The Abolishment of Apartheid from South Africa

The Abolishment of Apartheid from South Africa

The oppression of the natives of South Africa has been occurring since the time of explorers and global expansion during the late 1480s. These colonizers, mostly the Dutch would come to set a very long and dark path for their ancestors; who are called Afrikaners. Over time, the natives would lose their land and resources to the white majority. The whites' domination over South Africa would conclude with apartheid (David Downing, 2004). Apartheid was a social and political system of extreme segregation that was enforced by the predominantly white government. The system’s purpose was to ensure the domination of the white people (Downing, 2004). Though apartheid physically trapped black South Africans within their own country, the blacks' voices preaching of freedom, equality, and fraternity rose from the darkness of apartheid. One of the most influential voices is of Nelson Mandela. During the beginnings of apartheid in the 1940s, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC), an organization that rallied against discrimination and strived to win rights for all Africans (Downing, 2004). Nelson Mandela envisioned a better world where all people no matter what race would live equally and peacefully; Mandela's goal of an apartheid-free South Africa was passionately pursued and accomplished in over a decade (Ann Kramer, 2005). Under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, South Africa is now a democracy but is still working to overcome new challenges. South Africa is an example for all nations that only through peace; true justice and equality can reign (Ettagale Blauer & Jason Lauré, 2006). Nelson Mandela is one of the greatest role models to have lived; he challenged his opponents in way...

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...n of many races but united as one (Downing, 2004). Although Mandela had one his people rights and freedom from apartheid, South Africa was still a much divided country and Mandela would face many challenges. Today South Africa is working towards peace, economic and physical health, and equality in power and in race. Mandela, at the age of 80, humbly stepped down from presidency in 1999 to allow another to lead the nation to a better future (Kramer, 2005).

Apartheid taught the whole world a lesson that all human beings are equal no matter what color or gender they are. Mandela was able to see the light of hope even in his darkest times. He let love, peace, and true justice reign in himself, in his people, and in South Africa. Mandela truly was the last hope of peace and freedom for the nation of South Africa and also the greatest enemy of apartheid (Downing, 2004).