Politics and change in South Africa.

This article presents data on the political situation in the Republic of South Africa and shows how both the situation and the policies have changed. An important aspect which needs to be mentioned here is that the political situation in South Africa regards the relations between Whites and non-Whites, as well as the historically based antipathy within the White sector of the population. All of these groups, therefore, have to be contrasted with their fellows having within the political boundaries of the Republic. The author also explains the terminology to be used. The early years of South African history gradually gave rise to a class system in which certain key phrases were used as basis for distinction. In time the Christian and his religion which had played such an important part in the early Cape were adapted to the present attitudes where the White man and his civilization are contrasted with the non-Whites and their way of life. During these years of transition a number of concepts appeared which characterized the policies and attitudes of various groups. Repeatedly policies of two sociologists were characterized as separation and segregation but no clear-cut definition on a long term basis was ever offered. Finally emerged the term of apartheid which describes the present policy in South Africa.