South african segregation

Date and country of first publication

1975
South Africa

Definition

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South African segregation refers to the systematic racial discrimination and separation that existed in South Africa between 1948 and 1994. It was implemented and enforced by the apartheid government, a policy that aimed to maintain white minority rule and ensure socio-economic and political dominance for white South Africans.

Under apartheid, various laws were enacted to segregate and control the lives of different racial groups. These laws included the Population Registration Act which classified individuals into different racial groups (Black, Coloured, Indian, or White) based on their physical appearance and ancestry. This classification determined where individuals could live, work, and socialize.

In terms of residential segregation, the Group Areas Act identified and allocated specific areas for different racial groups. This resulted in forced removals and the destruction of vibrant communities, with black people being forcibly relocated to townships on the outskirts of cities, known as "homelands" or "Bantustans."

Segregation was also evident in education, healthcare, and public facilities. Separate and unequal education systems were established for each racial group, with black schools receiving fewer resources and inferior quality education. Black individuals were restricted from accessing quality healthcare and were also subjected to separate and segregated public facilities such as toilets, benches, and transportation.

Furthermore, the pass laws were implemented to control the movement of black people within South Africa. Black individuals were required to carry passes, known as "dompasses," which limited their movement and determined whether they could enter restricted areas or seek employment in urban areas. Violations of pass laws resulted in arrests, fines, and imprisonment.

The apartheid system led to widespread oppression, inequality, and resistance within South Africa. Various anti-apartheid movements, such as the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), emerged to fight against segregation and advocate for equal rights and democracy.

Apartheid ended in 1994 when Nelson Mandela and the ANC came to power, marking the beginning of a new era of democracy and the dismantling of the segregationist policies. However, the effects of segregation still persist in South Africa, with significant socio-economic disparities between racial groups. Efforts continue to address the historical legacies of segregation and promote equality and inclusivity in the country.

Further reading

Rich P. (1975) "Ideology in a plural society: The case of South African segregation", Social Dynamics, 1(2), pp. 167-180. . DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1080/02533957508458165 10.1080/02533957508458165]