Do you think the Blacks had full and equal membership in South Africa? Give reasons.
No, the Blacks did not have full and equal membership in South Africa. The black African population had to undertake a long struggle against the ruling white minority for equal citizenship until the early 1990s.
The whites enjoyed the right to vote, contest elections, and purchase property freely, whereas Blacks were denied these rights. Separate colonies were established for different races. Blacks had to take 'passes' to work in white neighbourhoods and were not allowed to keep their families in white areas. Schools were also segregated based on colour.
This discrimination in political rights, movement, and residence clearly shows that Blacks were treated as outsiders rather than equal members of the society.
Explanation
The textbook context highlights the discriminatory policy practices in South Africa until 1994. It explicitly lists the rights denied to Blacks, such as voting and free movement, contrasting them with the privileges enjoyed by the white population. The requirement of 'passes' and segregation in colonies and schools are cited as evidence of the lack of equal membership.