Civil Resistance in South Africa (1970s-1980s)

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Questions and Answers

What key factor contributed to the emergence of civil resistance in South Africa during the 1970s?

Improved economic conditions for all races

Increased international tourism

Growing dissatisfaction among Black South Africans (correct)

The establishment of the National Party

Which movement was central to fostering psychological liberation among Black South Africans in the early 1970s?

United Democratic Front (UDF)

African National Congress (ANC)

Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) (correct)

Labor Unions

What was the immediate cause of the Soweto Uprising in 1976?

The rise of international boycotts

The imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction (correct)

The banning of labor strikes

The presence of foreign troops in South Africa

What was a significant outcome of the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976?

It marked a turning point in the resistance to apartheid. Signup and view all the answers

Which group played a crucial role in mobilizing youth during the Black Consciousness Movement?

South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of international pressure on South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s?

Weakened the apartheid regime Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was NOT directly associated with civil resistance movements during the apartheid era?

National Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary influences on the youth's increased resistance during the 1970s?

The Black Consciousness Movement's emphasis on pride Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of FOSATU when it was formed in 1979?

To advocate for better working conditions and wages for workers. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is recognized as a significant revitalization of trade union and labor activism in South Africa?

The Durban strikes of 1973. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key issue that the United Democratic Front (UDF) opposed?

The Tricameral Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

How did the ANC respond to the banning of its organization in 1960?

It continued to operate underground and launched an armed resistance campaign. Signup and view all the answers

Which slogan became synonymous with the UDF's campaign against apartheid?

UDF Unites, Apartheid Divides. Signup and view all the answers

Which group received support from various countries, including the Soviet Union and Cuba, during its struggle against apartheid?

Umkhonto we Sizwe. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the global anti-apartheid movements during the 1970s and 1980s?

Increased economic sanctions and pressure on the South African government. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did the UDF primarily use in their opposition to apartheid?

Organizing peaceful protests, boycotts, and strikes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Civil Resistance in South Africa (1970s and 1980s)

The apartheid regime, implemented in 1948, was characterized by racial segregation and oppression.
By the 1970s, apartheid was deeply entrenched, leading to heightened resistance from Black South Africans.

Context of Civil Resistance

Repressive apartheid laws fueled discontent among Black South Africans.
The influence of the Black Consciousness Movement and the Soweto Uprising of 1976 intensified resistance.
The emergence of labor unions and worker strikes led to widespread mobilization.
Increasing international isolation and economic sanctions further weakened the apartheid regime.

Key Forms of Civil Resistance

The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM)

Led by Steve Biko, the BCM promoted psychological liberation and self-confidence among Black South Africans.
The movement encouraged Black South Africans to reject apartheid's ideology and reclaim their dignity.
The South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) played a key role in mobilizing youth against apartheid policies.
The BCM's influence was evident during the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

The 1976 Soweto Uprising

Triggered by the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools.
On June 16, 1976, thousands of students protested, leading to police brutality and several deaths.
The uprising spread throughout the country, mobilizing a new generation of activists and international attention to apartheid's brutality.

The Role of Trade Unions and Labor Movements

The working-class movement became a powerful force in civil resistance.
Workers organized strikes and boycotts to improve wages, working conditions, and challenge apartheid laws.
FOSATU (Federation of South African Trade Unions) emerged in 1979 and later merged with other unions to form COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) in 1985.
A significant event was the 1973 Durban strikes, where over 100,000 workers demanded better wages and conditions.

The United Democratic Front (UDF)

Established in 1983, the UDF was a non-racial alliance opposing apartheid.
The UDF opposed the Tricameral Parliament, which failed to provide true representation for Black Africans.
Popular slogans like "UDF Unites, Apartheid Divides" became rallying cries for the movement.
The UDF organized protests, boycotts, and strikes throughout the 1980s, often facing violence from the apartheid regime.
Aligned with the ANC's vision of a non-racial democratic South Africa.

Internal Armed Resistance: The ANC’s Armed Struggle

The ANC was banned in 1960, but continued underground operations led by Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
MK carried out sabotage actions targeting government installations and security forces.
While advocating armed resistance, the ANC also supported mass mobilization efforts.
The ANC, operating from exile, formed alliances with other liberation movements and received support from countries like the Soviet Union, Cuba, and African states.

International Anti-Apartheid Movements and Sanctions

Global opposition to apartheid intensified during the 1970s and 1980s, putting significant pressure on the South African government.

International Boycotts and Sanctions

Economic sanctions were imposed by various countries, targeting South Africa's economy and restricting trade.

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Description

Explore the key events and movements that shaped civil resistance in South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. This quiz delves into the apartheid regime's oppressive laws, the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement, and the significant protests that marked this era. Test your knowledge on the fight for freedom and equality in South Africa.