5.1 How was the transition from apartheid to democracy managed

1990-1994: SA changed fundamentally: 1990: NP in power; blacks had no vote; ANC banned; leaders in exile or jail 1994: SA a democracy with liberal constitution; ANC won first election

Secret negotiations 1985: Gavin Relly (AA) met with Oliver Tambo in Lusaka 1987: Van Zyl Slabbert (PFP) , met with ANC in Dakar

Negotiations with Mandela 1982: Mandela moved from Robben Island to mainland 1985: secret talks with Mandela Offers for release rejected 1988: Moved to house on grounds of Victor Verster 1989: Meetings with P.W. Botha and de Klerk Rivonia trialists released

Mandela under house arrest at Victor Verster

Start of reforms 2 February 1990: opening of parliament De Klerk announced: - unbanning of ANC, PAC, SACP - release of political prisoners without conditions - easing of restrictions, banning orders and censorship - suspension of death penalty - negotiations around a new constitution

Mandela’s release

Other prisoners 50 from Robben Island in Feb., March 1990 Those who committed crimes not released Hunger strike, negotiations halted By 1991 933 prisoners released

Obstacles to negotiations

1. ANC banned for 30 years needed to build up structures in SA differences in opinion of ANC leaders possible clashes between returning exiles and leaders in SA expectations of millions impatient for change

2. NP losing support to Conservative Party and AWB members of security forces suspected of right-wing sympathies some NP-leaders wanted to retain power in alliance with Inkatha

3. Other obstacles poverty and unemployment in townships violent clashes between ANC and Inkatha (Natal) suspicions of “third force” involvement of police in promoting violence in townships between migrant workers and township residents

1990: ANC and NP met to discuss preliminary issues: First round talks in April 1990 called off by ANC Sebokeng kilings Concessions had to be made by government: Goldstone commission Troops to Natal Indemnity

5.2 The start of negotiations

The Groote Schuur Minute: talks about talks May 1990: First talks held at Groote Schuur in Cape Town Discussed obstacles to negotiation Groote Schuur Minute announced agreement on most issues and commitment to continue talks

1990: ANC and NP met to discuss preliminary issues: security legislation troops in townships state of emergency the ongoing violence position of the homelands political prisoners return of exiles continuation of armed struggle economic sanctions

The Pretoria Minute August 1990: Pretoria minute - ANC agree to give up the armed struggle - NP lifted State of Emergency Agreement failed to stop violence - battles between IFP and ANC (Natal) - Third force (townships) Evidence showed secret funding of IFP by government Intentions of government questioned Tensions and suspicions grew, peace seemed unattainable

Suspension of the armed struggle

Different opinions about new constitution: ANC wanted majority rule; constitution to be drawn up by democratically-elected constituent assembly Government wanted form of power-sharing to protect white interests and role of NP; concerned about rights of minorities

CODESA Talks at Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) - multi-party conference representing 19 parties agreed that: Interim constitution to be drafted by multi-party conference Final constitution to be drafted by first elected parliament

DECLARATION OF INTENT to bring about an undivided South Africa with one nation sharing a common citizenship, patriotism and loyalty, pursuing amidst our diversity, freedom, equality and security for all irrespective of race, colour, sex or creed; a country free from apartheid or any other form of discrimination or domination;

Working groups elected Principles of new constitution Interim government (to rule until elections) Future of homelands Timeline for changes

CODESA But CODESA talks broke down: ANC accused government of stirring up violence in Natal ANC called for campaign of mass action to put pressure on government – peaceful solution seemed unlikely

Labour Movement in negotiations Tripartite Alliance (ANC, SACP, COSATU) COSATU members played leading role (e.g. Cyril Ramaphosa) 1992: COSATU pressurised government through campaign of “rolling mass action” COSATU suggestions: proportional representation, presidency of 2 terms Issues of concern: poverty, housing, working conditions (RDP drafted by TA)

Tripartite Alliance