Black Consciousness Movement and Anti-Apartheid Resistance Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering student organisations, community programmes, labour unions, media, and major events from the Black Consciousness Movement lecture notes.

Philosophy of Black Consciousness

A mindset promoting Black Consciousness and psychological freedom, which advocated for Black pride and liberation so Black people would stop depending on white people and dismantle the idea of white supremacy.

NUSAS

An inclusive, non-racial student organisation that Steve Biko initially joined, which was criticized for not adequately grasping the issues facing Black people.

SASO

An exclusive Black student organisation established to make students politically aware and encourage them to liberate themselves.

SASM

A Black Consciousness student organisation established specifically for high school students.

Black Peoples Convention (BPC)

A 'melting pot' movement birthed by SASO in 1972 that involved adult BCM activists and leaders from various organisations working together as a collective.

Black Communism

A form of socialism introduced by BPC, defined as a classless society where wealth was evenly distributed.

BAWU

A trade union organisation that rejected white involvement in the trade union movement.

Zanempilo Healthcare Centre

An independent community programme established by BPC to support Black people whose basic needs were ignored by the Apartheid government.

Zimele Trust Fund

An independent community programme set up by the Black Peoples Convention to support community needs.

FRELIMO

A liberation movement within Mozambique that promoted Black independence, pride, and unity, inspiring BCM activists to adopt similar ideals and train with its members in secret.

The Black Review

A newsletter produced by SASO to educate oppressed groups on their rights, inform the public about the difficulties faced by Black South Africans, and internationally expose Apartheid government actions.

Soweto Uprising

A student protest involving thousands who opposed a new law mandating that 50% of subjects be taught in Afrikaans, which met violent police response and triggered the militant emergence of anti-Apartheid organisations.

Terrorism Act

Legislation passed under which many anti-apartheid organisations were banned due to government fear of a civil war breaking out.

Steve Biko

A key BCM leader who joined NUSAS before SASO was established, and who was later assassinated in police custody.