What was the purpose of a passbook under the apartheid system?

The purpose of a passbook under the apartheid system was to enforce legal and economic restrictions on Black individuals. In South Africa, passbooks were official documents that Black South Africans were required to carry at all times, serving as a means of controlling their movement and residence. These documents contained personal information, employment status, and details about where individuals were allowed to live and work.

The system was a key component of the apartheid regime's broader strategy to maintain racial segregation and control over the Black population. By using passbooks, the government could limit where Black individuals could go, restrict their access to certain areas, and impose penalties for non-compliance. The passbook system was a significant aspect of the oppressive laws aimed at entrenching a racially discriminatory social order and controlling the lives of millions of people.