How does Mandela describe the system of government in his country firs...
Mandela describes the system of government in his country in two different periods of time - the first half and the final record of the 20th century. Let's examine his descriptions in detail.
First Half of the 20th Century:
During the first half of the 20th century, South Africa was under the colonial rule of the British Empire. The system of government was based on racial segregation and discrimination, known as apartheid. The white minority held all the political power and imposed strict laws to control and oppress the black majority. The system was characterized by:
1. Separate Development: Apartheid laws divided the population into four categories - white, black, colored, and Asian. Each group was assigned separate territories, and people were not allowed to move freely between them.
2. Racial Discrimination: The government institutionalized racial discrimination in all aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Black people were subjected to inferior facilities and services.
3. Repression and Oppression: The government used violence and repression to suppress any opposition to apartheid. Black people were denied the right to vote, and political organizations advocating for democracy were banned.
Final Record of the 20th Century:
In the final record of the 20th century, South Africa underwent a significant transformation. The apartheid system was abolished, and a new constitution was adopted, providing for a democratic and non-racial society. Mandela was instrumental in this change, and he became the first democratically elected president of South Africa. The new system of government was characterized by:
1. Democracy: The new government was based on democratic principles, with free and fair elections, and equal rights for all citizens.
2. Non-racialism: The new constitution prohibited any form of discrimination based on race, religion, or gender. All citizens were entitled to equal opportunities and protection under the law.
3. Reconciliation: Mandela promoted a policy of reconciliation, aimed at healing the wounds of apartheid and building a united, non-racial society. This policy included the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated human rights abuses committed during apartheid and aimed to provide amnesty to those who came forward and confessed their crimes.
In conclusion, Mandela's descriptions of the system of government in his country in the first half and final record of the 20th century were vastly different. The first half was characterized by apartheid, a system of racial segregation and oppression, while the final record was characterized by democracy, non-racialism, and reconciliation. Mandela played a crucial role in this transformation, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
How does Mandela describe the system of government in his country firs...
(i) In the first decade of the century, the whites erected a system of racial domination against the blacks, thus, creating the basis of one of the harshest and most inhumane societies the world had ever known.
(ii) In the final decade of the 20th century, the previous system had been overturned and replaced by one which recognised rights and freedom of all people regardless of the colour of their skin.