Apartheid was the former policy of the South African government designed to maintain the separation of Blacks and other non-Whites from the dominant Whites. This system of racial segregation and discrimination was implemented through legislation that classified people into racial groups and enforced their separation in all aspects of life, including housing, education, employment, healthcare, and political participation. The apartheid regime systematically privileged the White minority and subjected the Black majority to severe oppression and denial of basic human rights. This policy was in effect from 1948 to 1994 and drew widespread international condemnation, leading to various sanctions and boycotts against South Africa. The dismantling of apartheid began in the early 1990s with the release of Nelson Mandela and the subsequent reforms that led to multiracial elections and the establishment of a democratic government in South Africa. The legacy of apartheid continues to impact South African society, with ongoing efforts to address the deep-seated inequalities and social divisions created by this discriminatory system.