Explain Apartheid Movement in in South Africa.

The Apartheid Movement in South Africa was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the National Party government from 1948 to the early 1990s. The term "apartheid" means "apartness" in Afrikaans, and the policy aimed to establish and maintain a rigid racial hierarchy that favored the white minority at the expense of the majority black population. Key features of the Apartheid Movement include:

1. Legal Framework:
   The National Party, which came to power in 1948, introduced a series of discriminatory laws to institutionalize racial segregation. These laws encompassed every aspect of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and residential areas.

2. Classification and Segregation:
   Apartheid categorized the population into racial groups, primarily distinguishing between whites, blacks, coloreds (mixed-race), and Indians. The Population Registration Act of 1950 formalized these classifications, determining an individual's rights, privileges, and opportunities based on their racial category.

3. Pass Laws and Forced Removals:
   The government enforced pass laws, requiring non-white individuals to carry identification documents, limiting their movement and employment opportunities. Additionally, forced removals displaced millions of black South Africans from their homes to create racially segregated residential areas known as townships.

4. Bantu Education Act:
   The Bantu Education Act of 1953 established a separate and inferior education system for black South Africans. The goal was to limit educational opportunities for non-white students, reinforcing the racial hierarchy.

5. Resistance and Protests:
   Apartheid sparked widespread resistance and protests from the black majority, leading to the formation of the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid movements. Leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Desmond Tutu played instrumental roles in advocating for equality and justice.

6. International Isolation and Sanctions:
   The oppressive nature of apartheid garnered international condemnation. South Africa faced increasing isolation, with many countries imposing economic and cultural sanctions to pressure the government to end apartheid policies.

7. Release of Nelson Mandela and Transition:
   The release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 marked a significant turning point. Negotiations between the apartheid government and the ANC, facilitated by Mandela, led to the dismantling of apartheid laws and the establishment of democratic elections in 1994.

8. End of Apartheid:
   The first democratic elections in 1994 marked the end of apartheid, with Nelson Mandela becoming the first black president of South Africa. The new government under Mandela worked to reconcile a divided nation and dismantle the legacy of institutionalized racism.

The Apartheid Movement's legacy is a complex one, reflecting a dark period in South Africa's history. While the end of apartheid brought about political freedom and the promise of a more inclusive society, the challenges of addressing historical injustices and achieving true social and economic equality persist.