Ancient history

South Africa divided

Due to its riches such as gold and diamonds, South Africa was the destination of countless European settlers, such as the British and Dutch. The descendants of these peoples, supported by the unrealistic idea of ​​superiority of the white man, created in the 20th century a policy of racial discrimination called Apartheid, which means separation.

In 1948, apartheid was made official in South Africa. Laws were created that discriminated against blacks in workplaces, schools, churches, sports and public transport. Despite constituting a population four times larger than the white population, blacks were prohibited from owning land in 87% of South African territory. Through mining profits, the white elite managed to arm the police forces that ensured the maintenance of apartheid.

From then on, blacks, who constituted the majority of South African workers, reacted to economic exploitation and racism, carrying out various demonstrations against the regime.

The ANC (African National Congress), representing the blacks, began to intensify the protests. The fight against apartheid gained intensity and international prominence after the massacre in the black neighborhood of Soweto. With civil and economic instability, the South African government gave in on some points. It allowed blacks access to public transport and leisure centers, ended the laws that privileged whites in the possession of land.

The end of apartheid took place in 1990 by Frederik de Klerk, and in 1994 Nelson Mandela, an important figure in the opposition to apartheid, leader of blacks and the ANC, was elected president of the South African Republic through free elections.