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During most of the 20th century, South Africa was ruled under a political system called Apartheid, which was based on the segregation of races through legislation.
Articles:
Apartheid FAQ
Moments in Apartheid: The Treason Trial
In 1956, in response to the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People, the Apartheid government in South Africa arrested a total 156 people for high treason. The penalty for this was death.
Sharpeville Massacre
On 21 March 1960 at least 180 black Africans were injured and 69 killed when South African police opened fire on approximately 300 demonstrators at the township of Sharpeville, near Vereeniging in the Transvaal.
June 16th Student Uprising
When high-school students in Soweto started protesting for better education 25 years ago, police responded with teargas and live bullets.
The Afrikaans Medium Decree
The decree that Afrikaans would be used as a language of instruction in schools contributed to the 16 June 1976 uprising in Soweto, South Africa.
Apartheid Legislation in South Africa
Starting in 1948, the Nationalist Government in South Africa enacted laws to define and enforce segregation.
South Africa's National Holidays
A look at the significance of South Africa's seven national holidays.
Cape Town's Infamous Robben Island
Can you image spending more than 25 years in a prison on a small, windswept island? This is what happened to Nelson Mandela, the most famous prisoner of Robben Island.
Biographies:
Stephen Bantu (Steve) Biko
The brutal circumstances of Biko's death in a Pretoria prison cell caused a worldwide outcry and he became a martyr and symbol of black resistance to the oppressive Apartheid regime.
Martin Thembisile (Chris) Hani
The assassination of Chris Hani, the charismatic leader of the South African Communist Party, was pivotal to the ending of Apartheid. Why was he such a threat?
Govan Mbeki - Death of a Dedicated Political Leader
South African political activist Govan Mbeki (and father of the current president, Thabo Mbeki) died at the age of 91.
Donald Woods - Death of an Activist
South African newspaper editor and anti-apartheid activist Donald Woods died at the age of 67.
Book Reviews:
Country of My Skull
If you want to understand modern South Africa there is no better place to start than the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Antjie Krog's masterwork places you in the mind of both oppressed black freedom fighters and entrenched white Afrikaner.
Glossary:
Afrikaner Broederbond
Apartheid
Banning
Bantustan
Ossewabrandwag
Soweto
Stormjaers
Additional Resources:
Essential Data: South Africa
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