IGCSE History 0470

3. Depth Studies: South Africa, c.1940–c.1994

This section provides detailed notes for the IGCSE History 0470 exam focusing on South Africa between approximately 1940 and 1994. It covers key political, social, and economic developments during this crucial period of apartheid and its eventual dismantling.

1. The Rise of Apartheid

The policy of apartheid, meaning "separateness" in Afrikaans, was systematically implemented by the National Party government from 1948. It was a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced against the non-white majority population.

• Early Stages (1948-1960): Initial legislation focused on restricting the rights of Black Africans, including limitations on movement, land ownership, and political participation.
• Strengthening Apartheid (1960s): The Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 led to the banning of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Further laws were enacted to enforce racial segregation in all aspects of life.
• Population Registration Act (1950): This act classified all South Africans by race (White, Black, Coloured, Indian), a cornerstone of apartheid.
• Group Areas Act (1950): This act enforced residential segregation, forcing people of different races to live in separate areas.
• Separate Amenities Act (1953): This act segregated public facilities like beaches, parks, and transport.

2. Resistance to Apartheid

Various forms of resistance emerged in response to apartheid, ranging from peaceful protests to armed struggle.

• Non-violent Resistance (early-mid 20th century): Organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) initially advocated for peaceful protest, boycotts, and civil disobedience. Key figures included Albert Luthuli.
• The Sharpeville Massacre (1960): A turning point. Peaceful protesters were shot by police, leading to increased international condemnation and the banning of the ANC and PAC.
• Armed Struggle (1960s-1990s): The ANC and PAC formed armed wings (Umkhonto we Sizwe - MK for the ANC, and Poqo for the PAC) and engaged in sabotage and guerrilla warfare. Figures like Nelson Mandela became prominent leaders of the armed struggle.
• International Pressure: The United Nations imposed sanctions on South Africa, and many countries condemned apartheid.
• Internal Resistance: Trade union movements, student activism, and religious organizations played a role in resisting apartheid.

3. Key Events and Figures

Several key events and individuals significantly shaped the course of South Africa's history during this period.

Event/Person	Significance
1948: National Party comes to power	Formal implementation of apartheid policies.
1948: Population Registration Act	Legalized racial classification.
1960: Sharpeville Massacre	Turning point; led to banning of ANC and PAC.
1964: Rivonia Trial	Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment.
1976: Soweto Uprising	Student protests against the use of Afrikaans as a language of instruction; increased international awareness of apartheid.
1980s: Growing International Sanctions	Economic pressure on South Africa.
1990: Nelson Mandela released from prison	Symbolic moment; signaled the beginning of the end of apartheid.
1991: Apartheid laws repealed	Legal dismantling of apartheid.
1994: First multiracial elections	Nelson Mandela becomes President; formal end of apartheid.

4. The Transition to a Democratic South Africa

The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed a gradual transition to a multiracial democracy.

• Negotiations: Negotiations between the government and the ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, began in the late 1980s.
• Release of Political Prisoners: The release of political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, was a key step.
• Repeal of Apartheid Laws: Apartheid legislation was systematically repealed.
• First Multiracial Elections (1994): The first democratic elections were held, and Nelson Mandela was elected President.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): Established to investigate human rights abuses committed during apartheid and to promote reconciliation.

5. Economic and Social Impact

Apartheid had a profound and lasting impact on South Africa's economy and society.

• Economic Disparities: Apartheid created vast economic disparities between the white minority and the Black majority. Black Africans were systematically denied access to education, jobs, and land.
• Social Inequality: Apartheid enforced strict social segregation, impacting all aspects of life, from housing to healthcare.
• Long-term Consequences: The legacy of apartheid continues to affect South Africa today, with ongoing challenges related to poverty, inequality, and social divisions.