South Africa in the 1970s and 1980s (Grade 12 NSC Matric History): Revision Notes
Opposition to the Apartheid State
The context after the Rivonia Trial
After the Rivonia Trial in 1964, the apartheid government successfully suppressed visible resistance within South Africa. The ANC, its leadership, and symbols essentially vanished from the country for a decade. This period marked a significant turning point where opposition had to find new ways to survive and continue the struggle against apartheid.
The Rivonia Trial marked a crucial watershed moment in South African history. The successful prosecution of key ANC leaders meant that traditional forms of organised resistance had to be completely reimagined and restructured.
Apartheid state repression and control
The apartheid government used increasingly harsh methods to crush any form of resistance. These systematic approaches created a comprehensive network of control that touched every aspect of black South African life.
Methods of State Repression:
- Extreme security laws made it illegal to publish or discuss anything related to the mass resistance movements of the 1950s
- Banning orders were issued to hundreds of activists, confining them to their residential areas
- Pass raids, arrests and imprisonment for minor apartheid law violations became routine tools of intimidation
- These measures created a climate of fear designed to prevent any organised opposition
The Terrorism Act of 1967
This legislation gave the apartheid government unprecedented powers to deal with opponents and became one of the most feared pieces of apartheid legislation.
The Terrorism Act - Key Provisions:
- Police could arrest, detain and interrogate people for unlimited periods without charging them in court
- Anyone suspected of committing or planning a 'terrorist act' could be detained
- The definition of 'terrorist acts' was extremely broad, including anything that might promote conflict between black and white South Africans
- Torture and killings occurred during interrogation, with Steve Biko being one of the most notable victims who died in police custody
This act allowed the state to eliminate opposition through legal means while operating outside the bounds of justice.
Three types of opposition during this period
Despite the harsh repression, opposition to apartheid found ways to survive and adapt across multiple fronts. Three distinct forms of resistance emerged during this critical period.
1. Opposition in exile
The external ANC leadership began the challenging process of rebuilding the movement outside South Africa's borders, focusing on international recognition and military preparation.
International support and recognition:
- The ANC gained recognition in the West as the legitimate voice of oppressed black South Africans
- Oliver Tambo, as ANC president, built strong relationships with anti-apartheid groups in Britain and Western Europe
- The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) supported both the ANC and PAC
Military strategy development:
- The ANC and South African Communist Party (SACP) received support from the Soviet Union
- They established and trained Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) units in newly independent African countries like Zambia and Tanzania
- Following the model of armed liberation struggles in Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the ANC adopted military tactics
- 1967-1968: MK units fought alongside Zimbabwe's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) in clashes with Rhodesian security forces
Significance of External Opposition:
Although these early military efforts were unsuccessful, they provided hope for the future of the resistance movement and demonstrated that the ANC had survived in exile. This external presence became crucial for maintaining international pressure on the apartheid regime.
2. Opposition in prison
Robben Island became the centre of political imprisonment, where most black leaders of the ANC, MK and PAC served long sentences. Despite the brutal conditions, it became an unexpected centre of political organisation and education.
Harsh Prison Conditions:
- Prisoners faced racist abuse and were forced to perform hard labour in rock quarries
- Severe punishments were imposed for breaking prison regulations
- Solitary confinement and deprivation of food were common
- Prisoners endured humiliating body searches
Resistance and organisation within prison:
- Despite the harsh conditions, prisoners developed survival strategies that strengthened their unity
- They organised hunger strikes and other acts of defiance
- Significant improvements were achieved, including sports events, cultural activities, literacy training and political education programmes
- The ANC maintained strong political organisation within the prison
- Upon release, former prisoners could effectively influence the freedom struggle in their communities
3. Opposition underground inside South Africa
The most important development was the emergence of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This represented a new form of political thinking and organisation that filled the gap left by banned liberation movements.
Key developments:
- Other movements were also developing that would later contribute to the mass democratic movement of the 1980s
- The more the white government attacked the ANC and Communist Party, the more credibility these organisations gained among black South Africans
- It became clear that the ANC had survived in exile and was beginning to reorganise and mobilise support
The turning point: Mid-1970s
Several crucial events marked a shift in the balance of power and renewed hope for the liberation struggle. This period demonstrated that the apartheid government's attempts at total suppression had ultimately failed.
Timeline of Key Events:
1971: A few trained MK activists successfully re-entered South Africa and began establishing underground political networks. ANC pamphlets started circulating again.
1973: The oil crisis and economic recession created economic instability. This same year saw a wave of strikes, indicating growing worker resistance.
1975: Successful armed struggles led to independence in Mozambique and Angola, providing the liberation movements with neighbouring base areas and inspiration.
1976: The Soweto Uprising became a watershed moment in South African history, marking the beginning of sustained mass resistance that would continue through the 1980s.
These events demonstrated that despite severe repression, opposition to apartheid had not only survived but was beginning to rebuild and gain momentum across multiple fronts.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Terrorism Act of 1967 gave police unlimited detention powers and led to torture and deaths in custody, including Steve Biko
- Three types of opposition emerged: exile (international support and military training), prison (political organisation on Robben Island), and underground (Black Consciousness Movement)
- The ANC survived in exile by building international relationships and establishing military units in neighbouring countries
- Prison became a site of resistance where leaders maintained political organisation and educated fellow prisoners
- The mid-1970s marked a turning point with MK re-entry (1971), economic crisis and strikes (1973), regional independence (1975), and the Soweto Uprising (1976)