ApartheidWhat it means and who it affected.

The Definition

The World Book Encyclopedia says that Apartheid was a system of government in South Africa between 1948 and 1994. Literally, it meant “apartness,” or mandated segregation of each racial group within South Africa.

The different groups were very much separated from each other.

The minority white population had the rule and control of the country.

There were four groups classified by the government.

These groups were: 1. Black, which was 71% of the population.

2. White, which was 16% of the population.

3. Coloured, who were a mixture of races (from black, white, and Asian intermarriages and relations). They were 10% of the population.

4. Asian, which was 3% of the population.

Segregation

During Apartheid, the white minority population controlled the country.

They determined where a person might live, go to school, and what jobs a person could hold.

They favored segregation, and Apartheid rule of law.

Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC), which had been outlawed since 1960, to victory in South Africa's first free elections.

He became the President of South Africa on April 26, 1994.

Because of this election, the minority population would no longer control the lives of South Africans.

The South African flag was adopted in 1994, which was in conjunction with the country's

first multiracial election.

Flag Meaning

Flag symbolismNo universal symbolism should be attached to any of the colors.

The only symbolism in the flag is the Y shape, which can be interpreted as the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity.

Color symbolism

black = black, Indian and coloured people

red = the violence that led to freedom

white = the colonial and apartheid past

green and blue = the beauty of our land and ocean

yellow = sun or mineral wealth of the region