Government Censorship and South African Rule
TITLE
How significant was the use of government censorship to the maintenance of white minority rule in South Africa between 1966 and 1980? Explain your answer.
ESSAY
The use of government censorship was significant in maintaining white minority rule in South Africa between 1966 and 1980. After Verwoerd's assassination in 1966, John Vorster extended the powers of the state and committed to increasing repression. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) monopolized TV and radio stations, becoming the voice of official government propaganda. They censored news reports and banned anti-apartheid themes in TV shows and films. Government organizations checked books, pamphlets, and other media that mentioned the ANC or PAC. In 1977, over 1200 publications and 44 films were banned. This censorship kept many South Africans partially ignorant of the state of the nation and the plight of non-white people.
Additionally, Vorster increased the powers and oversight of security organizations. The Bureau of State Security (BOSS) was set up in 1969 to coordinate security forces and remained secretive. The State Security Council (SSC) was established in 1972 to advise the Prime Minister on security matters and included members of the police, armed forces, foreign affairs officials, and the department of justice. Harsh legislation, such as the Terrorism Act in 1967 and the Internal Security Amendment Act in 1976, allowed for the punishment and detention of suspects without charge or trial. The military and police forces were expanded, with the military budget reaching 20% of total government expenditure by 1978. The abolition of non-white voting in 1968 and the expansion of Bantustans enabled the government to remove black people from urban areas.
Overall, government censorship played a significant role in maintaining white minority rule during this period. It limited access to information, suppressed opposition, and facilitated the control and expansion of security forces.
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NOTES
How significant was the use of government censorship to the maintenance of white minority rule in South Africa between 1966 and 1980? Explain your answer. Yes Government had already censored books and films since 1956 after the Freedom Charter and Treason Trials of 1961; John Vorster extended the powers of the state further after Verwoerd's assassination in 1966; committed to increasing repression and stamping out resistance to white minority rule; in 1976 the SABC monopolised TV and radio stations and became the voice of official government propaganda; censored news reports and banned anti-apartheid themes in TV shows and films; books, pamphlets and other sections of the communication media were checked by government organisations if they mentioned the ANC or PAC; 1977 government censorship agencies banned over 1200 publications and 44 films; many South Africans remained partially ignorant to the state of the nation and the plight of non-white people, etc. No More significant – Vorster increased the powers and oversight of security organisations; BOSS set up in 1969 to coordinate security forces and the police as well as military intelligence; reported directly to the PM and its activities remained secret; SSC established in 1972 to advise the PM on security matters and strategies – included members of the police, armed forces, foreign affairs officials and the department of justice; Terrorism Act in 1967 made terrorism a crime equal to treason and carried the death penalty; Internal Security Amendment Act in 1976 allowed for the detention of suspects for 12 months without charge and six months solitary confinement; military expansion and some police expansion during the period; military budget 20% of total government expenditure by 1978; abolition of non-white voting by 1968; expansion of Bantustans allowed the government to remove black people from urban areas, etc.