Episode 3: South Africa "Freedom in our Lifetime"

Episode 3 focuses on the struggles of South Africans suffering under the system of apartheid.

In 1985, unrest began to sweet across the black townships in South Africa against apartheid. Security forces tried to control the unrest by enacting a containment policy that, instead of maintaining order, incited violence. The policy caused impatient youths and others initiate violence while black leaders are often harassed and thrown into jail.

In the city of Port Elizabeth, Mkhuseli Jack, a 27-year-old youth leader, stresses the importance of cohesion and coordination, "forming street committees and recruiting neighborhood leaders to represent their interests and settle disputes. Nationally, a fledgling umbrella party, the United Democratic Front (UDF), asserts itself through a series of low-key acts of defiance, such as rent boycotts, labor strikes, and school stayaways."

The idea of nonviolence is particularly appealing to black parents who want peace to return to their neighborhoods. The black community of Port Elizabeth come together and agree to boycott the city's white-owned buisnesses. By doing this, the group is hoping to bring their situation into more focus with the white community and "sensitize white citizens to the blacks' suffering."

In the same year, the government is forced to declare a state of emergency in an attempt to scare blacks into submission by performing random arrests and imposing curfews on citizens. However, this is a sign that the resistance is working, as the country is becoming harder to govern.

UDF continues to ask for its demands, especially for the removal of security forces from communities and the release of jailed African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela.  The boycott of white business has greatly harmed white retailers, and they demand a stop to the stalemate in order to save their businesses. This gave Jack powerful white comrades in his fight against apartheid.

"The movement also succeeds in turning world opinion against apartheid, and more sanctions are imposed on South Africa as foreign corporations begin to pull out many investments. In June 1986, the South African government declares a second state of emergency to repress the mass action that has paralyzed the regime."

"By 1989, the stand-off between the black majority and the government impels the new prime minister, F.W. de Klerk, to lift the ban on illegal political organizations and free Mandela. In 1994, South Africa's first truly democratic national election elects Mandela to the nation's presidency."


SOUTH AFRICAN TIMELINE:

June 1976    The township of Soweto riots; mass opposition to apartheid begins.

August 20, 1983    The United Democratic Front – a coalition of trade unions, women's groups, and youth organizations – is established.

September 1984    Riots in Vaal Triangle; beginning of township rebellion.

July 21, 1985    The first state of emergency is imposed.

June 12, 1986    The second state of emergency is imposed; thousands are arrested.

October 1989    The government begins releasing imprisoned leaders of the African National Congress (ANC).

February 11, 1990    After 27 years in prison, black leader Nelson Mandela is released.

August 26-29, 1994    South Africans vote in fair and free elections; the ANC government is voted into power.


photos courtesy of: aforcemorepowerful.org and takusahrisau.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/