Black resistance to white-only rule in South Africa took a long time to develop. Most non-white people were poor and few were educated. It was very difficult for them to oppose apartheid. The first, peaceful movement began in 1912, with the formation of the African National Congress (ANC). As only white people had the vote, the government ignored the ANC, which gradually became more radical.

On March 26th 1960, police opened fire on a crowd of black demonstrators at Sharpeville township. Sixty-nine people were killed and hundreds were arrested and jailed. The Sharpeville massacre shocked people all over the world.

The resistance movement was forced underground and opponents of apartheid began to use terrorist tactics. Many anti-apartheid leaders were sent to jail, but this did not stop the movement. When F.W. de Klerk became President in 1989, he faced great opposition to apartheid, both inside and outside the country.

He realised he had to change the National Party's racist policies. He released all political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and permitted opposition political parties. Negotiations to end 40 years of racial suppression began.

“In the English-speaking World”