APARTHEID was a system of forced division based on racial grounds that existed in South Africa from the 1940's to the 1990's. The White minority in South Africa controlled all the systems of government and law and order and used this to maintain complete control. They enforced apartheid which means 'Separateness' This was based on the supremely racist belief that the white race is racially superior over the native black africans. In this respect the 'whites' maintained a lot of the privilege and wealth while the native Africans were restricted in what they could do and where they could go. This extended to swimming pools, park benches and lots of public spaces. This system was reviled around the world. People in South Africa, like Nelson Mandela, dedicated their lives to bringing this system to an end. For this he would spend decades in jail only to emerge as the first black President of South Africa.