Apartheid In South Africa: What are 5 facts about apartheid in South Africa?

Apartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South-West Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s.

Apartheid was characterised by an authoritarian political culture based on baasskap, which ensured that South Africa was dominated politically, socially, and economically by the nation’s minority white population.

What are 5 facts about apartheid in South Africa?

• The whites had their way and say

The racial hierarchy in South Africa placed the whites at the top and the Black South Africans at the very bottom.

• Interracial marriages were criminalised

The love between a Black South African and a White South African was prohibited. Children born out of such union were separated from their parents by the government.

• Black South Africans could not own property

Apartheid worsened the situation of poverty ownership in South Africa. Most Africans were forced out of their homes and land by colonisers who made them pay minimum wage.

• Education was segregated

Before apartheid in 1948, there were 10 universities in South Africa. Only one university was designated for Black Students. They did not have access to quality education.

• People in South Africa were classified into racial groups

In 1950, everyone in South Africa was grouped according to race. The population registration act required all people to be classified under the colour of their skin.