1984-94 - negotiation and compromise

Release of Mandela ad Unbanning of political parties

Release of Mandela ad Unbanning of political parties

• Mandela released 1990, travelled to London and given 8 minute standing ovation at concert, met with thatcher, became ANC leader 1991 (after Tambo fell ill) - shows De Klerk willing to make genuine reforms and push anti-apartheid movement towards peaceful settlement

• ANC, PAC, and SACP unbanned by De Klerk (1990), Ramaphosa selected Sec-general of ANC - Sought to bring COSATU and UDF into ANC (UFD disbanded in 1991) - strengthened centralised control, Mokaba revived ANCYL

CODESA 1

• Charged with preparing groundwork for new constitution

• Challenging as all parties had military wing (excluding Dems), Inkhata, PAC and Cons refused to attend

• Declaration of intent committed govt to creating non-radical multi-party democracy with PR, supported by 1992 referendum w/ 69% support - gave De Klerk mandate to start CODESA 2

Threats to negotiation

ANC - Winnie accuses of murdering opponents (weakened Mandela Position), exile meant lack of internal origination, Grassroots members difficult to control

Black Violence - over 350 blacks killed on commuter trains, Inkhata sought to retain status quo, PAC targeted both whites and blacks BUT lost support after killing American aid worker

White Violence - AWB carried out bombings, stormed Negotiations, paramilitary nature appealed to many Afrikaners

Impact of violence

• Undermined negotiations - SA in state of ‘undeclared civil war’ with up to 60,000 killed, parts of ANC sought to undermine negotiations in favour of violence (Mokaba)

• BUT strengthened resolve for settlement - Boipatong killings concentrated efforts (40 meeting Jun-sept 1992)