1960s-1980s
1961
• The government declared full independence from Britain, removing any last influence
of the British government.
• Liberation movements were banned, with their leaders in prison or in exile where
they had to rebuild their organizations.
• The world and South Africa’s economy boomed, improving the lifestyle of white
South Africans.
1964:
• Mandela and other leaders were sentenced to jail for life, for their attempt to
overthrow the government
WORKER’S STRIKE (1973)
• This was inspired by Biko’s black consciousness, this was the first major protest since
1960
• This took place in Durban, and it was a strike of workers who demanded better
wages and working conditions
• Black labour groups formed into large trade unions which had a significant role in
protest
STUDENT UPRISING (1976)
• In 1976, the government decided that black students needed to learn half their
subjects in Afrikaans.
• Very few black teachers or pupils spoke Afrikaans and it was viewed as the
language of the oppressor. Additionally, people were frustrated with the lack of
protest and poor living conditions in Soweto
• The students were inspired by Biko’s ideas and decided to take matters into their
own hands and protest.
• The police eventually opened fire on the school children
• Hector Pietersen may have been the first killed.
• June 16th (youth day) was inspired by this very protest.
1961
• The government declared full independence from Britain, removing any last influence
of the British government.
• Liberation movements were banned, with their leaders in prison or in exile where
they had to rebuild their organizations.
• The world and South Africa’s economy boomed, improving the lifestyle of white
South Africans.
1964:
• Mandela and other leaders were sentenced to jail for life, for their attempt to
overthrow the government
WORKER’S STRIKE (1973)
• This was inspired by Biko’s black consciousness, this was the first major protest since
1960
• This took place in Durban, and it was a strike of workers who demanded better
wages and working conditions
• Black labour groups formed into large trade unions which had a significant role in
protest
STUDENT UPRISING (1976)
• In 1976, the government decided that black students needed to learn half their
subjects in Afrikaans.
• Very few black teachers or pupils spoke Afrikaans and it was viewed as the
language of the oppressor. Additionally, people were frustrated with the lack of
protest and poor living conditions in Soweto
• The students were inspired by Biko’s ideas and decided to take matters into their
own hands and protest.
• The police eventually opened fire on the school children
• Hector Pietersen may have been the first killed.
• June 16th (youth day) was inspired by this very protest.
