Question

Explain any four reasons for the opposition to Apartheid government in South Africa.

Answer 1

1. Black people faced political isolation. There was a complete separation of blacks and whites at all levels. Blacks had to live in special reserves and had separate townships in urban areas. They maintained a suitable distance from white residential areas.
2. There were separate buses, coaches, trains, cafes, toilets, hospitals, picnic areas, and even churches. Black children even went to separate schools and were given a much inferior education.
3. Each person was given a racial classification and identity card.
4. Marriage and sexual relations between whites and blacks were forbidden to preserve the purity of the white race.
5. The Bantu-Self Government Act (1959) set up seven regions based on the original African reserves. However, the outside world dismissed this since the South African government continued to control the economy and foreign affairs.
6. Africans lost all political lives and their representation in Parliament was abolished.
7. Black people were facing discrimination, poverty, and suffering.
8. Black people were facing deprivation, which meant they did not have rightful benefits.
9. Black people lived in the most inhumane, and harshest society as they faced racial discrimination due to a system put in place by white-skinned people.
10. Thousands of Black people in South Africa made unimaginable sacrifices to get freedom from racial discrimination and to have equal rights.
11. The prominent South African people who fought against Apartheid were Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, Robert Subukwe and indeed the great Nelson Mandela.
12. Many black people in South Africa showed strength and resilience even though they were attacked and tortured.
13. Men of colour who wanted to fulfil the basic obligations in their lives were isolated and punished.
14. Men of colour were torn apart from their families.