The freedom struggle of South Africa was a long and arduous struggle against the oppressive system of apartheid. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination that was institutionalized in South Africa by the National Party government in 1948. The system denied black South Africans basic human rights and freedoms, including the right to vote, own property and move freely. The freedom struggle of South Africa can be divided into different phases:



The early years of the freedom struggle in South Africa were characterized by peaceful protests and civil disobedience. The African National Congress (ANC), which was founded in 1912, led the struggle against apartheid. The ANC organized peaceful protests and boycotts against the apartheid system. However, the government responded with violence and repression.



The Sharpeville Massacre was a turning point in the freedom struggle of South Africa. On March 21, 1960, police opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, killing 69 people and injuring more than 180. The massacre sparked international condemnation of the apartheid system and led to the imposition of sanctions against South Africa.



The Rivonia Trial was a landmark trial that resulted in the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders. In 1963, Mandela and his co-accused were charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. The trial received international attention and sparked protests against the apartheid system.



The end of apartheid in South Africa was a result of a long and sustained struggle against the oppressive system. The government was forced to negotiate with the ANC and other anti-apartheid groups. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections in which all citizens were allowed to vote, regardless of race.

In conclusion, the freedom struggle of South Africa was a long and difficult struggle against the oppressive system of apartheid. The struggle was characterized by peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and international condemnation of the apartheid system. The end of apartheid was a result of sustained pressure from the anti-apartheid movement and negotiations between the government and anti-apartheid groups.