Introduction:
The system of apartheid was a racial segregation policy implemented in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It aimed to maintain the political and economic dominance of the white minority while systematically discriminating against the non-white population.

Restricted Social Contacts:
Under apartheid, social contacts between different races were heavily restricted. Laws were enacted to prevent interracial marriages and sexual relationships. The Immorality Act of 1950 prohibited any sexual relationships between white and non-white individuals. The Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949 made it illegal for people of different races to marry each other. These laws aimed to enforce racial purity and prevent social integration.

Segregation of Public Facilities:
Apartheid also enforced the segregation of public facilities based on race. Separate amenities were provided for each racial group, with the facilities for whites being of superior quality. For example:

1. The Bantu Education Act of 1953 segregated schools, ensuring that black students received an inferior education compared to their white counterparts.
2. The Group Areas Act of 1950 designated specific areas for different racial groups to live in, resulting in the forced removals of non-white communities from their homes.
3. The Separate Amenities Act of 1953 enforced separate facilities for different races, including public toilets, parks, beaches, and even benches.

These measures aimed to divide society along racial lines, maintaining the dominance and privilege of the white population.

Creation of Race-Specific Job Categories:
The apartheid system also created race-specific job categories, further deepening the discrimination. Different races were assigned different levels of employment opportunities, with blacks being subjected to inferior working conditions and lower wages. The Bantu Education Act further limited the educational and career opportunities for non-white individuals, effectively perpetuating their subordinate position in the job market.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the system of apartheid in South Africa discriminated among the population in various ways. It restricted social contacts between races, enforced the segregation of public facilities, and created race-specific job categories. These policies aimed to maintain the political and economic dominance of the white minority while systematically oppressing and marginalizing the non-white population. The abolishment of apartheid in 1994 marked a significant step towards equality and social justice in South Africa.