What caused the massacre at Sharpeville in 1960?
On March 21, 1960, police officers in a black township in South Africa opened fire on a group of people peacefully protesting oppressive pass laws, killing 69. The anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre is remembered the world over every March 21 on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
What happened at the Sharpeville massacre?
Sharpeville massacre, (March 21, 1960), incident in the Black township of Sharpeville, near Vereeniging, South Africa, in which police fired on a crowd of Black people, killing or wounding some 250 of them. It was one of the first and most violent demonstrations against apartheid in South Africa.
What happened on the 21 March Human Rights Day?
The history of Human Rights Day is grounded in the Sharpeville Massacre that took place on 21 March 1960, where the apartheid police shot and killed 69 people during a peaceful protest. This year’s commemoration of Human Rights Month coincides with the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.
Where was Sharpeville massacre located?
SharpevilleSharpeville massacre / LocationSharpeville is a township situated between two large industrial cities, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging, in southern Gauteng, South Africa. Sharpeville is one of the oldest of six townships in the Vaal Triangle. Wikipedia
What were the effects of the Sharpeville protest?
The demonstrators were protesting against the South African government’s restriction of nonwhite travel. In the aftermath of the Sharpeville massacre, protests broke out in Cape Town, and more than 10,000 people were arrested before government troops restored order.
Where was the Sharpeville massacre?
Why is March 21st important in South Africa?
Human Rights Day is observed annually on 21 March. It commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, where 69 people were killed while protesting apartheid pass laws. Today the Bill of Rights is enshrined in our constitution, protecting South Africans from human rights infringements.
Who caused the Sharpeville massacre?
The Sharpeville Massacre occurred as a result of an organized effort by the African National Congress and Pan Africanist Congress to protest against pass laws. Thirty years later, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission heard evidence that the massacre was deliberate.
Who led the Sharpeville protest?
Robert Sobukwe
These protests were to begin on 31 March 1960, but the rival Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), led by Robert Sobukwe, decided to pre-empt the ANC by launching its own campaign ten days earlier, on 21 March, because they believed that the ANC could not win the campaign.
How long did the Sharpeville massacre last?
approximately two minutes
The firing lasted for approximately two minutes, leaving 69 people dead and, according to the official inquest, 180 people seriously wounded.
How long did the Sharpeville Massacre last?
Who was the first female president in South Africa?
| Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka | |
|---|---|
| In office 22 June 2005 – 23 September 2008 | |
| President | Thabo Mbeki |
| Preceded by | Jacob Zuma |
| Succeeded by | Baleka Mbete |
Who named Sharpeville?
John Lillie Sharpe
Sharpeville is one of the oldest of six townships in the Vaal Triangle. It was named after John Lillie Sharpe who came to South Africa from Glasgow, Scotland, as secretary of Stewarts & Lloyds….Sharpeville.
| Sharpeville, Mabaso | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates: 26°41′19″S 27°52′17″E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Gauteng |
| District | Sedibeng |
Who is female president?
Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan administering the oath of office to new President Pratibha Patil. December 19, 1934, is the 12th President of India. She is the first woman and the first Maharashtrian to hold this post.
Which country is ruled by a woman in Africa?
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia ( 2006-2018) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected the President of Liberia in 2006. She was Africa’s first elected female Head of State.