Anti-Apartheid Events

  • Adoption of Freedom Charter

    Adoption of Freedom Charter
    A statement of the core principles of the South African congress, states: "The people shall govern!"
  • Women's March against Pass Law

    Women's March against Pass Law
    Women protesting against the reference documents they were being forced to carry
  • Sharpeville Massacre

    Sharpeville Massacre
    Police opened fire on a large group of black people peacefully protesting, killing 69.
  • Durban Strike

    Durban Strike
    Black workers went on strike demanding higher wages, and it caught national attention.
  • Student Uprising in Soweto

    Student Uprising in Soweto
    Students began protesting the forced use of Afrikaans and English as a 50/50 mix in language instruction at education institutions.
  • Steven Biko killed by police

    Steven Biko killed by police
    An anti-apartheid activist leader who became a martyr for the movement. He wanted to empower blacks and get them to feel like humans instead of the way they were being treated: like dirt.
  • Release of Nelson Mandela from prison

    Release of Nelson Mandela from prison
    The prominent black leader was released after spending 27 years in prison.
  • First Democratic Election

    First Democratic Election
    South Africa's first Democratic election was held with universal adult suffrage, marking the end of apartheid.
  • Nelson Mandela became President

    Nelson Mandela became President
    A major leader in the anti-apartheid movement was elected president of South Africa following their first Democratic election.
  • Report of Truth & Reconciliation Commission

    Report of Truth & Reconciliation Commission
    A restorative justice system assembled in South Africa, which some thought of as a major part in becoming a true Democracy.