Question

Discuss the journey of South Africa from one of the least democratic countries in the world to becoming an example of a modern democratic country?

Answer 1

Solution:
Apartheid:

• Apartheid in South Africa was the official policy of racial separation and ill-treatment of blacks followed by the government of South Africa between 1948 and 1989.
• The root of this evil practice was in the colonisation of South Africa by the European trading companies.

The situation of South Africa:

• The population of South Africa during the 1950s points out that, the blacks constituted about 3/4th of the total population.
• The whites, who were a minority, were the only ones with voting rights.
• Along with this there was also segregation of basic public facilities like buses, schools, swimming pools, etc.
• Since 1950, blacks, Asians, and coloured fought against apartheid.
• African National Congress (ANC) led the struggle against apartheid.
• The ANC had a huge base and was also joined by several worker’s unions and the Communist Party.
• The white government arrested several protesters and tortured them.
• Nelson Mandela was one of these prisoners. He was tried for treason and imprisoned for 28 years! He served some time in the Robben Island prison.
• On 26 April 1994, the end of the apartheid government was marked by the unfurling of the new national flag of the Republic of South Africa.
• Black leaders chose peace over vengeance.
• After two years of discussion and debate they came out with one of the finest constitutions in the world that gave its citizens most extensive rights available in any country worldwide.
• Their constitution is broadly based on equality of races, social justice, human rights, and democratic values and continues to inspire democrats all over the world.