The Origins and Key Elements of Apartheid in South Africa

Political Party and Implementation of Apartheid

• The National Party implemented apartheid in South Africa in 1948.
• Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.

Racial Classifications Under Apartheid

• Four main racial classifications:
  • White
  • Black
  • Coloured (mixed-race)
  • Indian/Asian
• Racial classification determined people's rights and access to resources.

Pass Laws Under Apartheid

• Pass laws required non-White individuals to carry passbooks to move freely.
• Failure to produce a pass could lead to arrest and deportation to homelands.
• Pass laws restricted non-Whites' access to urban areas.

Key Elements of Apartheid

• Racial segregation enforced in all aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and housing.
• Creation of "homelands" (Bantustans) where Black South Africans were forced to live.
• Disenfranchisement of non-Whites, removing their right to vote and participate in government.

Organization Leading Opposition Against Apartheid

• The African National Congress (ANC) was the key organization opposing apartheid.
• The ANC used various methods, including protests, strikes, and armed resistance, to fight against the regime.
• Prominent leaders included Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.