South Africa’s Journey to Democracy Racial conflict and diversity was a major issue expressed in South Africa in the beginning 1900’s. When first under British and Dutch rule, Africa was almost fully segregated; the large African American community was unfairly treated compared to the small white minority. South Africa became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1931; however, this did not fix the racism. Whites were still given higher political titles, and blacks were denied many individual rights. Apartheid, a firm division between races, came into practice in 1948. This separated everything in South Africa, including schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, and many public places. Homelands were set up for the African American community, because living among the white population was not allowed. Many African Americans protested the unfair treatment and racism towards their ethnicity. The African National Congress (ANC) was formed in 1912. This organization boycotted and held strikes banning the racial policies. Many of the members were imprisoned for the behavior against the government which included the influential Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was the main leader of the revolutionaries in South Africa, putting his own life at risk for the sake of equal rights. He led many peaceful protests for 20 long years, including the Defiance Campaign and the Congress of People. But after many strikes and protests, Mandela, along with 150 other protestors, was put in prison. They were kept there for 27 years. 18 out of his 27 years of imprisonment were spent at Robins Island. He was given many opportunities to be released as long as he promised to stop his revolutions against the apartheid, however, he refused. In 1989, South Africa elected a new president by the name of F.W. de Klerk. He wanted to end the isolation in Africa, so he legalized the ANC and released Nelson Mandela from prison. The next 18 months were spent on rebuilding the South African Parliament. In 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected president, but resigned in 1999. During this time, new laws were passed granting equal rights to all South African citizens. Nelson Mandela’s courage and promise for change is what makes him and great leader and a strong role model for many people. Currently, South Africa is opening up their economy and continuing to build their way to a strong democracy. In 2002, South Africa opened up their market to free trade to grow employment rate. As of now, they are a there tier system, similar to the United States, containing an independent judiciary. The legislative branch is invested in the Parliament, and the National Assembly is also active in the South African government. Laws are continuing to be made to ensure equal rights to all citizens of South Africa and stop the amount of racism expressed. No laws can be passed by just one branch of government; the policy needs to be revised by the other branches in order to be passed. South Africa’s long journey to a democracy shows their constant bravery and persistence to achieve equality.