Who is recognized as one of the key architects of Apartheid policy in South Africa?

Hendrik Verwoerd is recognized as one of the key architects of Apartheid policy in South Africa due to his significant role in formulating and implementing the system of racial segregation that defined the country for decades. As the Prime Minister of South Africa from 1958 until his assassination in 1960, Verwoerd actively promoted policies that institutionalized racial discrimination and segregation through laws governing many aspects of life, including education, land ownership, and civil rights. His background in psychology and his earlier involvement in the establishment of the Bantu Education Act were crucial in shaping the ideologies and legislative frameworks that underpinned Apartheid. Verwoerd's vision was to create a society where racial groups lived separately and were treated differently, fundamentally shaping South Africa's socio-political landscape during this period.

In contrast, figures like Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo were prominent leaders in the struggle against Apartheid, advocating for democracy and equality, while Desmond Tutu, known for his role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, focused on healing and reconciliation in post-Apartheid South Africa. Their legacies are rooted in resistance and reform rather than the establishment of oppressive policies.