How effective was civil disobedience in resisting apartheid in the period from 1970 to 1976?

This essay will argue that civil disobedience was partially effective in resisting apartheid in the period from 1970 to 1976. It contributed to the development of the Black Consciousness movement, which helped to generate awareness of the injustices of apartheid and link protest movements. However, it was ultimately ineffective in achieving the goals of dismantling apartheid, as the South African government's repressive legislation and the establishment of the Police Reserve Unit hampered the effectiveness of protests. The Sharpeville massacre in 1960, which was a direct result of government policy in response to civil disobedience, had a chilling effect on future protest. The government's refusal to consider reforms, such as those requested in Soweto in 1976, further undermined the effectiveness of civil disobedience. Political organisations, such as the ANC and the PAC, failed to achieve their aims of undoing apartheid.

Argument 1: Civil Disobedience and the Black Consciousness Movement

Civil disobedience played a crucial role in fostering the rise of the Black Consciousness movement. The movement emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, advocating for black self-reliance and resistance to apartheid. The movement was inspired by the actions of individuals and groups who used civil disobedience to challenge apartheid laws and practices. Examples include the defiance campaigns of the 1950s, which involved mass boycotts and protests, and the student protests of the 1970s, which highlighted the oppressive nature of apartheid education. The Black Consciousness movement gave voice to black South Africans who were tired of being marginalized and silenced. It provided a platform for collective action and a sense of unity and purpose.

Argument 2: Limitations of Civil Disobedience

Despite its contribution to the Black Consciousness movement, civil disobedience faced significant obstacles in its efforts to dismantle apartheid. The South African government responded to protests with brutal force. The establishment of the Police Reserve Unit in 1970, specifically designed to suppress dissent, resulted in many deaths and injuries among protesters. The government's repressive legislation further restricted the effectiveness of civil disobedience by criminalizing protests and imposing harsh penalties. The Sharpeville massacre in 1960 served as a stark reminder of the government's ruthlessness. This incident, which resulted in the deaths of 69 unarmed protesters, had a chilling effect, deterring many from participating in future protests.


Argument 3: Lack of Political Reforms

The South African government's refusal to consider reforms also undermined the effectiveness of civil disobedience. In 1976, students in Soweto protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. The government's violent response to the student uprisings, which left hundreds dead and wounded, demonstrated its unwillingness to engage with the demands of the black community. The government's resistance to reforms, even in the face of widespread protests, further discouraged the use of civil disobedience as a means of achieving change.


Argument 4: Limited Success of Political Organisations

Political organisations such as the ANC and the PAC, which advocated for the dismantling of apartheid, also struggled to achieve their goals. Despite using civil disobedience as a tactic, these organisations faced significant challenges in their fight against the apartheid regime. The government's ban of the ANC and PAC in 1960 significantly weakened their ability to organize and mobilize effectively. These organisations were forced to operate underground, which limited their reach and effectiveness in challenging the apartheid system.


Conclusion: Partial Effectiveness

In conclusion, civil disobedience was partially effective in resisting apartheid in the period from 1970 to 1976. It contributed to the development of the Black Consciousness movement, which raised awareness of the injustices of apartheid and fostered collective action. However, the government's repressive measures, including the establishment of the Police Reserve Unit and its brutal response to protests, combined with its refusal to consider reforms, significantly hampered the effectiveness of civil disobedience. The Sharpeville massacre and the Soweto uprising serve as stark reminders of the government's unwillingness to address the demands of the black community. The limited success of political organisations such as the ANC and the PAC further underscores the challenges faced in resisting apartheid through non-violent means. Despite the limitations, civil disobedience played a vital role in challenging apartheid and raising international awareness of the injustices faced by black South Africans.