Post Apartheid Legal Order Flashcards
Internal Pressures
The Defiance Campaign, Sharpeville Massacre, Soweto Uprising, 1980s State of Emergency, the bombings by MK, formation of the UDF and COSATU and general disobedience.
International Pressures
The Rivonia Treason Trial, Sharpeville and Soweto reactions, end of the Cold War, sanctions and trade embargoes, travel restrictions, the expulsion from the UN, Musicians uniting against apartheid and mounting isolation/criticism from the entire globe.
February 1990
ANC Unbanned & Mandela Released
F.W. de Klerk became President in 1989. He built on the secret negotiations with the imprisoned Mandela. Seen as the first significant steps towards formal negotiations.
4 May 1990
Groote Schuur Minute
Commitment between ANC & NP to the resolution of the existing climate of violence and intimidation as well as the removal of obstacles to negotiation.
6 August 1990 Pretoria Minute
Extended the consensus between the parties. This included the suspension of the armed struggle by the ANC and its military wing, MK.
14 September 1991 National Peace Accord
National Peace Accord
Critical step toward formal negotiations. Signed by reps of 27 political organisations and national and homeland governments. Paved the way for the CODESA negotiations.
December 1991 CODESA I
The first session lasted a few days, and working groups were appointed to deal with specific issues. These working groups continued their negotiations over the next month.
Early 1992
White Only Referendum
The result was a landslide victory for the “yes” side, with over 68% of the voters voting for a continuation of the reforms and negotiations.
May 1992 – CODESA II
Basically a continuation of CODESA I.
June 1992 Boipatong Massacre
45 residents of Boipatong killed by mainly-Zulu hostel dwellers. Mandela accused government of complicity in the attack and withdrew the ANC from the negotiations.
September 1992 Bisho Massacre
The army of the independent “homeland” of Ciskei opened fire on ANC protest marchers, killing 29. This brought a new urgency to the search for a political settlement.
September 1992 Resumption of Negotiations
Joe Slovo, leader of the SACP, in 1992 proposed the breakthrough “sunset clause” for a coalition government for the five years following a democratic election, including guarantees and concessions to all sides.
26 September 1992 Record of Understanding
Dealt with a constitutional assembly, an interim government, political prisoners, hostels, dangerous weapons and mass action and restarted the negotiation process.
1 April 1993
The Multiparty Negotiating Forum
The ANC and the NP, agreed to reach bilateral consensus on issues before taking them to the other parties in the forum. This put considerable pressure on the other parties to agree with the consensus or be left behind.
10 April 1993
Assassination of Chris Hani (leader of the SACP and a senior ANC leader)
Killed by white right-wingers. Brought the country to the brink of disaster. Considered as an event which led to a shift of power in favour of the ANC due to Mandela’s handling of the situation.