Civil Resistance and the Crisis of Apartheid in South Africa

Crisis Factors and Economic Instability

  • Increased Violence: The transcript notes a marked increase in violence within South Africa as the apartheid system entered its crisis phase.
  • Labor Unrest: There was a significant rise in the number of strikes, contributing to industrial instability.
  • Economic Weakening: The overall economy of South Africa weakened during this period. Apartheid policies were identified as the primary factor stifling economic growth and development.
  • The Homeland System: The system of "Homelands" (Bantustans) was deemed locally and financially unsustainable, contributing to the systemic crisis.
  • Religious References: The transcript includes references to the following biblical verses in the context of these struggles:
    • Philippians 4:6
    • Philippians 4:13

Internal Resistance Strategies and Civil Society

  • Civil Society Protest (Non-violent): Resistance was characterized by non-violent civil society actions including:
    • Organized marches.
    • Traditional dances used as protest.
    • Boycotts aimed at economic and social targets.
  • Leadership of the Youth: Many of these civil society protests were led by COSAS (Congress of South African Students).
  • Township Revolts: Resistance moved into urban townships, manifesting as:
    • The construction of barricades to prevent security force access.
    • The establishment of "people's courts" to provide alternative justice systems outside state control.
  • The "Stay-away" Strategy: Participants in protests would stay away from their places of employment. This was a deliberate tactic to disrupt the South African economy.
  • Failure of Pass Laws: The pass law system, a cornerstone of apartheid control, could no longer be enforced. Mass migration of people made the policing of these laws effectively impossible.
  • Funeral Mobilization: Funerals for those killed in the struggle became major political tools. These gatherings regularly turned into large-scale political rallies, bypassing restrictions on political meetings.
  • Civics: These were community organizations that addressed local issues such as rent, health, and cultural matters, providing a grassroots structure for resistance.

The National Party's "Total Strategy" Under PW Botha

  • Definition of Total Strategy: A policy formulated by PW Botha designed to combine reform with heavy repression.
  • Security and Support: The strategy aimed to use state security apparatuses to maintain order while simultaneously trying to win the support of the white middle class.
  • Financial Unsustainability: The state recognized that the financial burden of maintaining the homeland system was no longer sustainable.
  • Collapse of the Pass Law System: The strategy acknowledged that the pass law system had collapsed because the scale of mass migration rendered it impossible to police.

The Role of the Black Sash and Anti-Apartheid Activism

  • Origins of the Black Sash: The organization was founded by six middle-class white women.
  • Initial Protest: Their initial goal was to protest against the removal of colored voters from the common voters' roll.
  • Evolution of Influence: The Black Sash evolved into a nationally recognized voice for non-violent resistance. They provided community support that complemented the broader civil-society struggle.

White Resistance and the End Conscription Campaign (ECC)

  • The End Conscription Campaign (ECC): A movement specifically targeting the system of mandatory military service for white South Africans.
  • Compulsory Service: Military service was mandatory for all white males over the age of 1818.
  • Consequences of Refusal: Refusing to serve in the South African Defence Force (SADF) carried mandatory prison sentences.
  • The Goal of ECC: The campaign demanded the withdrawal of troops from the townships and an end to conscription.
  • State Repression: Members of the ECC were frequently harassed and eventually banned by the state.
  • Significance of Conscription: Conscription was noted as the only way many white South Africans personally "felt the pain" of the apartheid system.
  • The Cadet System: All white schoolboys were subjected to military training through the Cadet System within schools.
  • Religious Reference: This section mentions Romans 8:18.

Major Anti-Apartheid Coalitions and Labor Movements

  • United Democratic Front (UDF):
    • A broad civil-society coalition focused on internal oppression.
    • Known for the "Don't Vote" campaign.
  • Mass Democratic Movement (MDM):
    • Formed after the state placed heavy restrictions on the UDF.
    • This group coordinated mass resistance across the country.
  • COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions):
    • A massive trade union federation.
    • Responsible for organizing mass strikes.
    • Maintained a close political alignment with the ANC (African National Congress).
  • NUM (National Union of Mineworkers): Their strikes caused significant work-day losses, placing further strain on the economy.
  • SACC (South African Council of Churches):
    • Provided religious opposition to the apartheid state.
    • Ran community support programs.
    • Actively advocated for international sanctions against South Africa.

The Collapse of Apartheid and Resulting Political Shifts

  • Failure of Repression: The rising cost of repression, combined with incessant protests and economic strain, led to the eventual dismantling of apartheid.
  • Pressure on the National Party: The amplified pressure from civil resistance forced the National Party's hand.
  • The Outcome: These factors paved the way for the unbanning of resistance parties and movements and the eventual release of Nelson Mandela.