Apartheid

Apartheid is the term used to describe the attempted domination of one race of people over another. This is accomplished through force or threat of force. The word itself means separation or apartness, and it is most commonly associated with Southern Africa. The United Nations has declared Apartheid to be a crime against humanity.

The Herenigde Nasionale Party

In 1948 there was a general election in Africa in which the The United Party was up against The Herenigde Nasionale Party for the seat of power in the nation. Although most people agree The United Party was the actual winner, The Natsionale Party was the declared winner. It was that group that first used the term Apartheid during the election process.

The National Party

By 1951, The Herenigde Nasionale Party had merged with the Afrikaner Party to form The National Party. That same year they created the Group Areas Act No 41 of 1950, which forced more than 3 million people to relocate based on their race. The following year another policy was approved called the Bantu Authorities Act No 68 of 1951. This act separated nine groups of Bantu people from the rest of the country and forced them to live within a specific area that were referred to as their "Homelands".

Over the years, the situation in Africa continued to get worse. The National Party was responsible for massive segregation, mass murders and the suppression of many races of people. As early as 1948 there were complaints and issues brought forth about the horrendous crimes and deteriorating situation in this country.

The General Assembly of the United Nations

In 1973, the United Nations created a document known as the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (ICSPCA). This was the document that originally listed Apartheid as a crime against humanity, whether in South Africa or anywhere in the world.

Many years later the creation of The International Criminal Court called for the allowance of any individual or group who participated in the act of Apartheid to be tried for this crime. Only crimes that were committed after this formation were eligible for punishment.

South Africa in the 90's

The situation in South Africa continued throughout the 1970's and 1980's. Things finally began to turn around in the 1990's.

In 1990, Nelson Mandela, a well known political figure and outspoken activist against Apartheid, was finally freed from prison after 27 years. This signaled the beginning of the end of the practice of Apartheid in South Africa. With help from Mandela, South Africa eventually realized another democratic election, which resulted in Mandela being elected as President of the country.

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