The Role of SASO in Resisting Apartheid in South Africa
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How significant in the resistance to apartheid was the South African Students' Organisation (SASO)?
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The South African Students' Organisation (SASO) played a significant role in the resistance to apartheid, although it may not have been as significant as other movements and actions during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
SASO was founded by Steve Biko, a medical student at Natal University, as part of the broader Black Consciousness Movement. SASO aimed to promote pride in black culture and history, and Steve Biko encouraged solidarity, non-violent action, and assertiveness among black people. The authorities saw Biko as a threat, particularly after the 1972 strikes by students, leading to his arrest and eventual murder in a police cell. This event sparked further protests, such as the Soweto uprising in 1976, and inspired affirmative action by students and activists.
However, other movements and actions such as the Programme of Action organized by the African National Congress (ANC) in the late 1940s and early 1950s were arguably more significant in the resistance to apartheid. The Defiance Campaign of 1952, led by Youth League members like Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, involved peaceful protests and civil disobedience. The Freedom Charter, adopted in 1955, outlined a vision for a democratic and non-racial South Africa. Additionally, the impact of events like the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and the Rivonia Trial in 1964 galvanized international opposition to apartheid.
Furthermore, the formation of militant resistance groups like Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) and the roles played by key individuals such as Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Oliver Tambo were crucial in the anti-apartheid struggle. Organizations like Black Sash also provided support for black women who faced oppression due to apartheid policies such as the Pass Laws.
In conclusion, while SASO and the Black Consciousness Movement made important contributions to the resistance against apartheid by promoting black pride and unity, other movements, campaigns, and key figures played more significant roles in the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
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How significant in the resistance to apartheid was the South African Students' Organisation (SASO)? Explain your answer.
YES – SASO was founded by Steve Biko – a medical student at Natal University; also founded the Black Consciousness Movement of which SASO was a part; promoted pride in black culture and history; Biko promoted solidarity, non-violent action and assertiveness among black people; authorities regarded him as dangerous on account of the 1972 strikes by students; Steve Biko was arrested and eventually murdered in a police cell – this encouraged Soweto protests in 1976 as well as affirmative action by students etc.
NO – More significant was the Programme of Action (1949–50) organised by the ANC to oppose apartheid including boycotting and civil disobedience; Defiance Campaign, 1952 – Youth League members such as Mandela and Sisulu led a peaceful protest; Freedom Charter; Black Sash support for black women over Pass Laws; impact of Sharpeville Massacre and Rivonia Trial; creation of militant resistance groups such as MK; role of key individuals such as Mandela, Tutu and Tambo etc.