The term refers to a policy or system of segregation and discrimination on grounds of race. It was a social and political system enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. This system legally classified people into racial groups: White, Black, Coloured, and Indian. These classifications determined where individuals could live, work, travel, and receive education. For instance, Black South Africans were denied basic rights and freedoms, forced to live in designated areas, and subjected to inferior social services.
Understanding this historical system is crucial in human geography as it exemplifies the spatial implications of discriminatory practices. It highlights how political ideologies can shape landscapes and create uneven development. Studying this demonstrates the devastating consequences of racial segregation and the importance of fighting for social justice and equality. Examining the dismantling of this system provides insights into processes of democratization and reconciliation, and the challenges of overcoming deep-seated inequalities.
