Anti-Apartheid Movements in South Africa

Who/What: The Anti-apartheid movements in South Africa followed an active and significant segregation of native Africans by the Nationalist party in 1948. Sanctions on basic necessities like water and travel were placed on non-natives who were also forced to live in poorer and less-maintained areas of the country as part of the separatist movement. Anti-apartheid protests sprung up all across the country with a significant focus on unity and community (Non-native) involvement. Protests began with small movements such as group refusals to pay basic sanctions and eventually moved on to a much larger scale of action with 500 anti-apartheid groups actively fighting for change all around South Africa.

Where: Anti-apartheid movements primarily took place in South Africa at the heart of the discrimination, but change was encouraged by countries from all around the world evident in South African receipt of Nobel peace prizes in 1984 and in 1993.

When: Natives had faced discrimination in Africa since colonization in the 17th century but the anti-apartheid movements began in the 1940's and lasted until the end of Nelson Mandela's presidency in 1999.

Why: The goal of the anti-apartheid movements were ultimately to end segregation and discrimination of native Africans and people of color. These goals were achieved through various boycotts, refusals, and non-violent protests throughout the 20th century.

Identities: Identities developed through the anti-apartheid movements include South african natives as well as African people of color. Identity played a huge role in the coming together of discriminated citizens to fight against oppression from white government officials. People whom identified as natives and felt oppressed by apartheid bonded through a communal unity and even in the grassroots stages of the movement, used that sense of community to stage massive boycotts in the face of discrimination.

Proof of identity: In 1952, leaders of the ANC (African National Congress) called upon South African natives to engage in defiance of unjust and discriminatory laws as well as asked Black africans to stage boycotts of government sanctions motivated by apartheid