Apartheid and Urban Segregation Levels in South Africa

Abstract

The policy of apartheid, or racial separation, in South Africa has been one of the most controversial political problems in the latter part of the 20th century. Levels of racial segregation in South African cities have risen markedly in the 20th century as a consequence of legislative programmes, which have also had the result of introducing greater uniformity between the provinces (although the colonial heritage has not been eliminated entirely). The process would appear to have reached its conclusion with a lessening of intent on the part of the government and the survival of some elements of colonial integration. Urban segregation levels have attained remarkably high levels, although the goal of total separation has eluded the White legislators.