Apartheid Origins
What does the word apartheid mean in Afrikaans?
Apartness
Which act banned marriages between white people and people of other races?
The Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act (1949)
What did “Whites Only” signs mean during apartheid?
Only white people could use those facilities.
What famous 1960 speech criticized apartheid and supported decolonisation?
The “Winds of Change” speech by Harold Macmillan
In 1960, which racial group made up the majority of South Africa’s population?
Black Africans
Which political party introduced apartheid after winning the 1948 election?
The National Party
What was the name of the act that required black people to carry pass books?
The Abolition of Passes Act (1952)
What were black South Africans required to carry when entering white areas?
A pass book
What did many newly independent African nations think of South Africa’s apartheid policy?
They strongly opposed it and isolated South Africa diplomatically.
What percentage of land was reserved for white people under apartheid?
More than 80%
Who was the first Prime Minister to lead under apartheid in 1948?
Dr D.F. Malan
What act created racially segregated residential areas?
The Group Areas Act (1950)
What was the purpose of the Bantustans?
To relocate black South Africans to designated “homelands” and strip them of citizenship.
What was a common international reaction to apartheid in sports and culture?
South Africa was banned or boycotted in many sports and cultural events.
What were the four official racial classifications under apartheid?
White, Black, Coloured, and Asian
What was the name of the report that suggested black people should live in homelands?
The Tomlinson Report
Which act banned black workers from joining trade unions and striking?
The Native Labour (Settlement of Disputes) Act (1953)
Name one social privilege white South Africans had.
Access to better schools, hospitals, housing, or transport.
Why were many black South Africans arrested during pass raids?
They didn’t have a valid pass book or had incorrect documentation.
How did the apartheid government enforce residential segregation?
Through legislation like the Group Areas Act and forced removals.
What role did the Dutch Reformed Church play in apartheid ideology?
It supported apartheid, using religion to justify racial separation as part of God’s will.
What law officially classified every South African by race?
The Population Registration Act (1950)
What term was used to describe the fear of black majority rule?
Swart gevaar (“black danger”)
What was the effect of apartheid on South Africa's international reputation by the 1960s?
It was increasingly criticized and seen as out of step with the modern world.
What absurd method was sometimes used to determine someone’s race?
The pencil test – if a pencil stayed in someone’s hair, they were considered black.