South Africa

¨  Been colonized by the Dutch in 1652.

¨  Taken over by the British in 1815.

¨  When Britain outlawed slavery, Dutch farmers moved into the interior and created their own state.

¨  When Diamonds were discovered in the Dutch state, Britain took it over as well. (Boer War)

¨  Britain established the British colony of South Africa which became independent in 1926.

Apartheid

Ø  Blacks outnumbered whites by more than 10-1.

Ø  To keep the white rule, pass laws were enacted to keep blacks separate from whites.

Ø  Non-whites were expected to carry I.D. cards and stay within their respective areas.

Ø  These laws became official in 1948 with the introduction or Apartheid.

Ø  Non-whites were forced into separate schools, workplaces and residential areas.

Ø  They were not even allowed to mix with whites in public places.

Resistance

·  After the Second World War, the black majority began to resist.

·  The ANC (African National Congress) led non-violent protests against the Apartheid by simply waling into the placed where they were not allowed to go.

·  The government responded by arresting the leader of the ANC: Nelson Mandela. He would remain in jail for 27 years.

·  On March 21st, 1960, police opened fire on a demonstration killing 69 people and wounding another 180.

·  In response, 30’000 Africans marched into white Cape Town.

·  Afterwards the government restricted all organization and arrested all the leaders of the ANC.

·  The situation became violent as ANC and other organizations set up in neighbouring countries and frequently, attacked and were attacked by, South African forces.

·  Countries like Canada tried to encourage an end to apartheid. Slowly at first but after 1977 (when we were placed on the Security Council) we began placing harsher sanctions on South Africa.

v  In 1989, F.W. de Klerk (white) became president and vowed to ease tension in the region.

v  He reduced segregation for public facilities and lifted the ban on the ANC.

v  He released Nelson Mandela.

v  The ANC agreed to work peacefully with the new government.

v  In 1993, the government and the ANC reached a historic agreement. All people, regardless of colour would be able to vote in the next election.

v  The ANC was voted in with 60% of the vote and Nelson Mandela was name the new president of South Africa.

v  deKlerk was named vice president.