This document entails a thorough selection of questions, concepts and answers on the IEB History Topic: Civil Resistance in South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. This includes notes on the BCM, Internal & External Resistance, and state Reforms & Repression.
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South African Civil Society Protest
Content Questions
Question Definition/Explanation/Answer
Silent Sixties The 1960s were known as the Silent Sixties in South
Africa.
This meant that many black people were repressed by
the Apartheid government, and so, demonstrated only
little resistance to the National Party’s racist policies.
Resurgence An increase or revival after a period of little activity,
popularity, or occurrence.
e.g., after Sharpeville due to BC.
Repression The action of subduing someone or something by
force.
Armed wings Underground/secret military organisations
Umkhonto we Sizwe ANC’s armed wing.
(MK) Focused on sabotage attacks on public buildings,
electricity lines and other gov property.
Bureau of State Security Notorious for torture and abuse of prisoners.
(BOSS)
Rivonia Trial (1964) Often referred to as "the trial that changed South
Africa,” in October 1963, ten leading opponents of
apartheid went on trial for their lives on charges of
sabotage.
In what was arguably the most profound moment in
the trial, Nelson Mandela made a speech in the dock
in which he condemned the very court in which he was
appearing as 'illegitimate'.
He then proceeded to argue that the laws in place
were equally draconian, and that defiance of these
laws was justified.
Draconian legislation Draconian laws, government actions, etc.
are extremely severe, or go further than what is right
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,Auerello Matthaeus Pillay History 12 – Mrs Harvey
or necessary.
Policy of Good “Divide and rule” Policy: The Apartheid govt.
Neighbourliness created homelands for different African language
groups and their urban planning policies (which
divided townships into different language groups)
aimed to divide black people, to prevent them uniting
as black people to resist Apartheid.
“Separate A plan to contain the political aspirations of the
Development” black people.
The NP never planned to allow for a one-man one-
vote system in SA, hence black people were given the
"right to vote" in the Bantustans.
Black Consciousness Umbrella organisation that included cultural,
Movement (BCM) educational, and religious organisations.
Over 70 organisations were affiliated to BCM and
worked to develop and strengthen the resistance.
Successes of the BCM BCM became a mass movement – undermined
Apartheid.
Speeches/publications raised awareness – encouraged
rejection of Apartheid.
BCM workers incited to strike – pressure on the
economy.
Soweto Uprising in 1976 triggered mass protests across
SA – 'reinvigoration' of protest movement – turning-
point in SA protest history but led to militarisation of the
State.
AZAPO formed in 1978 – total rejection of white
participation in the struggle.
International awareness.
Failures of the BCM Gov banned BCM speakers -> many forced into exile.
Leaders detained under Terrorism Act.
SASO banned on university campuses.
Biko murdered in 1977.
National Union of South Organisation dominated by white liberals who spoke
African Students on behalf of black people.
(NUSAS) 1964 Important force for liberalism and later radicalism in
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, Auerello Matthaeus Pillay History 12 – Mrs Harvey
South African student anti-apartheid politics.
Not militant enough for Biko.
University Christian Founded in 1967.
Movement (UCM) 1967 – The congress elected an executive committee of ten
1972 people, with Basil Moore as president.
The executive included several White, African,
Coloured and Indian members.
The movement grew rapidly, setting up 30 branches at
seminaries, universities, and teacher training colleges.
the significance of the UCM, which remained in
existence for a mere five years, was its crucial role in
giving birth to a movement that would kick-start the
dismantling of apartheid – the South African Students
Organisation (SASO).
The UCM was from its inception a Christian student
movement far more radical than any other student
organisation in the country.
With the National Union of South African Students
(NUSAS) undergoing a rightward shift, and the
Christian Student Association degenerating into a
segregated federation, the UCM gave black students
the space, resources, and intellectual and moral
support to launch their own, black-led
organisation, SASO.
Biko criticised as having too much white
leadership.
The Unlawful Commenced on 7 April 1960.
Organisations Act No 34 allowed the apartheid government of South Africa to
of 1960 declare unlawful, any organisations deemed to
threaten public order or the safety of the public.
This legislation was enacted within a few weeks of the
1960's Sharpeville Massacre.
Terrorism Act (1967) Law passed by SA government that allowed the police
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