How Important Was the African National Congress (ANC) in the Development of Opposition to Apartheid by 1963?

The African National Congress (ANC) undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping opposition to apartheid by 1963. However, to label it as the sole or even the most important factor would be an oversimplification. While the ANC spearheaded numerous campaigns and provided a crucial platform for black resistance, other internal actors and external pressures contributed substantially to the anti-apartheid struggle.

The ANC's journey from a moderate, middle-class organization in 1912 to a radical force by the 1960s is undeniable. The watershed moment was the 1948 election victory of the National Party, which solidified apartheid as official policy. The ANC's Youth League, spearheaded by figures like Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, pushed for more confrontational tactics. This resulted in the 1949 "Programme of Action," advocating for strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience. The Defiance Campaign of 1952 further exemplified this shift, with thousands of black South Africans deliberately defying discriminatory laws. These actions, spearheaded by the ANC, brought the brutality of apartheid into sharp focus, both domestically and internationally.

However, the ANC was not operating in a vacuum. It recognized the importance of collaboration, working alongside other non-white organizations and trade unions. The drafting of the Freedom Charter in 1955 stands as a testament to this inclusive approach, encapsulating the aspirations of a broader coalition for a democratic South Africa.

Despite its efforts, the ANC faced relentless repression from the South African government. The Suppression of Communism Act (1950) and the Public Safety Act (1953) provided legal cover for dismantling dissident voices. The Treason Trial, lasting from 1956 to 1961, exemplified the government's intent to cripple the ANC. Though the trial ultimately failed to convict key ANC figures, it drained resources and instilled fear. By 1960, the ANC was banned, forcing it to operate underground and ultimately leading to the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), its armed wing.

Furthermore, other anti-apartheid voices emerged, independent of the ANC. The Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), formed in 1959, criticized the ANC's multiracial approach and advocated for black leadership. The PAC’s 1960 anti-pass campaign culminated in the Sharpeville Massacre, where police gunned down peaceful protestors, marking a turning point in international condemnation of apartheid.

Women played a crucial role, with organizations like the Black Sash and countless individual acts of defiance against the pass laws. Trade unions, despite facing severe repression, conducted strikes and protests, highlighting the vital role of economic resistance.

International pressure also escalated, particularly after Sharpeville. The United Nations condemned apartheid and imposed sanctions, further isolating the South African regime. While the ANC's advocacy on the international stage contributed to this, the actions of other groups and the sheer brutality of events like Sharpeville cannot be discounted.

In conclusion, while the ANC undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the fight against apartheid by 1963, it was by no means the only force at play. The evolution of the ANC itself, the emergence of other resistance groups like the PAC, the unwavering efforts of women and trade unions, and the escalating international pressure all contributed to a multifaceted opposition movement. It is the combined impact of these factors, rather than the actions of any single entity, that ultimately paved the way for the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.

Sources:
• Davenport, T. R. H. (1991). South Africa: A Modern History. Macmillan South Africa.
• Mandela, N. (1994). Long Walk to Freedom. Little, Brown and Company.