The Group Areas Act of 1950 was a South African law that forced members of certain races into specific geographical areas and outlawed the mixing of any other race in these areas. It was a direct violation of human rights and discriminated against South African citizens that belonged to certain races. The Act was created during the apartheid era and created residential areas for black South Africans, Coloureds, Indian South Africans and white South Africans. This meant that certain races were only allowed to live in certain areas – areas that usually lacked basic services, such as running water and electricity. Children of those affected by the Act were prevented from accessing better educational facilities and their job prospects were severely limited. The Group Areas Act largely kept whites separated from other races and locked black South Africans into areas of poverty. The Act only strengthened apartheid in South Africa and caused untold suffering of many innocent people. The Group Areas Act of 1950 was eventually repealed in 1991, but its legacy still lingers in the minds of many South Africans to this day. It had an immense effect on individuals and continues to have an impact on South African society. There is much to take away from the Group Areas Act and its implications; this essay seeks to explore its history, effects, and implications for the present. Through this analysis, it is clear to see that the Group Areas Act of 1950 was an unjust and oppressive law that continues to have an impact today.
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