AD 1950-2000

In AD 1948 the Afrikaner National Party came to power in South Africa and sought to enforce its racist policy of segregation. This led to nationalist movements and the death of many political activists who opposed colonial rule. Many leaders of the black political parties were imprisoned and persecuted. In 1980 Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) won its long battle for independence, leaving South Africa and Namibia as the only colonised areas in southern Africa.

Black South Africans, deprived of the vote, expressed their dissatisfaction with apartheid by making crafts and arts such as beadwork which had colours of political parties such as the ANC. This was meant to educate people on the need to gain self rule and free themselves from colonial oppression. With the eventual independence of South Africa in 1994, the whole policy of apartheid was dismantled and the new government ordered national reconciliation.

The independent countries in southern Africa have formed a community to increase cooperation between member states. The region is faced with challenges such as unemployment, droughts and the devastating effects of HIV/Aids.