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South Africa - A Chronology of Key Events

By springvillegi
  • Policy of apartheid

    Policy of apartheid

    Policy of apartheid (separateness) adopted when National Party (NP) takes power.

  • Population classified by race.

    Population classified by race. Group Areas Act passed to segregate blacks and whites. Communist Party banned. ANC responds with campaign of civil disobedience, led by Nelson Mandela.

  • Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

    Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

  • South Africa declared a republic

    South Africa declared a republic, leaves the Commonwealth. Mandela heads ANC's new military wing, which launches sabotage campaign.
  • ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

    ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

    ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

  • More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands'.

    More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands'.

  • More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.

    More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.

  • Township revolt, state of emergency.

  • FW de Klerk replaces PW Botha as president, meets Mandela. Public facilities desegregated. Many ANC activists freed.

  • ANC unbanned, Mandela released after 27 years in prison.

    Mandela Released Video

  • Start of multi-party talks. De Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws, international sanctions lifted. Major fighting between ANC and Zulu Inkatha movement.

  • Agreement on interim constitution.

  • April - ANC wins first non-racial elections. Mandela become president, Government of National Unity formed, Commonwealth membership restored, remaining sanctions lifted. South Africa takes seat in UN General Assembly after 20-year absence.

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu begins hearings on human rights crimes committed by former government and liberation movements during apartheid era.

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission report brands apartheid a crime against humanity and finds the ANC accountable for human rights abuses.

  • Around 100,000 gold miners strike over pay, bringing the industry to a standstill.

  • Hundreds of thousands of public-sector workers take part in the biggest strike since the end of apartheid. The strike lasts for four weeks and causes widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and public transport.

  • Parliament elects Jacob Zuma as president