Redefining Resistance and Challenges to National Party Power - Topic 3.4 Flashcards
The external pressures to National Party power
How did politics change in Southern Africa?
Vorster tried to leave the ‘laager mentality’ behind to pursue a more active foreign policy. Vorster made loans available to several states, particularly those on South Africa’s fringe ensuring that countries remainded dependent on South Africa. A strategy of diaolgue developed and South Africa received over 40 representatives from African countries. Vorster also wanted to establish regional military superiority and seek regional allies.
Why was intervention in Mozambique important to South Africa?
FRELIMO took power in Mozambique and sough support from the Soviets. Samora Machel, leader of FRELIMO and Mozambique, had worrying internal policy and allies that alarmed the Nationalists. ZANU were allowed to set up bases in Mozambique against Ian Smith in Southern Rhodesia. Ian Smith then supported Renamo in north Mozambique. South Africa increased support for Renamo to discourage MK from setting up there. ANC officials were already established in Maputo, capital of Mozambique, to conduct border raids.
Why was intervening in Angola important to the Nationalists?
Independent Angola came under the MPLA in 1975 and South Africa was concerned that the country would become a base for SWAPO, the liberation movement in Namibia. South Africa built military prescence on its northern border and sent troops into Angola. UNITA had support from South Africa and the US as it conducted civil war against the Cuban-supported MPLA. At talks to reach an internal settlement on Namibia, South Africa was reluctant to give up control as it though SWAPO would form Namibian government, which would support the ANC. Botha increased military prescence in Namibia.
Why was intervention in Zimbabwe important to South Africa?
The Rhodesian Bush War had been between Ian Smith’s minority white government and the liberation movements of ZANU and ZAPU, with ZANU being the most effective, whom relied on Chinese aid. South Africa gave aid to Ian Smith but recognised that the minority government couldn’t last. They sent enough aid to encourage internal settlement and survive with moderate African leaders but by the late 70s, South Africa accepted that Smith had to negotiate with both ZANU and ZAPU.
Democratic elections were held in 1980 with ZANU coming out on top and Mugabe becoming the first African president of Zimbabwe. Land reform became a central issue to the new country and Western governments promised substantial financial resources to underwrite purchase of land from white farmers. The Nationalists watched warily but left it alone. Because of this, the ANC and PAC were not permitted in Zimbabwe.
How did South Africa’s defence expenditure and policy change in the 80s?
Threatened by new independent nations and the armed struggle of the ANC, expenditure on the army increased. The government had previously prioritised the domestic arms industry because of the UN ban on arms exports. Armscor manufactured South Africa’s own firearms, military vehicles and aircraft so that by 1982, 80% of its store of armaments were made domestically. Israel formed an alliance with South Africa and military links were of central importance.
How did regional accomodations change South Africa’s foreign policy?
SADCC, the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, excluded South Africa and was a counterweight to the apartheid regime with governments of different ideologies agreeing to build alternative economic and political links. Mozambican ports became alternatives to South African which resulted in the Nationalists to attempt to destabilised Mozambique further. The Nkomati Accord in 1984 meant South Africa stopped supporting Renamo and in return, FRELIMO would cease providing sanctuary to the ANC.
How did global consensus impact economic sanctions and alignments?
In 1973, reports of starvation wages paid by British firms in South Africa made headlines and led to the TUC and Parliament agreeing to a formal code of conduct for British firms operating in South Africa. Black congressmen in the US led similar measures in addition to media coverage on Soweto. SACTU no longer had presence in South Africa and the ANC was growing suspicious of the new unions because they focused on shop floor politics and not national liberation. The AAM were reluctant to promote them and instead strongly encouraged the moves to Charterism.
How did international condemnation help political prisoners?
In 1974, the AAM and linked organisations launched the SATIS campaign (South Africa, The Imprisoned Society). It focused on all political prisoners, but evetnually mainly focused on Mandela. The AAM and ANC felt that focusing on prisoners could be more effective as each person has their own personal story surrounding human rights. SATIS took up Solomon Mahlangu’s case after a gun battle on the streets of Joburg a year after Soweto. Mahlangu was sentenced to hanging. Focusing on Mahlangu meant the ANC and AAM could embue hope in the new generation.
Mandela’s 70th birthday concert in London helped the ‘Free Nelson Mandela campaign’ to increase its recognition of cultural connections, not just political messages. The AAM released biographes and stories of Mandela, putting him back in the news.
