Homelands policy

Homelands policy was a government strategy in South Africa aimed at allocating land and resources to specific indigenous groups, creating separate areas called "homelands" or "homelands territories." This approach was intended to confine different racial groups to designated regions, limiting their freedom of movement and opportunities elsewhere. Officially, it was justified as a way to recognize cultural identities, but in practice, it contributed to racial segregation, inequality, and the marginalization of non-white populations. The policy laid the groundwork for continued disparities and was a significant part of the broader system of apartheid.