Answer: 1. Social and economic inequality.
2. Repression and human rights abuses.
3. International isolation.
4. Political resistance.
5. Transition to democracy.
Explanation: The National Party came to power in South Africa in 1948 and introduced a policy of apartheid, which was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination against the non-white population of the country. The consequences of this policy were significant and far-reaching, both for South Africa and the rest of the world. Here are some of the consequences:
Social and economic inequality: Apartheid led to significant social and economic inequality, with the white minority enjoying privileges and advantages denied to the non-white majority. Non-white people were subjected to inferior education, housing, healthcare, and job opportunities.
Repression and human rights abuses: The apartheid regime was marked by repression, human rights abuses, and police brutality. Non-white people were subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture, and their basic rights and freedoms were severely curtailed.
International isolation: The apartheid regime was widely condemned by the international community, and South Africa was subjected to various forms of sanctions, including diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, and sports boycotts.
Political resistance: Apartheid sparked widespread political resistance, both inside South Africa and internationally. Activists and organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) and Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years, fought against the regime through peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and armed struggle.
Transition to democracy: The end of apartheid in South Africa came in the early 1990s, following negotiations between the National Party government and the ANC. The transition to democracy was marked by the release of political prisoners, the legalization of the ANC, and the holding of democratic elections in 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela become South Africa's first black president.