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It can be seen to a large extent that South Africa is less racist since apartheid. Life during apartheid was harsh due to radical laws imposing segregation between blacks and whites. Since apartheid these laws have been abolished and blacks have been given more freedom. However, racism still lingers throughout the country.
Laws that were put in place were racist and discriminated against blacks and other races. Such laws consisted of the prohibition of mixed marriages which prohibited marriage between whites and blacks and other races, the group areas act enforced segregation between races by creating separate areas for different races and the Extension of university education act, where blacks were refused entrance to any white universities. These examples show how blacks were victimized and were at a disadvantage. These laws were put in place for one reason and that was because they were black. The extension of university education act shows how the government did not want blacks to be educated and a way of keeping them sperate from white. This shows the extent of racism that went on in the country. However, since apartheid these laws are non-existent and blacks today are not suffering as much as they were under apartheid. Blacks are allowed to attend university. There are now 68% black students at higher education institution compared to just 28% in 1995. People of different races are allowed to get married and blacks and other races can choose to live where they want and many suburbs are integrated with families of different races. Therefore, this shows that since apartheid South Africa has removed these racist laws and given blacks equal opportunities.
Furthermore, other tactics that ensured white domination and racism was the passbook. This book which was also known as a ‘dompas’, recorded one’s racial classification, specified the employer that one worked for and where the person could live and if they were granted an exception to curfew restriction. It was mandatory for all people of color over the age of 16 to carry this book. These books allowed whites to control black people. If an employer was unhappy with a worker, they could refuse to confirm the book, this threatened the workers’ rights to be allowed in certain areas. This was a frequent event and happened to many blacks. This law made the lives of blacks a constant battle. Thousands were arrested when they could not present their passbook. Fortunately, this law was abolished in 1986, allowing blacks to have freedom for the first time. The lives of black people and other races can be described as harsh and tortuous. One main cause for this was police brutality. There are many incidents recorded of this occurring. Ellen Moshewu, a black woman, was shot in the back by a police officer when walking to church. Thaabo Moorsi was detained and tortured. Soyisile Douse was shot by a policeman. Blacks were insistent and were targeted because of their race. These are only some cases of a recurring problem in apartheid South Africa. It shows the harsh reality that many South Africans suffered. Hence, it can be seen that apartheid caused devastation and shows to a large extent people suffered because of the passbook law and viciousness of police. This shows how many people were treated during apartheid due to their skin color during apartheid.
Unfortunately, in modern South Africa racism is still present. One of most common places where racism is significantly present is on social media. An example of this is a post made by Penny Sparrow. She talks about blacks who were on a beach to celebrate the New Year. She compares black people as ‘monkeys’, she says that they are uneducated and are messy. Her racist comment had caused mass hysteria in the country. Many people started using the hashtag ‘racism must fall’ and the south African rights commission have laid charges against her. Furthermore, racism is not only prevalent on social media but also in classrooms. A picture has circulated Schweizer-Reneke school of a classroom where white and black children were separated at different tables. Many people were outraged at this picture. Many could not believe that racial segregation could still exist in South Africa 25 years after apartheid. Luckily South Africa does not tolerate this and made changes to bring justice. The teacher was suspended and the minister of education went to the school to investigate. Even though racism is still prevalent in South Africa, South Africa has now realized they cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. Hence, this shows that racism still lingers in our country and many have not learnt from the past. However south Africa is making changes showing the country will not tolerate this anymore. This shows that South Africa is less racist since apartheid as they have taken action against racism.
In conclusion, it is clear that racism is still present in South Africa and still remains a major issue. However, the racism today cannot be compared to what occurred during apartheid, as during this time blacks’ lives were torturous and unequal due to apartheid government and laws.
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