SA in the 1980's (Grade 12) (Incomplete)

Question 1

In 1979, _______ becomes Prime Minister of SA.

Answer 1

P.W Botha

Question 2

Why was SA’s economy struggling towards the end of the 1970’s?

Answer 2

End of 1970s, SA economy struggling - there was a need for more Black people to work
* Needed skilled labour in Industry, can’t just have manual labourers
* = increased pressure from business leaders and black workers to reform Apartheid labour policies

Question 3

Why was it not possible to keep Black people in Homelands?

Answer 3

They were not economically viable.
* they made up 13% of the country and were split into various pieces, far from business centres
* they were economically dependent on the Apartheid state for survival.

Question 4

The contradictions of apartheid at the end of the 1970’s led to what conclusion for the govt?

Answer 4

Reforms were needed.

Question 5

What were the four main reforms?

Answer 5

1. Trade Unions
2. Black Local Authorities
3. Tricameral Parliament
4. Pass Laws

Question 6

Discuss the Wiehahn Commission & Trade Unions. recognized

Answer 6

• Until 1979, no Black trade unions were recognised by the SA govt
• strike action was illegal and workers who
  participated in strikes were arrested.
• As demand for stable labour increased, workers began to call for legally recognised unions
• In 1979 the Wiehahn Commission
  recommended that African Trade Unions be
  recognised by the govt
• Union membership expanded from 57 000 black members by 1980 to over half a million in 1984.