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The Impact of Apartheid
on Black Women in South Africa
By Thenjiwe Mtintso
This paper outlines the double tragedy of black women under
apartheid. It argues that while the lives of black women have
improved since the 1994 democratic elections, the vestiges of
apartheid still continue to impact negatively on them. Many have
as yet to taste the fruits of freedom. The paper briefly outlines
some achievements of the democratic dispensation for gender
equality; traces the triple-fold oppression of black women under
apartheid; points out some of the glaring examples of the
legacy of apartheid; touches on the history of and the continuing
struggle against gender oppression and concludes by showing
that class, race and gender oppression are intricately linked and
victory against one is not necessarily a victory against the other.
Democratic Framework
6
1994 ushered in a new era for all South Africans especially black
people who were for the first time able to vote. In their
millions they patiently stood in queues – old and young,
urban and rural to exercise that fundamental right. Walter
Sisulu, a veteran of the struggle, remarked that it was
an irony that at 81, he was voting for the first time.
The majority of these voters were black women. They
were confident that their ability to exercise their right
to vote was the beginning of a change in their lives.
Indeed their lives have to some extent changed. The
new democratic government has put in place constitutional,
legislative and institutional frameworks