The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The African National Congress (ANC) is a social-democratic political party in South Africa. It was the primary force in the liberation movement against the apartheid regime, advocating for a united, non-racial, and democratic South Africa.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The ANC was the principal organization that led the struggle against the system of apartheid. Under leaders like Nelson Mandela, it organized strikes, protests, and armed resistance to dismantle institutionalized racial segregation.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Following the dismantling of apartheid, South Africa held its first democratic elections in 1994. The ANC won a majority of the votes and became the ruling party, with Nelson Mandela becoming the first President of democratic South Africa.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The ANC did not support racial segregation. On the contrary, its core ideology and struggle were directed against the segregationist policies enforced by the National Party government. It advocated for equal rights for all citizens regardless of race.
Key Takeaway: The African National Congress (ANC) was the vanguard of the anti-apartheid movement and transitioned into the ruling party of South Africa upon the establishment of democracy in 1994.