Impact of the Sharpeville Massacre (Grade 11 NSC Matric History): Revision Notes
Impact of the Sharpeville Massacre
Background to the Sharpeville massacre
The split within the ANC
The African National Congress (ANC) had followed a policy of non-racialism since the 1940s, meaning they welcomed support from all racial groups in their fight against apartheid. However, not all members agreed with this approach.
In November 1958, a group of Africanists became frustrated with the ANC's multi-racial stance and decided to break away from the organisation. These members believed that African liberation should be led entirely by black Africans themselves.
This ideological split between non-racialism and African nationalism would have profound consequences for the liberation struggle. The disagreement reflected different philosophies about how to achieve freedom from apartheid rule.
Formation of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC)
The breakaway group established the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in April 1959.
The key features of this new organisation were:
- Leadership: Robert Sobukwe became the first leader of the PAC
- Ideology: The PAC promoted black nationalism rather than non-racialism
- Aim: Sobukwe stated that the PAC wanted "the government of the Africans, by the Africans for the Africans"
- Growth: The organisation expanded rapidly, gaining significant support within just one year of its formation
The PAC's philosophy of "Africa for Africans" represented a more exclusive approach to liberation compared to the ANC's inclusive stance. This fundamental difference in ideology would influence their different strategies and methods of resistance.
Planning the anti-pass campaign
Both the ANC and PAC recognised that the pass laws were one of the most hated aspects of apartheid. These laws restricted the movement of black South Africans and caused daily humiliation and hardship.
The PAC decided to organise a campaign of resistance against the pass laws, planning a march for 21 March 1960 in Sharpeville. On this day:
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Approximately 10,000 black people gathered around the Sharpeville police station
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The crowd was protesting peacefully against the pass laws
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The situation escalated when police opened fire on the demonstrators
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69 people were killed in what became known as the Sharpeville Massacre
The Sharpeville Massacre marked a turning point in South African history. What began as a peaceful protest against the hated pass laws ended in tragedy when police opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, fundamentally changing the nature of the liberation struggle.
Immediate impact of the Sharpeville massacre
Domestic reactions
The brutal police action at Sharpeville shocked both South Africa and the international community. The immediate consequences included:
Public outrage: Black South Africans across the country were horrified by the killings and began organising protest actions nationwide.
All Africa Conference (AAC): In December 1960, black leaders held this important meeting where they:
- Demanded that the government arrange a national convention to draft a new constitution
- When the government refused their request, leaders were arrested
- This rejection convinced many that armed resistance was now necessary
The All Africa Conference represented a crucial moment when liberation leaders realised that peaceful negotiation was impossible under the apartheid government. The government's refusal to engage in dialogue pushed many previously moderate leaders toward supporting armed struggle.
Government response
The apartheid government reacted harshly to the growing opposition:
State of emergency: The government declared a state of emergency in 122 of the country's 265 districts, giving security forces extensive powers to arrest and detain people without trial.
Mass detentions: Thousands of people were arrested, including many prominent resistance leaders and activists who had been organising opposition to apartheid.
The government's declaration of a state of emergency demonstrated its determination to crush all opposition through force rather than address the legitimate grievances of the black population. This harsh response further radicalised the liberation movements.
Long-term consequences of Sharpeville
Banning of political organisations
The government used the Unlawful Organisations Act (1960) to ban both the ANC and PAC. This meant that:
- The resistance campaign was significantly weakened
- By May 1960, most detained leaders had been released, but the state of emergency had helped restore government control
- Robert Sobukwe was convicted for inciting uprisings and sentenced to three years imprisonment
- Black resistance leaders found it extremely difficult to coordinate a national campaign
The banning of both major liberation organisations forced them underground and made legal political activity impossible. This drove many activists toward more militant approaches and international exile, fundamentally changing the nature of the struggle.
International isolation begins
United Nations condemnation: On 1 April 1960, the UN adopted Resolution 134, which:
- Officially condemned the Sharpeville massacre
- Called on the South African government to change its apartheid policies
- Marked the beginning of South Africa's increasing international isolation
UN Resolution 134 was the first major international condemnation of apartheid South Africa. This marked the beginning of a process that would eventually lead to comprehensive international sanctions and South Africa's complete diplomatic isolation.
South Africa becomes a republic
White referendum: In October 1960, the government held a referendum among white voters to decide whether South Africa should become a republic rather than remain part of the British Commonwealth.
The result was significant because:
- On 31 May 1961, South Africa officially became a republic
- The country was forced to leave the British Commonwealth due to international pressure over its racial policies
- This further isolated South Africa diplomatically
Turn to armed resistance
The failure of peaceful protest and the banning of political organisations convinced many leaders that armed struggle was now necessary:
Contrasting Approaches to Armed Resistance
Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK):
- The ANC's military wing was formed under the leadership of Nelson Mandela
- MK focused on acts of sabotage rather than terrorism, avoiding unnecessary loss of life
- Mandela arranged training for MK members overseas and recruited international support
- In December 1961, MK damaged buildings in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg
- Mandela was eventually arrested in August 1962 and sentenced to five years imprisonment
Poqo:
- The PAC's military wing took a different approach
- Poqo only allowed black membership and was willing to use methods that might result in white casualties
- Between 1962 and 1963, Poqo carried out many acts of sabotage
- The arrest of Sobukwe created leadership problems for the PAC, weakening the organisation
Assessment Tip
When answering exam questions about the impact of Sharpeville, remember to discuss both immediate and long-term consequences. Consider the effects on:
- South African politics (banning of organisations, armed resistance)
- International relations (UN condemnation, isolation)
- Government policy (state of emergency, republic status)
Key Points to Remember:
- The PAC split from the ANC in 1958 over disagreements about non-racialism versus black nationalism
- The Sharpeville Massacre occurred on 21 March 1960 when police killed 69 peaceful protesters
- The massacre led to government crackdowns including the banning of the ANC and PAC and a state of emergency
- International condemnation began with UN Resolution 134, starting South Africa's isolation
- The failure of peaceful protest convinced liberation movements to turn to armed resistance through MK and Poqo