Prior to 1992, south Africa practised a form of racial discrimination....
Racial Discrimination in South Africa Prior to 1992
Racial discrimination in South Africa prior to 1992 is commonly referred to as Apartheid. Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced by the government of South Africa. The term apartheid is derived from the Afrikaans word meaning "separateness" or "the state of being apart".
The Origins of Apartheid
The origins of apartheid can be traced back to the early 20th century when the white minority government of South Africa began to implement policies that sought to separate the white and black populations. These policies were initially aimed at limiting black migration into urban areas and preserving the political and economic power of the white minority.
The Implementation of Apartheid
The National Party, a political party that was dominated by Afrikaner nationalists, came to power in 1948 and implemented a series of laws that institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. These laws created separate residential areas, schools, hospitals, and public amenities for different racial groups. Black South Africans were also required to carry identification documents that specified their racial group and restricted their movement to designated areas.
The Impact of Apartheid
Apartheid had a profound impact on South African society. Black South Africans were denied basic human rights and were subjected to a range of abuses, including forced relocation, detention without trial, and police brutality. The economic and social disparities between white and black South Africans also widened during this period, with white South Africans enjoying a vastly disproportionate share of the country's wealth and resources.
The End of Apartheid
Apartheid officially ended in 1994, following the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the country's first democratic elections. Although the legacy of apartheid continues to shape South African society, the country has made significant progress in addressing the injustices of the past and building a more inclusive and equitable society.