The National Party
Shaping South Africa's Political Landscape: An in-depth exploration of the party's rise, rule, and transformation.
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Overview
Political Dominance
The National Party (NP), known in Afrikaans as the Nasionale Party, was a dominant political force in South Africa from its founding in 1914 until its dissolution in 1997. It is primarily recognized for implementing and enforcing the system of apartheid, a policy of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.
Ideological Roots
Initially founded as an Afrikaner ethnic nationalist party, the NP championed the interests of Afrikaners. Over time, its ideology evolved to promote white supremacy and enacted policies that systematically disenfranchised and oppressed the non-white majority of South Africa.
Era of Rule
The party first held power in coalition in 1924. After a period of merger and re-establishment, it returned to power in 1948, initiating the formal apartheid era. The NP governed South Africa continuously from 1948 until 1994, a period marked by significant internal and international conflict over its racial policies.
Founding and Early History
Genesis of the Party
The National Party was established in Bloemfontein in 1914 by Afrikaner nationalists. Its formation stemmed from disagreements within the South African Party, particularly concerning Prime Minister Louis Botha's policies. Led initially by J. B. M. Hertzog, the NP advocated for the interests of Afrikaners and a distinct national identity.
Political Evolution
The party experienced mergers and splits, notably the formation of the 'Purified National Party' under D. F. Malan after the 1934 merger with the South African Party. This faction opposed Smuts's government and gained momentum through its opposition to South Africa's involvement in World War II, eventually leading to the Re-United National Party's victory in 1948.
Path to Power
After winning the 1948 general election, the NP began consolidating its power. Early actions included establishing South African citizenship, terminating appeals to the Privy Council, and promoting national symbols like "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" as the sole national anthem, all aimed at increasing autonomy and fostering a distinct national identity.
Apartheid Program
Implementation of Segregation
Upon gaining power in 1948, the NP systematically implemented apartheid, a comprehensive system of racial segregation and discrimination. This policy aimed to maintain white minority rule and control over the country's political, economic, and social structures.
Key Legislation
Significant legislation included the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act, the Immorality Act, the Population Registration Act, and the Group Areas Act. These laws enforced strict racial classification, prohibited interracial relationships, and dictated where different racial groups could live and work, leading to widespread forced removals.
International Condemnation
Apartheid policies led to South Africa's increasing isolation and condemnation by the international community, including the United Nations, which declared it a crime against humanity. The NP government responded by withdrawing from the Commonwealth and solidifying its stance on racial separation.
Bantustans and Disenfranchisement
The government established 'Homelands' or Bantustans for various Black African tribes, aiming to strip Black South Africans of their citizenship and political rights. Coloured and Indian populations also faced disenfranchisement and segregation, with separate, unequal legislative structures.
Transition to Republic
Republican Ideal
A core tenet of Afrikaner nationalism, and thus the NP, was the establishment of an independent republic, free from British influence. This aspiration was rooted in the historical experiences of the Boer republics.
The 1960 Referendum
Following years of efforts to increase autonomy, a referendum was held on 5 October 1960. The white electorate narrowly voted in favour of establishing South Africa as a republic. This move was seen as a significant step in severing ties with the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth Withdrawal
In March 1961, South Africa's application to remain in the Commonwealth as a republic was rejected due to international opposition to apartheid. Prime Minister Verwoerd withdrew the application, and South Africa officially became a republic outside the Commonwealth on 31 May 1961.
Key Leaders
Prime Ministers
The National Party produced several Prime Ministers who shaped South Africa's trajectory:
- J. B. M. Hertzog (1914โ1934)
- D. F. Malan (1934โ1953)
- J. G. Strijdom (1953โ1958)
- H. F. Verwoerd (1958โ1966)
- B. J. Vorster (1966โ1978)
- P. W. Botha (1978โ1989)
- F. W. de Klerk (1989โ1997)
Influential Figures
Beyond the Prime Ministers, figures like C. R. Swart (Governor-General/State President) and cabinet ministers played crucial roles in policy formulation and implementation. The internal party dynamics, particularly the 'verkrampte' and 'verligte' factions, also highlighted key ideological debates within the party leadership.
Support Base
Afrikaner Foundation
The NP's core support base was predominantly Afrikaner, drawn from farmers, civil servants, and the working class. The party effectively mobilized Afrikaner nationalism, promising political and economic empowerment for this group.
Broadening Appeal
After 1960, the NP actively courted and gained support from English-speaking white voters, particularly as the country moved towards republican status and away from British ties. However, internal divisions emerged, with a significant portion of Afrikaners shifting to more hardline parties like the Conservative Party in later years.
Division and Decline
Internal Factions
From the 1960s onwards, the party experienced ideological rifts between the conservative verkramptes (those resistant to reform) and the more pragmatic verligtes (those open to limited change). These divisions led to the formation of splinter parties, such as the Herstigte Nasionale Party and later the Conservative Party.
Reforms and Transition
Under P. W. Botha and later F. W. de Klerk, the NP initiated reforms, including legalizing interracial marriages and granting limited political representation to Coloured and Indian populations. De Klerk's leadership was pivotal in negotiating the end of apartheid and transitioning to a democratic South Africa.
Post-Apartheid Era
Following the democratic elections of 1994, the NP participated in the Government of National Unity. In an effort to distance itself from its apartheid legacy, it rebranded as the New National Party (NNP) in 1997. However, the NNP failed to regain significant political traction and eventually dissolved in 2005.
Electoral History
Parliamentary Elections
The National Party dominated South African parliamentary elections for decades, securing majorities and implementing its policies. Its electoral performance reflected shifts in voter sentiment and internal party dynamics.
Presidential and Senate Elections
The party also held significant influence in the election of State Presidents and controlled the Senate for much of its history, reflecting its deep entrenchment in the South African political system.
Notable People
Vera Reitzer
Vera Reitzer (1921โ2006) was a Hungarian-born Jewish holocaust survivor who became a member of the National Party. Her membership highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory affiliations within the party and South African society during its history.
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