what is apartheid
(7th grade standard)
Apartheid was a political and social system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that was in place from 1948 to 1994. The word "apartheid" comes from Afrikaans and means "separateness."
Under apartheid, the South African government enforced strict racial classifications and separated people into different racial groups, such as Black, White, Colored, and Indian. Each racial group was assigned separate living areas, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities. This system aimed to maintain white supremacy and deny basic rights to non-white South Africans.
Apartheid laws restricted the movement and freedoms of non-white individuals, including limiting their ability to work and own property. They were also denied the right to vote and had limited access to education and healthcare. The government used a pass system to control the movement of non-white individuals, requiring them to carry identification documents at all times.
Apartheid sparked widespread opposition and protests both within South Africa and internationally. Organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) led the anti-apartheid movement and fought for equal rights. The United Nations and other countries imposed economic sanctions and pressure on South Africa to end apartheid.
In 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk began dismantling apartheid laws and released Nelson Mandela, the leader of the ANC, from prison. This led to negotiations between the government and ANC, resulting in the country's first non-racial democratic elections in 1994. Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president, marking the end of apartheid.