Transcript Slide 1
A Nation Divided History of South Africa • Colonized by the English and Dutch in 17th century – Dutch known as Boers and Afrikaners • Dutch created its own colonies • Discovery of diamonds caused the British to invade – Boer War a result Why is S. Africa loved by others? • A country blessed with an abundance of natural resources including: – Fertile farmlands – Unique mineral resources – South African mines are world leaders in the production of diamonds and gold as well as strategic metals such as platinum. • In the 1940’s the Afrikaner National Party (whites that live in Africa) gained control • Created an apartheid to cement control over the social and economic systems • The initial aim was to maintain white domination while extending racial separation The Apartheid The Grand Apartheid • 1960’s brings territorial segregation and police repression • Population Registration Act required that all South Africans be racially classified into one of three categories: white, black (African), or colored (of mixed decent). • Your “color” was based on appearance, the way you spoke, and the way you acted • Each African was assigned a “state” by the government according to the record of origin • Africans had no political rights, like voting • Africans living in the homelands needed passports to enter South Africa: Aliens in their own country. “Homelands” African National Congress • The formation of the ANC Youth League in 1944 lead by Nelson Mandela, heralded a new generation committed to building non-violent mass action against the legal underpinnings of white supremacy. Sharpeville Massacre • March 21st, 1960 • 20,000 blacks demonstrate in Sharpeville against carrying ID cards. • Police opened fire killing 69, injuring 180—most all shot in the back. • The ANC was banned by the government • Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment • Until the 1980’s, blacks were expected to step off the pavement to make way for any white pedestrian. • A white boy would be referred to as "klein baas" (little boss) • A grown black man would be referred to as "boy“ by whites. • Black policemen were not allowed to arrest whites • In Black areas there were no parks, or any type of recreation. • Benches were all marked “Europeans Only” What did the rest of the world think? • The United Nations held numerous conferences condemning South Africa, a now isolated country • Investors were pressured not to buy or invest in any goods that were a product of S. Africa • Banned from participating in world competitions (the Olympics) • Tourism boycotted then… • In 1984 some So of the apartheid laws were repealed—not all and not for everyone – S. Africa starting to feel the burn from other countries – Its own internal troubles • The majority of the blacks still had very few rights, the new constitution benefited “non-whites” but not much was said for the branded “blacks.” • This lead to one of the most violent occurrences of the 80’s… • 1985-1988 • P.W. Botha government embarked on a savage campaign to eliminate opposition. – Police and soldiers patrolled the African towns in armed vehicles, destroying black squatter camps and detaining, abusing and killing thousands of blacks and coloureds. • Rigid censorship laws tried to conceal the events by banning media and newspaper overage. • In 1989, F. W. de Klerk succeeded P. W. Botha as president. • On February 2nd, 1990 at the opening of Parliament, he declared that apartheid had failed and that the bans on political parties, including the ANC, were to be lifted. • Nelson Mandela was released from prison. • De Klerk went on to abolish all the remaining apartheid laws. The Savior Still Working On It • On April 15, 2003 • President Thabo Mbeki announced that the South African government would pay $85 million to about 22,000 people who were tortured, detained, or lost family members under apartheid rule. • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up to investigate abuses from the apartheid era, had recommended the government to pay $400 million in compensation, over the next five years.