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Black Land Act No. 27
This act prohibited blacks form being able to own or rent land outside of the established designated reserves. This was significant because it further moved blacks away from the cities and into areas around 7% of the entire country even though they had a much higher population than those of the whites. Furthermore, the land that they were allocated was not arable and was practically useless. -
Black Administration Act No. 38
This law gave greater significance to the prime minister of the country by allowing them to move any tribe or black person from one place to another in South Africa. This law is significant because it practically allows for the forced removal of blacks without warning or reason. -
Representation of Blacks Act No.12
This act removed all blacks from the common role and placed them into their own category. By doing this, blacks had no representation and blacks were then represented by 4 white senators in office. This is significant because they are unfairly represented in government affairs and the whites are placed into power. -
Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act No.55
This act prohibited interracial marriage between whites and members of other racial groups. This was considered a petty law because only about 0.23% of the population was involved in a mixed marriage. However, it was still put into place to just restrict blacks to an even greater extent. -
Population Registration Act No.30
This act required all people to be identified at birth and registered into different racial groups. This is significant because what the lawmakers and people at the hospital decide as your race stuck with you for the majority, the rest of your life. Thus, people are already being discriminated against at birth. -
Group Areas Act No.41
This act was extremely strict and designated certain areas for the use of only one racial group. For example, there wouldn't even be black public facilities in urban areas, because in some cases, they weren't even allowed in the city. Thus it is significant because it further divides the races. -
Black Building Workers Act No.27
This act prohibited blacks from being able to do skilled labor for construction jobs in white urban areas. This is significant because the government is only allowing white people to have skilled jobs, and practically giving the black people a life of servitude. -
Black Laws Amendment Act No.54
This law was amended and required all black people over 16 years of age to carry passes around with them at all times. In addition, it restricted black people from staying in urban areas for more than 72 hours at a time. This is significant because it restricts the movement of black people and allows for them to be checked at all times. -
Blacks Resettlement Act No.19
This act was extremely cruel in the sense that it forcibly removed blacks from townships which was supported through government action. For example, the town of Sophiatown was destroyed after they got all of the black people to move out. It was later named Triompf when it was rebuilt to be a town for whites only. This is significant because it basically gives power to resettle blacks wherever the white people thought they wouldn't use the land. -
Riotous Assemblies Act No.17
This act prohibited black people from gathering in open-air public places if the minister considered it "dangerous." This basically means that they wouldn't allow huge groups of black people to come together because they feared of a revolt. This is significant because it limits and practically abolishes black people's free speech.
