apartheid-era South Africa

Apartheid-era South Africa (1948-1994) was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the government. It classified people into racial groups—primarily white, Black, Coloured, and Indian—and restricted rights, freedoms, and access to resources based on race. Non-white populations faced severe limitations on education, employment, movement, and political participation, while the white minority held economic and political dominance. The apartheid regime faced domestic resistance and international condemnation, leading to sanctions and protests. The system officially ended in 1994 with the first democratic elections, marking the beginning of racial reconciliation and efforts towards equality.