What were key forms of resistance to apartheid?

Key forms of resistance to apartheid included peaceful protests, armed resistance, international pressure, and cultural boycotts.

Peaceful protests were a significant form of resistance against apartheid. These were often organised by political organisations such as the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). The Defiance Campaign in 1952, for instance, saw thousands of volunteers publicly break apartheid laws as a form of civil disobedience. The Sharpeville massacre in 1960, where 69 black South Africans were killed during a peaceful protest against pass laws, highlighted the brutal nature of the apartheid regime and galvanised international opposition.

Armed resistance was another form of opposition. Following the Sharpeville massacre, the ANC and PAC abandoned their policy of non-violence. The ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), launched a sabotage campaign against government and economic targets. The PAC's armed wing, Poqo, also engaged in acts of violence against the state and those perceived as collaborators.

International pressure played a crucial role in resisting apartheid. The United Nations imposed a mandatory arms embargo on South Africa in 1977, and many countries implemented trade sanctions. The international Anti-Apartheid Movement, founded in London in 1959, campaigned for boycotts and sanctions against South Africa. This pressure contributed to the isolation of the apartheid regime and its eventual dismantling.

Cultural boycotts were another form of resistance. Many artists, musicians, and sports teams refused to perform or play in South Africa. The cultural boycott was particularly effective in isolating South Africa and raising awareness of the injustices of apartheid. The 1980s saw the release of several high-profile songs protesting against apartheid, such as "Sun City" by Artists United Against Apartheid and "Biko" by Peter Gabriel.

In addition to these forms of resistance, there were also internal divisions within the apartheid regime and economic difficulties that contributed to its downfall. The resistance to apartheid was a multifaceted struggle that involved a wide range of tactics and strategies, both within South Africa and internationally.