South Africa in the 1970's (Grade 12) Flashcards
What was the political status of Black South Africans under apartheid?
Black South Africans had no political rights except in the homelands, which occupied 13% of South Africa.
What is the policy of ‘separate development’ in the context of apartheid?
It involved the establishment of 10 ‘Bantustans’ for different ethnic groups, requiring all Africans to become citizens of one homeland. These individuals were no longer considered south african citizens.
What was the purpose of the advisory councils for ‘Coloured’ and ‘Indian’ populations in apartheid South Africa?
The councils had very little actual power and were meant to give a semblance of political representation.
What led to increased state control over media in South Africa during the apartheid era?
The government aimed to suppress dissent and control information.
True or False, and why: The ANC and PAC had significant influence in South Africa during the early 1970s.
False. They were both banned after the Sharpville massacre, and didn’t play a major role in the early 1970s.
What economic factors contributed to the decline of the apartheid government in the early 1970s?
The 1973 world oil crisis and a lack of skilled labor due to Bantu education.
What is Black Consciousness and who was its main proponent?
Black Consciousness is a philosophy emphasizing black identity and pride, mainly promoted by Steve Biko.
Fill in the blank: Black Consciousness emphasized the need for black people to acknowledge their _______.
inherent worth
What were the aims of the Black Consciousness Movement?
To develop black pride, black power, black self-reliance, and black self-determination.
Who were some key influences on the Black Consciousness Movement?
Anton Lembede, Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Amilcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon.
What role did Steve Biko play in the Black Consciousness Movement?
He was a popular speaker and established the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO).
What was the significance of the introduction of Afrikaans in South African schools in 1975?
Afrikaans was seen as the language of the oppressor and its introduction led to widespread protests.
What did the Soweto Students’ Movement (SASM) do?
It politicized youth in Soweto and spread Black Consciousness ideals.
What event sparked the Soweto Uprisings on June 16, 1976?
Students protested against the mandatory teaching of Afrikaans.
What was the outcome of the police response to the Soweto students’ march?
The police opened fire on the crowd, resulting in casualties and widespread protests.
What was the legacy of Steve Biko after his death?
His death led to international condemnation of the apartheid regime and inspired further resistance.
Fill in the blank: The Black Consciousness Movement filled the void in resistance after the _______ and PAC were banned.
ANC
What role did the Black People’s Convention (BPC) play in the Black Consciousness Movement?
It was established to organize community projects and support for black communities.
True or False: The Black Allied Workers Union (BAWU) successfully improved working conditions for black workers.
False
What was the significance of the photograph of Hector Pieterson during the Soweto Uprisings?
It drew international outcry and condemnation of the South African government.
What was the economic condition of black families in Soweto in 1976?
The average black family earned R75 a month.
What was the primary focus of the Black Consciousness Movement?
To instill pride and self-reliance in black South Africans.
What did the South African government’s response to the Soweto Uprisings reveal about its stance on dissent?
The government was repressive and willing to use violence against protests.
What void did the Legacy of BC fill in South Africa?
It filled the void in resistance to apartheid after the ANC and PAC were banned in 1960
The ANC (African National Congress) and PAC (Pan Africanist Congress) were key organizations in the fight against apartheid.
What did the Legacy of BC provide in terms of leadership?
It provided new leadership and direction in resistance politics in South Africa
This leadership was crucial for organizing opposition against apartheid.
How did the Legacy of BC help organize resistance?
It helped organise resistance and gave structure to the resistance of the South African government
Structure is essential for effective mobilization and strategy in political movements.
What stance did the Legacy of BC take towards apartheid?
It condemned and threatened apartheid
Condemnation of apartheid was a key aspect of mobilizing support against it.
What impact did the Legacy of BC have on self-pride?
Renewed a sense of self-pride and assertiveness which had been diminished
This renewal was vital for empowering communities affected by apartheid.
What model did the Zanempilo community health clinic become?
It became a model for primary health care in rural communities
The clinic’s success showcased effective community health initiatives.
What momentum did the Legacy of BC give to community organizations?
Gave momentum to African-led community and social welfare organisations
These organizations played a crucial role in post-apartheid recovery.
Name one important leader from organizations influenced by the Legacy of BC.
Mamphela Ramphele
She was a former vice-chancellor and AGANG leader.
Who was Barney Pityana?
He was the head of the human rights commission
His leadership in human rights was influenced by the Legacy of BC.
What position did Tito Mboweni hold?
Former Governor of the Reserve Bank and finance minister
He played a significant role in South Africa’s economic policies post-apartheid.
What types of initiatives were established for women under the Legacy of BC?
Rural home industries for women were established
These initiatives aimed to empower women economically.
What type of training was organized for black activists?
Leadership training was organised for black activists
This training was essential for fostering future leaders in the fight for equality.
Discuss the nature of the apartheid state at the beginning of the 1970’s.
- Only whites could vote for parliament
- National party members held all top positions
- By 1974, the national party occupied 121 of 171 seats in parliament, allowing them to pass laws unobstructed.
- ‘Coloured’ and ‘Indian’ populations had advisory councils in parliament with very little actual power.
What was the BPC?
Black People’s Convention
‘Independence’ was given to..?
‘Independence’ given to the Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and the Ciskei… BUT they remained totally dependent upon government in Pretoria
What was the SSRC?
The Soweto Students Representative Council. They were a sub-committee of SASM made of school students in Soweto. They were directly involved in the Soweto uprisings.
What was SASM?
The South African Student’s Movement. They were comprised of school students and made in 1973. They produced the militant newspaper ‘Thrust’ which spread the BC philosophy.
What was SASO?
The South African Student’s Organisation. They were started by Steve Biko in 1968 and had broken away from the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS).
The term ‘black’ under the BC philosophy included…?
All people of colour in SA who were being discriminated against.
What were the three branches of the BC movement?
SASO (university students - 1968), BPC (adults branch - 1971), and BAWU (workers - 1972).
What global event impacted SA’s economy at the time?
The Suez canal crisis, which caused oil prices to soar and caused a recession in SA. Inflation and food prices soared, and black workers were hit first and hit hardest.
Soweto is…?
A Black township (short for South Western Township). Like most black townships, it was overcrowded, had inadequate resources and high unemployment rates. Its population doubled between 1971 and 1975.
What was Bantu education and what effect did it have on SA?
Bantu Education was a system in apartheid-era South Africa designed to provide inferior education to Black South Africans. Introduced by the 1953 Bantu Education Act, it aimed to keep Black people in low-skilled, manual labor jobs by limiting their educational opportunities. In the 1970s, it focused on vocational training, segregated Black students from white ones, and severely restricted access to higher education.
This negatively impacted the economy as there was a shortage of skilled labour in South Africa.
