The Apartheid Regime
A significant, long-term cause of the protests to prevent the 1981 Springbok tour was the introduction of the Apartheid Regime by the South African National Party in 1948. The National Party in South Africa won the 1945 elections, and immediately aimed to start exercising forces of segregation between whites and blacks in 1948. This regime saw to it that education, health services, sport and other facilities segregated, with the black people getting the inferior quality compared to the dominant whites. To further dominate the natives of South Africa, the government abolished the non-white political party, and stripped natives of their citizenship. Apartheid was brought to the forefront of global issues through various acts of violence because of the Apartheid. Amongst these, the infamous Sharpeville Massacre on 21st March 1960, where a crowd of 5000-7000 black protestors were fired upon outside the Sharpeville police station, killing an estimated 69 people. Because of events such as these, global support to abolish Apartheid grew vastly.
With the growth of support to oppose Apartheid, various methods of actions were taken by individuals, groups and nations, with the popular choice of boycotting. South African goods were boycotted, and furthermore, South African sport. With the racist regulations and segregations that did not allow black people to play in 'white' teams, many nations saw it unfit to tour or play South Africa. New Zealand were one of these nations. Dissatisfaction with Apartheid continued to consolidate as awareness towards the issue were spread through television, radio and newspapers, and many in New Zealand were outraged. This growing dissatisfaction and awareness of the Apartheid led to the 1981 Springbok tour protests, as many labelled it a social injustice and crime against humanity, and felt as if New Zealand was supporting the Apartheid through the government allowing the 1981 Springbok tour.
Key Historical Ideas
-Dissatisfaction with the Apartheid regime was the most significant and long-term cause of opposition to the 1981 Springbok tour.
-Horrific events such as Sharpeville Massacre and Soweto Riots led to growing dissatisfaction and awareness in South Africa, New Zealand and globally through the spread of its scenes in television, radio and newspapers.
-Horrific events such as Sharpeville Massacre and Soweto Riots led to growing dissatisfaction and awareness in South Africa, New Zealand and globally through the spread of its scenes in television, radio and newspapers.