The term ‘Apartheid’ is related to Racial Discrimination.
Definition and Origin:
‘Apartheid’ is an Afrikaans word meaning “apartness.” It refers to the policy of racial segregation and discrimination that was officially implemented by the government of South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
Nature of the Policy:
Under apartheid, people were classified into racial groups: White, Black, Coloured, and Indian. The government created laws that:
- Segregated public facilities, education, housing, and transportation based on race
- Denied political representation and voting rights to non-whites
- Restricted movement and employment opportunities for the non-white majority
Global Response and End of Apartheid:
Apartheid faced international condemnation and widespread resistance within South Africa. The policy was eventually dismantled through both internal protest movements and global pressure. It officially ended in the early 1990s, culminating in the election of Nelson Mandela as the first Black President of South Africa in 1994.
Conclusion:
The term ‘Apartheid’ is historically and politically associated with racial discrimination, particularly the system of institutionalized racial segregation in South Africa.