Democratic Constitution in South Africa
Nelson Mandela’s Words
Nelson Mandela opposed both white domination and black domination.
He believed in a democratic and free society where all people live in harmony and have
equal opportunities.
He was ready to die for this ideal if necessary.
In 1964, Mandela and 7 other leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment for opposing the
apartheid regime.
He spent 27 years in Robben Island prison.
Struggle Against Apartheid
1. What was Apartheid?
A system of racial discrimination in South Africa.
Imposed by white European settlers who had occupied South Africa during the 17 th–18th
centuries.
, Unlike India, a large number of whites settled permanently and became local rulers.
People were divided by skin colour:
• Blacks – Native people (about ¾ of the population).
• Coloured – Mixed races.
• Indians – People who migrated from India.
• Whites – Ruling class.
2. Discrimination under Apartheid
Non-whites had no voting rights.
Blacks could live and work in white areas only with a permit.
Segregation in public places:
Separate trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls,
theatres, beaches, swimming pools, public toilets.
Nelson Mandela’s Words
Nelson Mandela opposed both white domination and black domination.
He believed in a democratic and free society where all people live in harmony and have
equal opportunities.
He was ready to die for this ideal if necessary.
In 1964, Mandela and 7 other leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment for opposing the
apartheid regime.
He spent 27 years in Robben Island prison.
Struggle Against Apartheid
1. What was Apartheid?
A system of racial discrimination in South Africa.
Imposed by white European settlers who had occupied South Africa during the 17 th–18th
centuries.
, Unlike India, a large number of whites settled permanently and became local rulers.
People were divided by skin colour:
• Blacks – Native people (about ¾ of the population).
• Coloured – Mixed races.
• Indians – People who migrated from India.
• Whites – Ruling class.
2. Discrimination under Apartheid
Non-whites had no voting rights.
Blacks could live and work in white areas only with a permit.
Segregation in public places:
Separate trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls,
theatres, beaches, swimming pools, public toilets.
