South Africa held its first non-racial election in-

Correct option is C

South Africa held its first non-racial elections in 1994. This landmark event marked the end of apartheid and allowed all South Africans, regardless of race, to vote. The election resulted in Nelson Mandela becoming the first black president of South Africa. The 1994 elections were the first to be held under the new democratic constitution, which granted full citizenship and voting rights to all South African citizens, regardless of their racial background.

Information Booster:-

South Africa's racial policies were shaped by a long history of institutionalized racial discrimination, most notably apartheid, which was implemented by the National Party government from 1948 to 1994. Below is a detailed overview of South Africa’s racial policies:

1. Apartheid (1948–1994)

Apartheid was a system of legal racial segregation enforced by the government. It classified people into racial groups: White, Black, Coloured (mixed race), and Indian. The policies were designed to ensure White supremacy and economic, political, and social dominance.

Key Apartheid Policies:

• Population Registration Act (1950): Classified South Africans into racial categories.
• Group Areas Act (1950): Segregated residential areas, forcing non-Whites to live in separate, often underdeveloped, regions.
• Bantu Education Act (1953): Provided inferior education to Black South Africans.
• Pass Laws: Required non-White citizens to carry passes to move in White areas.
• Separate Amenities Act (1953): Segregated public spaces such as buses, parks, and schools.

2. Resistance and Repeal of Apartheid (1960s–1990s)

• Sharpeville Massacre (1960): Protest against pass laws led to violent government crackdown.
• Banning of ANC & PAC (1960): Anti-apartheid organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) were banned.
• Soweto Uprising (1976): Protests by students against the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction.
• International Sanctions: The UN, US, and European nations imposed sanctions against South Africa, pressuring for reforms.
• Release of Nelson Mandela (1990): Marked the beginning of the transition to democracy.

3. Post-Apartheid Reforms (1994 - Present)

• 1994 First Non-Racial Elections: Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1996): Led by Desmond Tutu, it aimed to address human rights abuses committed during apartheid.
• Black Economic Empowerment (BEE): Policies to promote economic inclusion of historically disadvantaged communities.
• Affirmative Action Policies: Encouraging diversity in education, employment, and government.