What was the primary aim of the Group Areas Act in South Africa?

The primary aim of the Group Areas Act in South Africa was to segregate living areas by race. Enacted in 1950 as part of the broader framework of apartheid legislation, the Act was designed to formalize and enforce racial segregation in urban areas. It allocated specific geographic regions for different racial groups, with the intention of limiting interracial contact and thereby maintaining the dominance of the white population.

The Act mandated that individuals could only reside in areas designated for their specific racial group. This policy resulted in the forced removals of non-white communities from their homes and the destruction of established neighborhoods. The overarching goal was to create a racially homogeneous society where black, colored, and Indian populations were systematically restricted from living or accessing facilities in areas reserved for whites.

This focus on segregation aligns with the apartheid regime's broader goals of racial separation and the maintenance of white supremacy within South African society. In contrast, contrary options such as promoting economic growth in urban areas or integrating different racial groups do not reflect the intent or effects of the legislation. The Group Areas Act was fundamentally rooted in the ideology of separation rather than inclusion or economic equity.