Essay: South Africa’s road to democracy GR.12 CAPS
In January 1989, PW Botha suffered a stroke and FW De Klerk was elected
as the new leader of the National Party (NP). On 2 February 1990, he
delivered his famous “Quantum Leap” speech in which he unbanned the
ANC, PAC and SACP. He agreed to the release of political prisoners, the
most famous being that of Nelson Mandela.
1990-1994 was characterised by sustained violence, negotiations and
finally a settlement amongst various political role-players. It was the time
of “Talks about talks”. In may 1990, the ANC and NP delegations met up at
Groote Schuur where both groups committed to ending violence and
working together towards negotiations. The separate amenities act was
lifted, the NP agreed to revoke its State of Emergency from Natal and the
ANC announced is suspension of armed struggle. Allegedly, a third force
was involved in attempting to destabilize democracy, fuel violence of
commuter trains and clashes between IFP and ANC supporters in
townships.
Negotiations towards a new constitution began and The Convention for a
Democratic South Africa (CODESA) was created. 26 organisations signed
the national peace accord. In December 1991, 19 political parties met at
the world trade centre in Kempton Park. Here, CODESA was boycotted by
the PAC and Conservative Party and the IFP withdrew. The Declaration of
Intent proposed an undivided country, independent judiciary and multi-
party democracy. Chris Hani, leader of SACP, objected to the talks and the
IFP did not sign the declaration of intent. There was an increase in ANC-IFP
clashes and the ANC was criticised for not disbanding the MK.
Under pressure from the CP, De Klerk called for a referendum on the
negotiation process. In 1992, the CP, under Andries Treurnicht, demanded
a general election to stop these reform measures. White citizens were
asked if they supported the ongoing reform process which aimed at a new
constitution via negotiations. 68.7% of those that responded voted “yes”.
Negotiations continued and it was called CODESA 2. It was agreed that
SABC present a neutral view, however, there was disagreement on
majority rule, power-sharing, stopping violence and a constitutional
making body. The ANC seeked majority rule while the NP wanted minority
veto. ANC accused the government of being a third force in the violence
between the ANC and IFP. Mandela argued the NP, calling for rolling mass
action. Boipatong was a turning point at which the ANC left the
negotiations. The Gold Stone Commission investigated the dirty tricks
used by SA security forces and police involvement at Boipatong.
After secret talks between Roelof Meyer and Cyril Ramaphosa, the record
of understanding was signed. Government banned traditional weaponry,
*Please note that this is CONTENT and, in the exam, to achieve a distinction, link every paragraph
with the topic to ensure your essay answers the question in the most logical way. A proper
introduction and conclusion will also contribute to a distinction. Content alone will only earn you a
max of about 70-75%.
In January 1989, PW Botha suffered a stroke and FW De Klerk was elected
as the new leader of the National Party (NP). On 2 February 1990, he
delivered his famous “Quantum Leap” speech in which he unbanned the
ANC, PAC and SACP. He agreed to the release of political prisoners, the
most famous being that of Nelson Mandela.
1990-1994 was characterised by sustained violence, negotiations and
finally a settlement amongst various political role-players. It was the time
of “Talks about talks”. In may 1990, the ANC and NP delegations met up at
Groote Schuur where both groups committed to ending violence and
working together towards negotiations. The separate amenities act was
lifted, the NP agreed to revoke its State of Emergency from Natal and the
ANC announced is suspension of armed struggle. Allegedly, a third force
was involved in attempting to destabilize democracy, fuel violence of
commuter trains and clashes between IFP and ANC supporters in
townships.
Negotiations towards a new constitution began and The Convention for a
Democratic South Africa (CODESA) was created. 26 organisations signed
the national peace accord. In December 1991, 19 political parties met at
the world trade centre in Kempton Park. Here, CODESA was boycotted by
the PAC and Conservative Party and the IFP withdrew. The Declaration of
Intent proposed an undivided country, independent judiciary and multi-
party democracy. Chris Hani, leader of SACP, objected to the talks and the
IFP did not sign the declaration of intent. There was an increase in ANC-IFP
clashes and the ANC was criticised for not disbanding the MK.
Under pressure from the CP, De Klerk called for a referendum on the
negotiation process. In 1992, the CP, under Andries Treurnicht, demanded
a general election to stop these reform measures. White citizens were
asked if they supported the ongoing reform process which aimed at a new
constitution via negotiations. 68.7% of those that responded voted “yes”.
Negotiations continued and it was called CODESA 2. It was agreed that
SABC present a neutral view, however, there was disagreement on
majority rule, power-sharing, stopping violence and a constitutional
making body. The ANC seeked majority rule while the NP wanted minority
veto. ANC accused the government of being a third force in the violence
between the ANC and IFP. Mandela argued the NP, calling for rolling mass
action. Boipatong was a turning point at which the ANC left the
negotiations. The Gold Stone Commission investigated the dirty tricks
used by SA security forces and police involvement at Boipatong.
After secret talks between Roelof Meyer and Cyril Ramaphosa, the record
of understanding was signed. Government banned traditional weaponry,
*Please note that this is CONTENT and, in the exam, to achieve a distinction, link every paragraph
with the topic to ensure your essay answers the question in the most logical way. A proper
introduction and conclusion will also contribute to a distinction. Content alone will only earn you a
max of about 70-75%.
