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

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.

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

Sir Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town

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.