Apartheid in South Africa

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Apartheid in South Africa, the JAMB History syllabus expects you to study:

• 4. Apartheid in South Africa a. The origin of Apartheid b. Rise of Afrikaner Nationalism c. Enactment of Apartheid laws d. Internal reactions to Apartheid and the suppression of African Nationalist movements e. External reactions to Apartheid, the Frontline States, the Commonwealth of Nations, OAU and the UN.
• f. The dismantling of Apartheid g. Post-Apartheid developments

Study notes & guidance

Study Apartheid in South Africa using a recommended History textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in History, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Apartheid in South Africa, you should be able to:

1. Trace the origin of Apartheid in South Africa;
2. Give reasons for the rise of Afrikaner Nationalism;
3. Highlight Apartheid laws;
4. Relate the internal reactions to Apartheid to the African struggle for majority rule;
5. Relate the contributions of African states and international organizations to the fight against Apartheid;
6. Identify the steps taken towards the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa
7. Assess the post-Apartheid developments in South Africa.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME History syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.