Over the past century, South Africa has been subject to policy, government, and social reforms. These reforms are the product of apartheid, which was the racial discrimination and segregation between black and white people that occurred in Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. During this time, the country experienced massive internal problems, such as racial tensions, economic divides, and monumental calls for reform. Now – After 30 years since apartheid’s end – the nation is still recovering, as the effects on every aspect of human life from this initiative were profound.
Apartheid’s history is well-recalled as stated by South African History Online: Translated from the Afrikaans meaning “apartness,” apartheid was an ideology supported by South Africa’s Nationalist Party, and introduced to civilians in 1948. It called for the “separate development” of the various racial groups in South Africa. While this may have appeared as a call for equal development of the rich cultures, customs, and expressions present in the country at the time, it created massive divides between the people of South Africa, disrupting the harmony of everyday life and interactions among individuals. During apartheid, racial groups had to live separately, and could not marry other races, or maintain friendships with them. Apartheid signed segregation into law, dividing the South African population solely through ethnicity, and keeping minority groups destitute.
While apartheid took its toll on numerous communities, human rights, and individuals, the people of South Africa met it with massive resistance. Nelson Mandela – an infamous antiapartheid activist – served as a symbol of defiance by the South African people to the excruciating conditions under which black people and other non-white racial groups were living. As stated by Brittanica: Upon earning a law degree, Mandela joined the black liberation group African National Congress in 1944. He became the leader of the group’sYouth League, using his authority to oppose the government’s apartheid policies. In 1948, he launched a campaign of defiance against South African pass laws, which required people of color to carry passes, allowing them to be in areas where they would otherwise be prohibited to be in. He traveled the country for the campaign and rallied support for nonviolent means of protest. In 1955, Mandela took part in drafting the Freedom Charter: a document calling for social democracy in the nation. He was made a frequent target of authorities due to his antiapartheid activities, and jailed in December of 1956. Through bouts of incarceration and defiance towards the government and events, Mandela remained true to his cause, eventually being released from prison, and being elected president. On May 10th, 1994, Mandela was sworn into office, thus ending apartheid. His campaign against inequity for nearly thirty years successfully diminished the idea of racial supremacy by the government and permitted the people of South Africa to truly feel unified as one body of citizens.
While many social injustices may seem to have been rectified through the election of Nelson Mandela, there are still major underlying conflicts that are left unresolved for South Africa. As written by The Ohio State University, the African National Congress receives major criticism for its lack of reform to aid impoverished communities within the country after 25 years of their rule, as well as various health crises, violence, and corruption.
Notorious for its level of corruption, and named by the World Bank as the most corrupt country in the world, South Africa deals with power struggles amongst deceitful and crafty politicians. Former president Jacob Zuma is primarily responsible for the country receiving this title: Although accused of rape in 2006, Zuma won the presidency in 2009. He permitted businessmen Ajay and Atul Gupta to build an extensive business empire in the country, and they were quickly accused of harboring tremendous loads of governmental power, creating a sort of “shadow government.” Upon further evidence being leaked of millions of dollars being given to Atul Gupta by Zuma, the president resigned.
Additionally, housing and problems with the economy are still enduring issues for South Africa, according to BBC. As the ANC took power 30 years ago, they presented a Freedom Charter, written by Nelson Mandela, which promised to house civilians deprived of secure homes by apartheid. While the charter has led to the building of more than three million homes, the lists for government houses are long, and some citizens are left waiting for decades to have proper housing. Additionally, these houses are built far from Cape Town’s (the capital) center, where land is cheaper. It is still considered to be, for this reason, the most segregated urban area on earth, not defined through race, but through social class. As the divide between economic status grows, so does the likelihood of social unrest, civil tensions, and anti-government ideas.
South Africa’s legacy includes economic, social, and racial inequality. The power of harmony within the nation lies in the hands of the African National Congress, as true peace can only be achieved through consideration of the entire civilian population and the implementation of political, economic, and social reform.
Written by Alexandra Kwitkowski
