mandela recognized Gandhi's lasting mark on the course of the South African fight.Role of the Indian Diaspora:
The link between India and South Africa's national organizations grew during World War II. Encouraged by the Indian national movement, the exiles recognized their shared fate with the African majority, actively engaging in joint battles against racist policies.India's Protest on Racial Discrimination:
In 1946, India, driven by strong public opinion, filed a protest with the United Nations regarding racial discrimination in South Africa. This move happened even before the formation of a national government.India's Anti-Apartheid Efforts:
India played a key role in the world fight against apartheid. In 1962, it co-sponsored a General Assembly motion asking all states to put sanctions on South Africa and forming the Special Committee against Apartheid. India consistently pushed for the isolation of the apartheid government and backed the freedom fight in various international groups, including the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, and other venues.End of Apartheid System
In the 1990s, under F.W. de Klerk’s leadership, South Africa went through some significant transformations. Apartheid laws were scrapped, and in 1993, a new constitution, which extended political rights to blacks and other races, was implemented. 1994’s national elections established the government led by Nelson Mandela, a famous opponent of the apartheid. While these steps eradicated legalized apartheid, its economic and social ramifications remained deeply rooted in South African society.| Read Related Topics | |||
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Anti Apartheid Movement FAQs
What were the features of apartheid movement?
Systematic racial segregation, discriminatory laws, and protests against institutionalized inequality in South Africa.
How did apartheid come about?
Apartheid emerged as official policy in South Africa in the late 1940s, institutionalizing racial segregation.
Who ended apartheid?
Apartheid was formally dismantled through negotiations led by South African President F.W. de Klerk and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.
What is apartheid in simple words?
A policy enforcing racial separation and discrimination in South Africa.
How did apartheid end?
Apartheid ended through negotiations, culminating in the first democratic elections in 1994, with Nelson Mandela becoming South Africa's first black president.
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