Through most of this century, the African National Congress (ANC) has fought the Nationalist government in hopes of escaping the domination of apartheid, colonialism, racism, and fascism. Their struggle came mainly in the form of peaceful protests. It was not until the 1960’s that an armed struggle began.

[Picture of a "Peaceful Protest"-- http://xenon.stanford.edu/~cale/cs201/apartheid.hist.html]

  In 1961, the ANC and the South African Communist Party formed a people’s army to fight the government. In the 1970’s, the liberation of surrounding countries provided hope for the struggling South Africans. In the 1980’s, the ANC, along with oppressed black South Africans, entered into a complete revolution against the government. This revolution included political and religious struggles, trade activities, women’s campaigns, school boycotts, revolts and military actions. Due to these struggles and the implementation of UN sanctions in 1977, the government of South Africa was significantly weakened, but did not fall. It was not until the late 1980’s and early 1990’s did apartheid come to an end. In 1986, the United States Congress decided to involve itself in the South African on-goings by encouraging peace and supporting negotiations between the South African government, the ANC and their affiliates. The U.S. Congress’ hopes were that a democracy would be established in South Africa. [FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela"--http://www.fox.co.za/constitution/rights.html] 

  F.W. de Klerk became the president of South Africa in 1989. Instead of supporting apartheid, which was expected, he proclaimed “white domination will have to disappear. Otherwise there will never be peace in South Africa.” In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from jail, and he quickly gained supporters. His continual determination to end apartheid strengthened the movement even more. As a result, the government repealed the last laws supporting apartheid in 1991, allowing democracy to be ushered into the country slowly but surely. In 1993, de Klerk and Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in bringing peace to South Africa.   As the result of numerous negotiations, a democratic election occurred in 1994, and it was obvious that Mandela would win. The polls were to be democratic in nature in which every person had the right to vote. This was of great significance because until this time, the apartheid-based government endeavored to deny blacks the right to vote in South Africa. As a result, the Nationalist Party made a last desperate effort to change the outcome of the vote. Their actions led to terrible violence in 1993-1994. Nonetheless, the election was held as planned and Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa on 10 May, 1994. A “Temporary” Constitution was instituted while a New Constitution was being drawn up. The new Constitution of South Africa was adopted 8 May, 1996. Thus the democracy of South Africa was completely established.   The end of apartheid was a great victory for blacks after a long struggle for freedom, but the country of South Africa has a long way to go before the depression will end. There is still a massive amount of poverty, malnutrition, disease, and violence. According to the National Congress Health Care Plan of 1994, 18 million people are below the “minimum living level” and almost 11 million are in poverty. It is going to take time for the nation to rid itself of the “bitter taste” of apartheid. Although South Africans are faced with these troubles, they can be optimistic of the rebuilding and renewing of all aspects of life after having been oppressed for so long.