Townships/ Bantustans in the 60s

Question 1

The Burgeoning townships

Answer 1

• Things changed in the 60s and some of the new townships became the basis for a less politicized urban culture, where people were more focused on work, commute, consumption, & getting ahead.
• Major organizations in townships were churches, choirs, saving societies & football clubs.
• 1965: Leo Kuper Study (Zulu speakers becoming urban consumers)
• The change also benefitted women: began to asset a new freedom from rural patriarchal society by migrating to towns (they could make a living as servants, workers in factories, etc.)
• Jobs also opened up for educated women (especially teaching and nursing).
• Drum magazine – Influential in documenting the change in townships (fashion/suburban life).
• These social freedoms were not reward of apartheid, they were gains made in spite of it. These years of growth did defuse political conflict.

Question 2

Developing the Bantustans

Answer 2

1959 Bantu Self-government Act – set in motion the attempt to creat self-governing states.
(Each of the 10 areas would have its own government, bureaucracy, and infrastructure).

Question 3

December 1963:

Answer 3

first homeland was established when the Transkei Legislative Assembly opened in Umtata (largest area & NP found a well-educated chief to support their policy – Kaiser Matanzima – he believed there was no option but to work with the apartheid regime).
- NP wanted elections in homelands before they could achieve self-government.
- Opponents tried to win power in the Tanskei but the chief didn’t give up power & government put in officials who supported him.
They were given substantial funds from Pretoria National Government Location. Homeland development brought economic benefits & opportunities for employment. Africans were able to start creating businesses.

Question 4

South Africa diplomacy

Answer 4

SA position more isolated.
- Strong relations maintained with West countries, but most African states did not want to deal with NP.
- Vorster tried to reach out, he wanted to: expand trade, cut off possible ANC bases & stifle criticism of apartheid.
- Some had no choice but to remain on good terms with SA (economic reliance).
- Despite UN pressure, ties with UK & USA & much of Europe remained.
- Japan invested in car factories heavily.
Sharpeville was viewed negatively but had no real economic impact.

Question 5

Voter’s use of police power

Answer 5

• Tighter security as the threat of communism increased.
• Suspects could be detained for up to 180 days without trial.
• Police used violence against people who belonged to suspected illegal political groups.
• Torture and sustained abuse were all used to attain information.