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A Nation Divided

South Africa. A Nation Divided. History of South Africa. Colonized by the English and Dutch in 17 th century Dutch known as Boers and Afrikaners Dutch created its own colonies Discovery of diamonds caused the British to invade Boer War a result. Why is S. Africa loved by others ?.

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A Nation Divided

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  1. South Africa A Nation Divided

  2. History of South Africa • Colonized by the English and Dutch in 17th century • Dutch known as Boers and Afrikaners • Dutch created its own colonies • Discovery of diamonds caused the British to invade • Boer War a result

  3. Why is S. Africa loved by others? • A country blessed with an abundance of natural resources including: • Fertile farmlands • Unique mineral resources • South African mines are world leaders in the production of diamonds and gold as well as strategic metals such as platinum.

  4. The Apartheid • In the 1940’s the Afrikaner National Party (whites that live in Africa) gained control • Created an apartheid to cement control over the social and economic systems • The initial aim was to maintain white domination while extending racial separation

  5. The Grand Apartheid • 1960’s brings territorial segregation and police repression • Population Registration Act required that all South Africans be racially classified into one of three categories: white, black (African), or colored (of mixed decent). • Your “color” was based on appearance, the way you spoke, and the way you acted

  6. “Homelands” • Each African was assigned a “state” by the government according to the record of origin • Africans had no political rights, like voting • Africans living in the homelands needed passports to enter South Africa: Aliens in their own country.

  7. African National Congress • The formation of the ANC Youth League in 1944 lead by Nelson Mandela, heralded a new generation committed to building non-violent mass action against the legal underpinnings of white supremacy.

  8. Sharpeville Massacre • March 21st, 1960 • 20,000 blacks demonstrate in Sharpeville against carrying ID cards. • Police opened fire killing 69, injuring 180—most all shot in the back. • The ANC was banned by the government • Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment

  9. Sharpeville Massacre

  10. Until the 1980’s, blacks were expected to step off the pavement to make way for any white pedestrian. • A white boy would be referred to as "klein baas" (little boss) • A grown black man would be referred to as "boy“ by whites. • Black policemen were not allowed to arrest whites • In Black areas there were no parks, or any type of recreation. • Benches were all marked “Europeans Only”

  11. What did the rest of the world think? • The United Nations held numerous conferences condemning South Africa, a now isolated country • Investors were pressured not to buy or invest in any goods that were a product of S. Africa • Banned from participating in world competitions (the Olympics) • Tourism boycotted

  12. So then… • In 1984 some of the apartheid laws were repealed—not all and not for everyone • S. Africa starting to feel the burn from other countries • Its own internal troubles • The majority of the blacks still had very few rights, the new constitution benefited “non-whites” but not much was said for the branded “blacks.” • This lead to one of the most violent occurrences of the 80’s…

  13. 1985-1988 • P.W. Botha government embarked on a savage campaign to eliminate opposition. • Police and soldiers patrolled the African towns in armed vehicles, destroying black squatter camps and detaining, abusing and killing thousands of blacks and coloureds. • Rigid censorship laws tried to conceal the events by banning media and newspaper overage.

  14. The Savior • In 1989, F. W. de Klerk succeeded P. W. Botha as president. • On February 2nd, 1990 at the opening of Parliament, he declared that apartheid had failed and that the bans on political parties, including the ANC, were to be lifted. • Nelson Mandela was released from prison. • De Klerk went on to abolish all the remaining apartheid laws.

  15. Still Working On It • On April 15, 2003 • President Thabo Mbeki announced that the South African government would pay $85 million to about 22,000 people who were tortured, detained, or lost family members under apartheid rule. • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up to investigate abuses from the apartheid era, had recommended the government to pay $400 million in compensation, over the next five years.

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