Apartheid

=== Division among whites ===
Before South Africa became a republic in 1961, politics among white South Africans was typified by the division between the mainly [[Afrikaner]] pro-republic conservative and the largely English anti-republican liberal sentiments,<ref>Muller (1975), p. 508.</ref> with the legacy of the [[Second Boer War|Boer War]] still a factor for some people. Once South Africa became a republic, Prime Minister [[Hendrik Verwoerd]] called for improved relations and greater accord between people of British descent and the Afrikaners.<ref>[[Doug Booth|Booth, Douglas]] (1998). ''The race game: sport and politics in South Africa.'' Routledge. p. 89.</ref> He claimed that the only difference was between those in favour of apartheid and those against it. The ethnic division would no longer be between Afrikaans and English speakers, but between blacks and whites.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

Most Afrikaners supported the notion of unanimity of white people to ensure their safety. White voters of British descent were divided. Many had opposed a republic, leading to a majority "no" vote in [[Natal Province|Natal]].<ref>Thompson, Paul Singer (1990). ''Natalians first: separatism in South Africa, 1909–1961.'' Southern Book Publishers. p. 167.</ref> Later, some of them recognised the perceived need for white unity, convinced by the growing trend of decolonisation elsewhere in Africa, which concerned them. British Prime Minister [[Harold Macmillan|Harold Macmillan's]] "[[Wind of Change (speech)|Wind of Change]]" speech left the British faction feeling that the United Kingdom had abandoned them.<ref>Joyce, Peter (2007). ''The making of a nation: South Africa's road to freedom.'' Zebra. p. 118.</ref> The more conservative English speakers supported Verwoerd;<ref>Suzman, Helen (1993). ''In no uncertain terms: a South African memoir.'' Knopf. p. 35</ref> others were troubled by the severing of ties with the UK and remained loyal to [[the Crown]].<ref>Keppel-Jones, Arthur (1975). ''South Africa: a short history.'' Hutchinson. p. 132.</ref> They were displeased by having to choose between British and South African nationalities. Although Verwoerd tried to bond these different blocs, the subsequent voting illustrated only a minor swell of support,<ref>[[Robert Lacour-Gayet|Lacour-Gayet, Robert]] (1977). ''A history of South Africa.'' Cassell. p. 311.</ref> indicating that a great many English speakers remained apathetic and that Verwoerd had not succeeded in uniting the white population.