1948 in South Africa Announced the Start of the Apartheid

According to the apartheid laws, black-skinned inhabitants were not allowed to open and run business enterprise in the territories of white population, as well as to visit this area without special permission. Absence of such permit was a ground for immediate arrest.

Hospitals for black Africans were chronically short of funds and personnel, and in many Negro areas there were no hospitals at all. Education Act stipulated that black children were taught only the basic skills needed for working on the whites. Public transport stopped at selected stops, and on trains only a third class was allotted for South African natives.

Segregation also applied to bridges, libraries, theatres, cemeteries, parks, pedestrian crossings, beaches, swimming pools, public toilets and taxis.

There were banned sex contacts and marriages between people of different races. If the white man was in the driving seat, black African of opposite sex could not sit on the front seat. Black policemen had no right to arrest white people.

In 1973, the UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Suppression of and Punishment for Apartheid. The Rome Statute defines it as one of 11 crimes against humanity. After abolishment of apartheid, indigenous people gained access to education, public offices and participation in business.

International sanctions against South Africa were lifted which led to inflow of foreign investment. To date, the government is implementing employment programs to give preference to people with black skin. Though there are little competent professionals among them.