Looking Back on South African History
The thing that makes apartheid in South Africa different to various forms of segregation in other parts of the world is that is it was made law here and that it was systematically introduced in the South African society by the National Party Government who came in to power in 1948.
In 1949 the "Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act" was introduced this prevented inter-racial marriages. In the years preceding this act only less than 80 mixed marriages had occurred in comparison to the 28 000 white marriages. While the "Immorality Amendment Act" was introduced to prevented extra marital affairs and interracial relationships occurring. If anyone was caught being in a mixed relationship they would be investigated and in many cases imprisoned.
Then in 1950 there was the infamous "Population Registration Act" it was at this time when the National Register was created in which people were classed into racial groups. It was at the various registration offices where people were classed in a race group based on the colour of their skin, texture of their hair, shape of their nose, size of their lips etc. A race classification board was introduced and would have the final say on the race of any person who dared to challenged the system. Many families were split as they were classed in difference racial groups which could result in one child having been fairer skinned than his siblings.
The 1950's seem to be the year of notorious Acts to be implemented such as "Groups Areas Act" . It was a ruthless act as it split not only community but families, friends all because of their race. The Government implemented forced removals during which over 60 000 people in the Western Cape alone where moved to barren outlying areas such as Athlone, Ocean View, Mitchell's Plain, Atlantis etc. from prime areas such as District Six, Heathfield, Simon's Town etc. This resulted in the 'pure' "White areas", "Coloured areas", "Indian areas" and "Black areas".
Also in 1950 the ridiculous "Suppression of Communism Act"was implemented which outlawed not only Communism but any kind of community action group or political party which the government deemed a threat to the state. Anyone suspected of being involved in communist activities would be banned from any political activities and the person would be restricted to an area. This is the one of the main acts used against Nelson Mandela and other similar activists even though they were never communists
"Reservation of Separate Amenities Act" once again the government forced South Africans into separation by using separate public facilities such as Buses, Trains, Benches, Toilets, Beaches and so many more everyday facilities which were separated into whites and non-whites. This was implemented by public notices everywhere from the beaches,shops, public transport. Etc. South Africans were constantly reminded who was the superior race group. If someone was caught not abiding the rules they were find or imprisoned
The above is only some of the apartheid laws that were enforced. I am glad to say that due international pressure and the perseverance of South Africans ,freedom was declared in 1994 but that is an article on its own.