The Policy of Apartheid was followed by South Africa. Apartheid or the system of racial segregation is a policy pursued by a particular race that regards itself superior to another race whom it regards inferior and refuses not only to mix with the so-called inferior race but treats them as untouchables. Such a system existed in South Africa upto 1994 where the White rulers kept the Black people away from public parks, hotels, and railways, etc.

The Blacks were denied even the right to vote. This policy was condemned by all the people in every part of the world as it was against the noble principles of unity, fraternity, and equality.

In 1960, an anti-apartheid rally was held at Sharpeville. It was crushed ruthlessly leading to a massacre. Many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement were arrested or killed. The struggle against the policy of apartheid was launched under the guidance of the African National Congress (A.N.C.). It adopted the Freedom Charter in 1955.

It laid stress on the establishment of a democratic state based on the will of the people, freedom, justice, equality, brotherhood, etc. It believed in the peaceful non-violent struggle against apartheid. It received help from Non-Aligned and socialist countries of the world. Nelson Mandela who has been its Vice-President remained in jail for about 25 years. He was released in February 1990. He carried on negotiations to bring an end to this policy.

Ultimately, the minority government of the whites, headed by President F.W. De Klark relented and agreed to hold elections on 27th April, 1994. As a result of these elections, Nelson Mandela came out successfully and became the First President of Independent South Africa and thus the policy of Apartheid came to end ultimately in 1994 in Africa.

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