Test on The Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa

Question 1: SASM primarily served as a platform for university students to discuss political and educational matters, building directly on the principles established by NUSAs.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: SASM was established by 1973 with branches in Soweto schools, functioning as a forum for high school learners on political and educational matters. It was encouraged by SASO school learners, who were influenced by the BCM, not NUSAs.

Question 2: Based on the provided text, which of the following accurately describes key community projects or significant influences of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM)?

A. Starting an organization for healthcare (ZAMEM-PILO) and establishing a theatre to tell South African stories.

B. Having a major influence on the Soweto Uprising and fostering a positive black identity among the youth.

C. Encouraging black people to rely on white liberals and forming the NUSA's organization in 1968.

D. Forming ACAPO in 1978 and banning groups linked to the BCM in 1977.

Explanation: The BCM started an organization called Zamem-PILO in 1975 to provide healthcare and also established a theatre where they told stories about South African history and life. The BCM also had a major influence in the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and helped youth develop a positive black identity, adopting the defiance mood of the BCM. The BCM did not encourage reliance on white liberals; in fact, Steve Biko broke away from the NUSA's because he did not want black people to rely on white liberals. ACAPO was formed after the BCM was banned, and the government, not the BCM, banned groups linked to the BCM.

Question 3: The main grievance of Soweto students regarding education was the complete lack of school buildings for black learners.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that Soweto learners had several grievances, including the government spending 15 times more on white education than black education, and a new policy causing major difficulties for both teachers and learners. It does not mention a complete lack of school buildings as their main grievance.

Question 4: Which of the following statements accurately describe the Black People's Convention (BPC) upon its formation in 1972, according to the study materials?

A. It became an umbrella organization with more than 72 affiliates.

B. It brought together people from various parts of life, including workers and church members.

C. It was viewed by the government as a threat.

D. It was formed to directly organize the Durban worker strikes of 1973.

Explanation: The study materials state that the BPC was formed in 1972, became an umbrella body organization with more than 72 affiliates, brought together people from all parts of life, and the government watched it and saw it as a threat. The materials explicitly state that the 1973 Durban strikes were not organized by the BCM (and by extension, not the BPC), but BCM ideas made them brave.

Question 5: Schools in black townships were under-resourced and lacked equipment such as libraries and laboratories.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that 'Schools in black township were under resourced and were lacking equipment such as libraries and labotanes.'