The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Apartheid was a political system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa between 1948 and the early 1990s. It was enforced by the National Party government, which represented the white minority population.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Apartheid was a specific system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa, imposed by white Europeans. The system divided the population into racial groups (White, Black, Coloured, and Indian) and enforced strict segregation in all aspects of life.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The system was extremely rigid regarding residential areas. Under laws like the Group Areas Act, non-whites were strictly forbidden from living in white areas. They could work in white areas only if they possessed a specific permit; otherwise, their presence was illegal.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The apartheid regime denied basic civil rights to the non-white population. Blacks were forbidden from forming associations or protesting against the discriminatory treatment. Furthermore, they were denied voting rights entirely, rather than being granted limited rights in local councils.
Key Takeaway
Apartheid was a regime of total racial segregation where the black majority was denied citizenship rights, including the right to vote, freedom of movement, and the right to form political associations.