South Africa's road to democracy, the negotiation process and how the country eventually became a democratic one.

1. 1
How did South Africa emerge as
a democracy from the crises of
the 1990s, and how did South
Africans come to terms with the
Apartheid past?

2. Background and focus
Debates around the negotiating process between the
ANC and the NP government.
The stalemate in the struggle (end of Cold War).
The compromise on both sides.
The need for negotiations – team effort on both sides.
Choices made in the process coming to terms with
the past.
Adopted from the education department 2

3. The negotiated settlement and Government of National
Unity
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FREE AT LAST: Nelson Mandela is
released from prison on 11 February
1990 after 27 years of imprisonment,
the majority of which was spent on
Robben Island. He raises his fist with
his then wife Winnie Mandela and
some of his ANC comrades.
• The beginning of the solution
• Unbanning of organisations,
• release of political prisoners

4. CODESA 1- December 1991- Formal negotiations began
at The Convention for a Democratic South Africa
(CODESA).
CODESA I was preceded by three key meetings between
the South African government and the ANC to prepare
the way:
- 4 May 1990: Groote Schuur Minute
- 6 August 1990: The Pretoria Minute
- 14 September 1991: The National Peace Accord was signed by
representatives of twenty-seven political organisations as well
as national and homeland governments.

5. Start of negotiations continued
They pledged themselves to work together to achieve
greater tolerance.
The police were reminded of their duty to protect the
people of South Africa irrespective of race, religion,
political affiliation and gender.
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6. Whites only Referendum
In the period between CODESA I and CODESA II in early
1992, the National Party lost three by-elections to the
Conservative Party.
De Klerk announced a 'whites only' referendum to test
white opinion on reform and negotiations.
The result of the referendum was a landslide 'yes'. De Klerk
had the mandate he needed.
 De Klerk could no longer use the excuse of white
conservative opinion to procrastinate in moving towards a
non-racial election.
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7. Ongoing violence17 June 1992 – Boipatong Massacre – Members of
Inkatha allegedly attacked hostel dwellers.
ANC walked out of the negotiation process.
Breakdown of negotiations at CODESA II.
The ANC took to the streets with a programme of
‘rolling mass action’.
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8. On going violence continued
On 7 September 1992, a crowd of about
80 000 people gathered in Bhisho to protest against
the Ciskei ‘homeland’ government of Brigadier Oupa
Gqozo.
Ciskeian troops and the South African Defence Force
opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing 28 people.
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10. The Record of Understanding: September 1992Following the collapse of CODESA II, behind the scenes
talks between the ANC and the NP became the main
channel for the process of negotiations. The two key
negotiators were Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC, and Roelf
Meyer of the National Party.
The government agreed to:
- Release more political prisoners.
- Erect fences around migrant worker's hostels.
- Ban the carrying of 'traditional' weapons.
CODESA ended and MK was disbanded.
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11. Multiparty negotiation process resumes
Formal multi-party negotiations resumed.
Murder of Chris Hani – April 1993.
Significance to the process of negotiation.
Date of elections set.

12. Final road to democracyIn November 1993 an Interim Constitution for South Africa
was agreed upon.
March 1994 - Shell House Massacre - IFP members killed by
ANC security forces.
Freedom Front and the IFP join elections.
The Government of National Unity – oversee a new
constitution.
27th
April 1994 South Africa’s first democratic elections.
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13. What did you learn during the lesson?
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