Answer :
The statement, "...its [South Africa's] society had deep roots in racial segregation" implies that:
d. Racial segregation already existed in South Africa before its independence.
This means that the practice of separating people based on their race was deeply ingrained in South African society even before the country gained independence. The policy of apartheid, which enforced strict racial segregation, was implemented in South Africa in 1948, after the country became independent. However, racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent in South Africa long before independence, impacting various aspects of society such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment based on racial lines.
d. Racial segregation already existed in South Africa before its independence.
This means that the practice of separating people based on their race was deeply ingrained in South African society even before the country gained independence. The policy of apartheid, which enforced strict racial segregation, was implemented in South Africa in 1948, after the country became independent. However, racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent in South Africa long before independence, impacting various aspects of society such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment based on racial lines.