Apartheid Through the Eyes of South African Political Parties, 1948–1994

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Apartheid Through the Eyes of South African Political Parties, 1948–1994

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The South African flag with a silhouette of Nelson Mandela overlayed, with his fist in the air.

Trace the evolution and decline of white minority rule in South Africa

We don’t want Apartheid liberalised. We want it dismantled.

Sir Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town

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Apartheid Museum sign next to the entrance. The exhibition is dedicated to regime apartheid and the 20th century history of South Africa.

Apartheid was a system of white minority rule that prevailed in South Africa for much of the 20th century. This collection contains various materials published by political parties on both sides of the racial and ideological divide. The bulk of the documents are drawn from the archives of the main opposition movement, the African National Congress (ANC). The main party of government, the National Party, is also well represented, as are several minor parties and independent candidates.

Content Warning: This collection contains racist or offensive terms. Owing to their historical importance, the sources are in their original state. Please read our Sensitivity Statement for more information.

Highlights

A Stamp printed by Russia features a portrait of Nelson Mandela on a green background

Licensed to access Papers relating to the ANC, 1919-1989

The Apartheid regime outlawed the ANC in 1960, arresting many of its leaders, including Nelson Mandela, in the process. These items reveal how the party adapted and ultimately thrived in the face of such trying circumstances.

PW Botha, last prime minister of South Africa from 1978 to 1984 and the first executive state president of South Africa from 1984 to 1989.

Licensed to access Papers of the National Party, 1948-1986

The National Party was responsible for establishing and maintaining Apartheid. These policy documents provide an insight into the ideological underpinnings of white minority rule.

A line drawing sketch of vehicles stopped at a street corner. Two people stand at the corner next to a lamp post.

Licensed to access Papers of the Progressive Party and the Progressive Federal Party, 1959-1987

The Progressive Party (later the Progressive Federal Party) was the main legal opposition to Apartheid. These materials chronicle the party’s efforts to convince white voters to turn their backs on racial segregation and minority rule.

A printed advertisement, titled The Choice for South Africa.

Licensed to access Papers of the Conservative Party, 1982-1985

The Conservative Party opposed any and all measures to dilute Apartheid during the system’s final decade. These election leaflets provide an overview of their ultimately futile efforts.

Insights

The papers also show the changing attitudes of white South Africans towards Apartheid.
Documents published by the ANC and National Party provide a fascinating insight into the two sides of the Apartheid battle.
The collection highlights how the ANC and its allies successfully lobbied foreign political groups and governments to back their cause.
Since black and mixed race South Africans were prevented from participating in elections for most of the 20th century, many of the documents focus on extra-parliamentary activism.

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The entry gate of Robben Island Prison in Cape Town, South Africa, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Licensed to access Reporting on Africa: From Apartheid to Pan-Africanism, 1949–1995

1949 1995

Female Elephant pursued with Javelins, protecting her young. Arrows are being thrown at the elephant by a crowd of people.

Licensed to access South Africa in Records from Colonial Missionaries, 1819–1900

1819 1900

Illustration of The View of Cape Town, Table Bay

Licensed to access British Colonial Rule in the Cape of Good Hope and Basutoland, 1854–1910

1854 1910

A black and white image of a gavel resting on a table, with a row of books and scales of justice in the background.

Licensed to access Colonial Law in Africa, 1946–1966

1946 1966

Apartheid Through the Eyes of South African Political Parties, 1948–1994

Trace the evolution and decline of white minority rule in South Africa

Access the full collection

Institutional Free Trial

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