The south african student protest of 1976 was
a. held in response to a new housing law.
b. met with violence by the government.
c. an isolated incident that had little effect.
d. an example of a move to armed rebellion.

The right answer is b. met with violence by the government.

The Afrikaner, a language with strong Dutch influence, was the symbol of the apartheid that excluded Blacks from society. Started in Soweto (South West Township) and resulted in hundreds of dead and more than a thousand wounded. The main victims of police repression were black students. The images of rebellion spread around the world and caused general indignation. The world became aware of the reality of apartheid, of the crushing of the black majority by the white minority.

The Soweto student revolt of June 18 marks an important milestone in the decline and overthrow of the then-existing apartheid system in South Africa, whereby the law legalized and institutionalized racial discrimination against blacks, even though they were the overwhelming majority of the population.

The south African Student Protest is also known as ‘Soweto Upspring’. This protest was met with Violence by the government as many students got killed during this protest.

Further explanation:

The South African student protest which was also known as ‘Soweto Protest’ started when the language of ‘Afrikaans’ was made compulsory for the medium of instruction in the school along with English language. Students from Black community were not happy with his decision and decided to march towards Orlando Stadium where a Rally was to be organized in regards to this issue. Over 10000 students were supporting this protest and also got the support of South African Student’s Organization and they marched peacefully against the directive given by government in regards to ‘Afrikaan’ Language as the medium of teaching in schools. On the way to march, Students faced heavily armed police company which fired teargas and later used ammunition on students. This act by government was objected throughout the country and the moment which started from’Swoeto’ gained momentum countrywide and this protest by students went on for more than one year. There were images spread worldwide of police officials firing on students who were peacefully protesting and this act by government of South Africa was objected by international community and brutality of South African government was exposed. According to police records, 176 protestors were killed by police firing in this protest but this estimate goes to 700 off the records.  

Learn more:

1. What did china agree to do once the treaty of Nanjing was signed?

2. How were the governments of japan and Italy similar in the 1930s?

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: History

Chapter: Soweto Protest

Keywords:

Soweto Protest, South Africa, South African Students, Protest, Afrikaan Language, Government, Exposed, Murdered, Off record, International Community.  

answer: the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.

explanation: