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Apartheid

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A policy or system of segregation or discrimination on the grounds of race, especially that which existed in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
2. A social system that separates people based on racial or ethnic differences, often enforced by law.
3. A situation where individuals or groups are kept apart and treated unequally, typically based on race or ethnicity.

History and Origin

The term “apartheid” comes from the Afrikaans word apart meaning “separate” and heid, meaning “hood” or “state of being.” It was first used in South Africa in the 20th century, most notably under the regime of the National Party, which institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination between 1948 and 1994. Under apartheid, South Africa’s population was divided into four racial groups: White, Black, Colored, and Indian, with varying levels of rights and privileges based on race.

The system was dismantled after decades of resistance, both from within South Africa and internationally, culminating in the end of apartheid in the early 1990s, with Nelson Mandela’s election as president in 1994 marking a historic moment for the country.

Detailed Explanation

Apartheid was an official policy of racial segregation and discrimination that lasted for several decades in South Africa. The government, led by the white minority, enforced laws that severely restricted the rights of non-white citizens, particularly Black South Africans, in virtually all aspects of life, including education, healthcare, employment, and access to public facilities.

The policy aimed to maintain white supremacy and prevent any challenge to this racial hierarchy. People were forcibly relocated based on their race, and mixed-race marriages were banned. Apartheid also restricted political participation, meaning that the majority Black population had little say in the governance of the country.

While the policy ended in 1994, its legacy still affects South Africa today, with lingering economic and social inequalities stemming from decades of systemic oppression.

Example Sentences

1. Apartheid laws in South Africa segregated Black and white people in almost every aspect of life.
2. The struggle against apartheid was led by figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
3. Many international organizations imposed sanctions on South Africa in protest of its apartheid system.
4. The end of apartheid in 1994 marked a new era of democratic governance in South Africa.
5. Apartheid led to significant inequality in access to education, healthcare, and jobs for Black South Africans.
6. The fight for equality during the apartheid era inspired civil rights movements around the world.
7. Apartheid’s policies deeply divided South African society, creating long-lasting social and economic disparities.
8. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up to address the human rights violations of apartheid.
9. In the 1980s, anti-apartheid protests and resistance grew stronger, both within and outside South Africa.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Segregation – The enforced separation of different racial or ethnic groups in society.
2. Discrimination – The unfair treatment of individuals based on race, gender, or other factors.
3. Racism – Prejudice or discrimination against people based on their race or ethnicity.
4. Apartness – The state of being separate or isolated from others, often due to racial or ethnic divisions.
5. Exclusion – The act of deliberately keeping certain people or groups apart from others.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Racialism – The belief in the superiority of one race over others, often linked to apartheid systems.
2. Colonialism – The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, which often involved racial segregation and oppression.
3. Oppression – The prolonged and unjust treatment or control of a group of people.
4. Civil Rights – The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, which were denied during apartheid.
5. Social Justice – The pursuit of equality and fairness in society, often in response to discriminatory systems like apartheid.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Disparity – A significant difference or inequality, often seen in the context of apartheid’s impact.
2. Exploitation – The act of using unfair or unethical means to benefit from others, often seen in systems of apartheid.
3. Injustice – The lack of fairness or justice, particularly evident in systems like apartheid.
4. Totalitarianism – A political system where the government holds absolute power, often involved in enforcing apartheid laws.
5. Segregated – Separated by race or ethnicity, a term closely associated with the apartheid system.

Antonyms

1. Equality
2. Integration
3. Unity
4. Justice
5. Inclusivity