South Africa - A Chronology of Key Events timeline

Jan 1, 1948

Policy of apartheid

Policy of apartheid (separateness) adopted when National Party (NP) takes power.
Apr 11, 1950

Population classified by race.

Population classified by race. Group Areas Act passed to segregate blacks and whites. Communist Party banned. ANC responds with campaign of civil disobedience, led by Nelson Mandela.
Apr 11, 1960

Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.
Apr 11, 1961

South Africa declared a republic

South Africa declared a republic, leaves the Commonwealth. Mandela heads ANC's new military wing, which launches sabotage campaign.
Apr 11, 1964

ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.
Apr 11, 1970

More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands'.

More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands'.
Apr 11, 1976

More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.

More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.
Apr 11, 1984

Township revolt, state of emergency.
Apr 11, 1989

FW de Klerk replaces PW Botha as president, meets Mandela. Public facilities desegregated. Many ANC activists freed.
Apr 11, 1990

ANC unbanned, Mandela released after 27 years in prison.

Mandela Released Video
Apr 11, 1991

Start of multi-party talks. De Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws, international sanctions lifted. Major fighting between ANC and Zulu Inkatha movement.
Apr 11, 1993

Agreement on interim constitution.
Apr 11, 1994

April - ANC wins first non-racial elections. Mandela become president, Government of National Unity formed, Commonwealth membership restored, remaining sanctions lifted. South Africa takes seat in UN General Assembly after 20-year absence.
Apr 11, 1996

Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu begins hearings on human rights crimes committed by former government and liberation movements during apartheid era.
Apr 11, 1998

Truth and Reconciliation Commission report brands apartheid a crime against humanity and finds the ANC accountable for human rights abuses.
Apr 11, 2005

Around 100,000 gold miners strike over pay, bringing the industry to a standstill.
Apr 11, 2007

Hundreds of thousands of public-sector workers take part in the biggest strike since the end of apartheid. The strike lasts for four weeks and causes widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and public transport.
Apr 11, 2009

Parliament elects Jacob Zuma as president

Policy of apartheid

Population classified by race.

Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

South Africa declared a republic

ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands'.

More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.

Township revolt, state of emergency.

FW de Klerk replaces PW Botha as president, meets Mandela. Public facilities desegregated. Many ANC activists freed.

ANC unbanned, Mandela released after 27 years in prison.

Start of multi-party talks. De Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws, international sanctions lifted. Major fighting between ANC and Zulu Inkatha movement.

Agreement on interim constitution.

April - ANC wins first non-racial elections. Mandela become president, Government of National Unity formed, Commonwealth membership restored, remaining sanctions lifted. South Africa takes seat in UN General Assembly after 20-year absence.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu begins hearings on human rights crimes committed by former government and liberation movements during apartheid era.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission report brands apartheid a crime against humanity and finds the ANC accountable for human rights abuses.

Around 100,000 gold miners strike over pay, bringing the industry to a standstill.

Hundreds of thousands of public-sector workers take part in the biggest strike since the end of apartheid. The strike lasts for four weeks and causes widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and public transport.

Parliament elects Jacob Zuma as president