ANC's Role in Apartheid Opposition

The African National Congress (ANC) played a crucial role in the development of opposition to apartheid by 1963. Initially a moderate middle-class organization, the ANC grew increasingly radical in the late 1940s following the victory of the National Party. Under the leadership of figures such as Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, the ANC's Youth League spearheaded efforts to challenge apartheid through various means.

The ANC launched the Programme of Action in 1948 and the Defiance Campaign in 1952, which aimed to challenge apartheid laws and policies through acts of civil disobedience. In addition, the ANC collaborated with other non-white and opposition groups, including trade unions, to build a united front against apartheid. The ANC's collaboration culminated in the drafting of the Freedom Charter, a document that outlined the aspirations of the South African people and called for a non-racial, democratic society.

Moreover, the ANC recognized the need for armed resistance and established the armed wing known as Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). This move marked a shift towards greater militancy in their opposition to apartheid. The creation of MK highlighted the ANC's commitment to using various strategies to challenge the oppressive regime.

However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by the ANC in their fight against apartheid. The government enacted repressive laws such as the Suppression of Communism Act and the Public Safety Act, which aimed to suppress dissent and imprison activists. The ANC itself experienced significant setbacks, such as the Treason Trial and the later Rivonia Trial, where Mandela and other leaders were imprisoned.

Furthermore, other non-white organizations and the trade union movement, including the Communist Party, also played a significant role in opposing apartheid. The emergence of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), which did not support the ANC's Freedom Charter, added to the complexity of the opposition movement. The PAC led a national protest against the Pass Laws, culminating in the tragic Sharpeville Massacre, which brought international condemnation of apartheid by the United Nations.

Additionally, the role of women in the struggle against apartheid, particularly through organizations like the Black Sash, should not be underestimated. Protests by black women against the pass system demonstrated the diverse and multi-faceted nature of the opposition movement.

While the ANC's contribution to the development of opposition to apartheid by 1963 cannot be denied, it is evident that they faced significant challenges and were not the sole force driving opposition. The collective efforts of various organizations, trade unions, and individuals were integral to the wider anti-apartheid struggle during this period.