Apartheid was a deeply oppressive system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the National Party government in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The term "apartheid" means "apartness" in Afrikaans, reflecting the regime’s goal to segregate and marginalize the non-white majority of South Africa.

Background and Implementation

The roots of apartheid can be traced back to earlier forms of racial discrimination in South Africa, but the formal system was established in 1948 when the National Party came to power. The government implemented a series of laws that institutionalized racial separation and promoted white supremacy. Key legislation included:

The Population Registration Act (1950)**: Classified South Africans into racial categories, such as White, Black, Coloured, and Indian.

The Group Areas Act (1950)**: Assigned specific areas where each racial group could live, leading to forced removals of non-whites from areas designated for whites.

- **The Bantu Education Act (1953)**: Provided inferior education to non-white children, reinforcing economic and social disparities.

- **The Pass Laws**: Required non-whites to carry passbooks and restricted their movement, particularly in urban areas.

### Social and Economic Impact

Under apartheid, non-whites were systematically disadvantaged. They were denied basic rights and freedoms and faced severe restrictions on where they could live, work, and go to school. Economic opportunities for non-whites were limited, leading to widespread poverty and disenfranchisement. The system also imposed harsh penalties for those who resisted or violated apartheid laws.

### Resistance and Struggle

Resistance to apartheid began almost immediately after its implementation. Early protests were met with severe repression, but over time, opposition grew more organized and widespread. Key figures in the anti-apartheid movement included:

- **Nelson Mandela**: A leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Mandela became a symbol of the struggle for equality. He was imprisoned for 27 years but continued to be a central figure in the fight against apartheid.

- **Desmond Tutu**: An Anglican bishop and social rights activist, Tutu used his platform to speak out against apartheid and promote nonviolent resistance.

- **Steve Biko**: A leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, Biko advocated for black pride and self-reliance before his death in police custody in 1977.

Resistance also took the form of mass protests, strikes, and international campaigns. The 1976 Soweto Uprising, sparked by the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools, saw thousands of students protesting against the education system. The brutal crackdown on this uprising drew global condemnation.

### International Pressure

The international community played a significant role in pressuring South Africa to end apartheid. Countries imposed economic sanctions and cultural boycotts, and anti-apartheid movements gained support worldwide. Organizations like the United Nations and various human rights groups condemned apartheid and called for action against it.

### Transition to Democracy

The combination of internal resistance and external pressure eventually led to negotiations between the South African government and anti-apartheid leaders. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and the ANC was legalized. The negotiations culminated in the 1994 democratic elections, which were the first multiracial elections in South Africa’s history.

Nelson Mandela was elected president, marking the official end of apartheid. The new government faced the immense challenge of addressing the deep-seated inequalities and injustices of the past while working towards national reconciliation.

### Legacy

The end of apartheid marked a significant turning point in South Africa’s history. However, the legacy of apartheid continues to affect South African society, with ongoing challenges related to economic inequality, racial tensions, and the need for social and political reform. Despite these challenges, the transition to democracy is seen as a major achievement in the global struggle for human rights and equality.