When did apartheid end in south Africa?
The apartheid system in South Africa was ended through a series of negotiations between 1990 and 1993 and through unilateral steps by the de Klerk government. These negotiations took place between the governing National Party, the African National Congress, and a wide variety of other political organisations.
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When did apartheid end in south Africa?
Apartheid ended in 1990s in the south Africa.It was a system of organized racial sepration that existed in South Africa from 1948.
When did apartheid end in south Africa?
When did apartheid end in South Africa?
Introduction
Apartheid, meaning "separateness" in Afrikaans, was a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the National Party government in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. This system aimed to maintain white minority rule and oppress the majority non-white population. The end of apartheid marked a significant turning point in South African history, leading to the establishment of a democratic nation.
The Beginning of the End: 1990
The process that ultimately led to the end of apartheid began in February 1990 when President F.W. de Klerk announced the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), and other political organizations. He also lifted the ban on Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader of the ANC, who had been imprisoned for 27 years.
Negotiations and Reforms
The end of apartheid was achieved through a series of negotiations and reforms. Key events during this period include:
1. CODESA: The Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations took place from December 1991 to May 1992. These talks aimed to establish a transitional government and a new constitution. However, negotiations were challenging due to differences between the ANC and the National Party.
2. Interim Constitution: In November 1993, an interim constitution was agreed upon, establishing a government of national unity. This allowed for the inclusion of all major political parties, including the ANC, National Party, and Inkatha Freedom Party.
Democracy and the First Elections: 1994
The final step towards the end of apartheid was the first non-racial democratic elections, held on April 27, 1994. These elections marked the first time that all South Africans, regardless of race, were able to vote. The ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, won a landslide victory, securing 62% of the vote.
Post-Apartheid South Africa
Following the elections, Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999. The ANC-led government implemented significant reforms to dismantle apartheid policies, promote equality, and initiate reconciliation processes. These efforts included the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, aimed at addressing human rights violations committed during the apartheid era.
Conclusion
Apartheid officially ended with the first democratic elections in South Africa on April 27, 1994. The dismantling of apartheid marked a historic moment as South Africa transitioned from a system of racial segregation to a democracy. Nelson Mandela's leadership and the negotiations that took place during this period were instrumental in bringing about this change and shaping a new era for South Africa.
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