In the complex and painful history of South Africa, few chapters have left as deep a scar as apartheid. This racially discriminatory system of governance did not begin abruptly but rather evolved over time before being officially institutionalized. When people ask When did apartheid start? they are usually referring to the moment it became formal law. However, to fully understand apartheid’s beginnings, one must examine the historical, political, and social forces that led up to its official implementation in 1948. This system not only reshaped South Africa’s domestic policies but also drew international condemnation and left a lasting legacy.
Historical Context Before 1948
To understand the roots of apartheid, it is important to look back before its official start. Racial segregation had long been a reality in South Africa, well before the 20th century. The arrival of Dutch settlers in the 1600s began centuries of racial hierarchy. British colonial rule in the 1800s continued this trend, reinforcing white dominance over the country’s Black African majority, as well as Indian and Coloured populations.
By the early 1900s, South Africa had already developed several laws and social norms that marginalized non-white citizens. The 1913 Natives Land Act, for instance, restricted Black South Africans from owning land in most parts of the country, confining them to just 7% of the land despite being the majority population. Segregation in schools, transportation, employment, and housing was widespread. Although apartheid as a formal policy had not yet begun, its foundation had already been laid in law and practice.
The Rise of the National Party
The true turning point came in 1948, when the National Party came to power. This Afrikaner-dominated political party ran on a platform that promoted apartheid, an Afrikaans word meaning apartness. Their victory in the general election marked the beginning of systematic and legal racial segregation as official government policy.
The 1948 General Election
The National Party’s victory was largely due to support from the white Afrikaner population, many of whom feared losing economic and political control to the growing Black urban population. The party’s leaders, including Daniel François Malan, promised to protect white minority interests by intensifying racial segregation. This marked the formal beginning of apartheid as state doctrine. So, to answer directly: apartheid started in 1948 with the election of the National Party and their commitment to codify racial discrimination into law.
The Implementation of Apartheid Laws
After coming to power, the National Party quickly moved to implement laws that separated people by race in every aspect of life. These laws were enforced with severe penalties and state-sponsored violence.
- Population Registration Act (1950): Classified all South Africans into racial categories White, Black, Coloured, and Indian.
- Group Areas Act (1950): Designated specific areas for each race, leading to forced removals of non-whites from cities and towns.
- Pass Laws: Required Black South Africans to carry passbooks at all times, controlling their movement and employment opportunities.
- Bantu Education Act (1953): Established inferior education systems for Black students, preparing them for lives of labor and subservience.
These laws were just a few examples of how apartheid was implemented in daily life. The policy wasn’t just political; it permeated every part of society housing, marriage, employment, and access to services like healthcare and education.
Resistance to Apartheid
From the beginning, apartheid faced resistance from both within South Africa and abroad. The African National Congress (ANC), formed in 1912, became the leading force of resistance. Other groups, such as the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), and many grassroots movements, joined the struggle.
Peaceful and Armed Protest
Initially, resistance took the form of peaceful protest, such as boycotts, strikes, and marches. But after brutal crackdowns, including the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, some organizations shifted to armed resistance. Nelson Mandela, one of the most iconic anti-apartheid figures, co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC, in response to government repression.
International Condemnation and Sanctions
The international community slowly began to condemn apartheid during the 1960s and 1970s. Countries around the world imposed economic sanctions, boycotts, and diplomatic pressures. Sporting and cultural boycotts also isolated South Africa. The United Nations issued multiple resolutions, and South Africa’s apartheid regime became a global symbol of racism and injustice.
The Slow Demise of Apartheid
By the 1980s, apartheid was facing immense internal and external pressure. The economy was suffering, protests were growing, and international criticism was mounting. In 1990, President F.W. de Klerk began to dismantle apartheid laws and released Nelson Mandela from prison after 27 years. These actions led to negotiations that ultimately ended apartheid in 1994, when South Africa held its first multiracial democratic elections and Mandela was elected president.
The Legacy of Apartheid
Although apartheid officially started in 1948 and ended in 1994, its effects are still deeply felt in South Africa today. Economic inequality, segregated neighborhoods, and disparities in education and healthcare continue to affect millions. Truth and reconciliation efforts have helped, but the country is still working to undo decades of institutional racism.
Key Takeaways
- Apartheid officially began in 1948 with the rise of the National Party in South Africa.
- However, racial segregation existed long before that, rooted in colonial history.
- The policy was enforced through numerous oppressive laws that affected every aspect of life.
- Both internal resistance and international pressure contributed to its eventual end in 1994.
- The legacy of apartheid still influences modern South Africa in profound ways.
Understanding when apartheid started is more than just a date on a calendar it’s a story of a nation’s struggle, resistance, and transformation. The year 1948 may mark its official beginning, but the seeds were planted much earlier, and its consequences continue to echo through generations. By examining this chapter in history, we not only remember the pain it caused but also honor those who fought tirelessly for justice and equality.