Emergent Nationalism in South Africa The Struggle for

Emergent Nationalism in South Africa The Struggle for Majority Rule

OVERVIEW In this lesson we examine: • Roots of apartheid • Forms of struggle • International pressure on apartheid • Reform and the collapse of apartheid

Roots of apartheid • Unlike other African colonies, the colonies of South Africa were dominated by fiercely independent and powerful white minorities that controlled the land, economy and politics. • The Afrikaans were descended from Dutch, German and English settlers and had violently defended its territorial, political and cultural authority in conflicts with the local population and the British Empire.

As Europe retreated from its overseas empires, South Africa was formed as a single state in 1910 from four separate colonies. Discriminatory policies were continued into the new dominion as coloured people and blacks had few rights and little representation in government.

Officially put into practice after 1948, apartheid was formed through a series of laws under the pretense of “separate but equal” development. What were the major features of apartheid (“apartness”)?

How were economic opportunities affected? • Black land ownership was restricted to 13% of South Africa’s total area • Racial discrimination was legal for employment • A separate school system was created for blacks

How was freedom of movement restricted? • Racial segregation existed for most public facilities • Blacks were forced onto reserves known as “bantustans” • Blacks were required to carry ‘reference books’

How was social contact between races controlled? • Mixed marriages were prohibited • Sexual relations between races was a criminal offense

How was representation in government affected? Blacks had no right to vote and no seats for elected representation in any major government

How was citizenship affected? The Black Homeland Citizenship Act of 1970 removed South African citizenship for blacks

ANC (African National Congress) • • After the Sharpeville Massacre, members Multi-racial, democratic incorporation: Originally formed early wing of the ANC formedin a military “Every man and woman shall have the (Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the 1900’s, the ANC became right to votetofor stand asofcandidates Nation)) seekand violent means increasingly activethe during change. They targeted government for all bodies which make laws. ” the 1950’s under Nelson and military. • Peaceful protest and petition • By the mid-1960’s, the leaders of the Mandela’s leadership. What ANC, including Mandela, had been • Civil against apartheid laws wasdisobedience its central platform? arrested and their movement was banned by the government.

PAC (Pan African Congress) • Exclusively black • Seeking militant and violent means if Originally part of the ANC, this group necessary broke off in pursuit of different means of ending apartheid The PAC’s military wing targeted government and civilians. Like the ANC, they too were arrested and banned by the mid-1960’s

Black Consciousness Movement • Disengagement from white government Led by Steven Biko • Separation and sovereignty (similar the 1960’s, US Blackthis Power duringtothe movement) movement called for: The BCM would support the foundation of student movements all across South Africa but lost momentum when Biko was arrested and tortured to death in prison in 1977.

International pressure against apartheid • From its beginning, apartheid drew criticism internationally. Because it was against the United Nations charter, the UN continually criticized and called for South Africa to end apartheid. How did the international community rebuke apartheid?

Actions against apartheid • 1962: The UN condemned apartheid • For 1963: The UN called for an arms embargo what possible reasons might the US have against South Africa been reluctant to sanction South Africa so • many 1985: years Commonwealth countries after the passing of itsimposed own Civil a trade embargo other restrictions Rights and Act in 1964? • 1986: The US introduced mandatory sanctions against South Africa

Reform and collapse of apartheid • 1983: Reform bill allowed mixed race and Asians (but 1978 -1989, not blacks) into a three-part parliament; From Prime eventually boycotted by the other minority Minster P. W. Botha What possibly motivated Botha to groups and led and to further rioting after 1984 attempted did begin the reform process? • institute 1984 -1986: Prohibitions some reforms against interracial marriagesto and racially mixed political parties apartheid: were repealed and rights to conduct business and own property in designated urban areas were extended to blacks; rejected by a majority of blacks who wanted the abolition of apartheid.

• Allowed multi-racial protests against F. W. de Klerk succeeded Botha as prime minister apartheid Why did the white government prefer toin 1989. What major policies negotiate with the ANC rather than • Lifted the ban against the ANC with did he take against any other black group? • Released Nelson Mandela from prison apartheid?

Negotiations between the government and the ANC began over the structure of power. After initially seeking veto power over decisions that affected the white minority, the government eventually gave in to full majority rule.

Apartheid was abolished in 1993 and steps began to create a new constitution for South Africa. By 1994, the ANC was hugely popular in the first ever fully open elections and Nelson Mandela was chosen by a coalition as the first black president of South Africa. De Klerk became one of the deputy presidents.

The backlash against the whites was limited anger against apartheid was expressed in the controversial Truth and Reconciliation Commission in which former members of the white dominated government were encouraged to bring abuses of power in return for amnesty.

SUMMARY QUESTIONS • In what ways was apartheid a part of South African culture? • How did apartheid affect the social, political and economic lives of South African blacks? • What forms did the struggle against apartheid take? • Who was Nelson Mandela and what was the ANC? • What role did international pressure play in the end of apartheid? • Who was F. W. de Klerk and what role did he play in the end of apartheid?