Jacob Philomen
History Essay
Why and how was the Apartheid System finally dismantled in 1994?
Apartheid, the official system of racial segregation and
discrimination in South Africa, lasted from 1948 until its eventual
dismantling in 1994. Established by the National Party, apartheid
ensured white dominance over the non-white majority through
oppressive laws and policies. However, decades of internal resistance,
international pressure, and political negotiations ultimately led to the
system’s downfall. This essay examines how apartheid was dismantled
by focusing on three key factors, persistent internal resistance, the
impact of international sanctions and pressure, and the political
negotiations that facilitated a peaceful transition to democracy.
One of the main reasons for the collapse of apartheid was the
sustained resistance from within South Africa. Organizations such as
the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress
(PAC), and the United Democratic Front (UDF) played critical roles in
challenging the system (South African History Online, 2023). Protest
actions, boycotts, and strikes were used to disrupt the government’s
control. Notable events such as the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and
the Soweto Uprising in 1976 highlighted the brutal nature of apartheid
and sparked further resistance. Despite the banning of anti-apartheid
groups and the imprisonment of leaders such as Nelson Mandela, the
fight for liberation continued underground. The ANC’s military wing,
“Umkhonto we Sizwe”, engaged in armed resistance, while leaders like
Biko championed the Black Consciousness Movement, inspiring youth
to reject oppression (Little, 2020). By the 1980s, mass uprisings and
violent clashes with the government made the country nearly
ungovernable, forcing the ruling party to consider change. Hence, it is
undeniable that resistance groups and internal resistance played a
pivotal role in the dismantlement of apartheid.
While internal resistance weakened apartheid, external pressure
played an equally crucial role. The global community condemned
apartheid, leading to widespread sanctions and economic measures
against South Africa. The United Nations passed resolutions against
apartheid, and countries like the United States and the United Kingdom
imposed trade restrictions and banned South African imports (BBC,
2023). The sporting and cultural boycotts further isolated South Africa,
negatively affecting its international reputation. The economic
consequences of sanctions were severe. Many multinational companies
withdrew investments, causing economic decline and increasing
dissatisfaction among white business owners and workers. By the late
1980s, South Africa faced growing financial struggles, making
apartheid increasingly unsustainable. The government, recognizing the
pressure, had no choice but to begin discussions for political reform.
Therefore, it is evident that international factors played in the
dismantlement of Apartheid.
The final step in dismantling apartheid came through political
negotiations between the ruling National Party and anti-apartheid
leaders. In 1989, President F.W. de Klerk took office and acknowledged
that apartheid could not continue. In 1990, he made a historic decision
to unban the ANC, PAC, and other political organizations, while also
releasing Nelson Mandela from prison (South African History Online,
2023).Formal negotiations began at the Convention for a Democratic
South Africa (CODESA), where political parties worked towards a new
democratic framework. Although talks faced obstacles, including
political violence and opposition from extremist groups, continued
discussions led to the adoption of a new constitution. Finally, on April
27, 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, in which all
racial groups could vote (Lodge, 2006). Nelson Mandela was elected
as the country’s first Black president, marking the official end of
apartheid. It can then be noted that internal political negotiations had
a profound effect in dismantling apartheid, acting as the final nail in
the coffin.
In conclusion, the dismantling of apartheid in 1994 was the result
of decades of persistent resistance, international pressure, and crucial
political negotiations. Internal movements, including the ANC and PAC,
mobilized protests and uprisings that weakened the apartheid regime.
Meanwhile, global sanctions and boycotts further destabilized the
government, forcing economic and political reform. Ultimately,
negotiations led by figures like Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk
paved the way for South Africa’s first democratic elections. The end of
apartheid remains a powerful testament to the resilience of oppressed
people and the impact of both domestic and international efforts in
achieving justice.
References
- “The Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) | South African History
Online.” Www.sahistory.org.za, 19 July 2012,
www.sahistory.org.za/article/anti-apartheid-movement-aam
- Little, Becky. “Key Steps That Led to End of Apartheid.” HISTORY,
A&E Television Networks, 20 Nov. 2020,
www.history.com/news/end-apartheid-steps
- Lodge, Tom. Politics in South Africa : From Mandela to Mbeki.
Cape Town, David Philip ; Oxford, 2006.
