Impact on Individuals
- The apartheid system in South Africa was not just a series of laws, it was a deeply entrenched system of racial oppression that affected every aspect of life for millions of people.
- Understanding its impact requires examining how these laws shaped the daily experiences of individuals across racial lines.
- In this section, you will see a summary of the impact of the different aspects of discrimination and racism, and this will also help you think about the reasons and strategies used for protest (next section).
Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government from 1948 to 1994.
Division and Classification of the Population
- Population Registration Act (1950): This law classified all South Africans into racial categories: White, Coloured, Bantu (Black African), and later, Asian.
- Race Classification Board: Implemented arbitrary and often humiliating tests, such as the infamous "pencil test," to determine racial identity.
When analyzing apartheid laws, consider how they reinforced racial hierarchies and created lasting social divisions.
Segregation of Populations and Amenities
- Group Areas Act (1950): Enforced residential segregation, displacing non-Whites from urban areas.
- Forced Removals: Areas like Sophiatown were destroyed, and residents were relocated to townships like Soweto.
- The townships were located far from city centers, forcing residents to endure long and costly commutes to work.
- Basic amenities like sanitation, healthcare, and education were severely lacking, contributing to poverty and social unrest.
Segregation of Education
- Bantu Education Act (1953): Created a separate and inferior education system for Black children.
- Curriculum: Focused on basic literacy and skills for menial labor, reinforcing economic inequality.
Nelson Mandela described Bantu education as "intellectual baasskap," designed to institutionalize inferiority.
Common Mistake- It's a common misconception that Bantu education was merely about separate schools.
- In reality, it was a deliberate strategy to limit Black South Africans' opportunities and maintain their economic subjugation.
The Bantustan System
- Bantu Authorities Act (1951) and Promotion of Bantu Self-Government Act (1959): Created "homelands" for Black ethnic groups, stripping them of South African citizenship.
- Economic Impact: Bantustans were overcrowded and impoverished, serving as labor reserves for White South Africa.
