T1 M11 The Response to Botha's Reforms Flashcards
In what year was the full State of Emergency declared in response to the May Day strike by COSATU?
1986
What slogan did P.W. Botha use when implementing his reforms, and why were his reforms ultimately unsuccessful?
P.W. Botha used the slogan ‘Adapt or die’ when introducing his reforms. However, his reforms were largely cosmetic and did not go far enough to meet the expectations of the majority of South Africans.
What two laws did P.W. Botha do away with under his reforms?
P.W. Botha’s reforms led to the removal of two key apartheid laws: the ban on interracial marriage and the pass system.
What were the results of the ‘Rubicon Speech’ in terms of public sentiment and opposition to Botha’s reforms?
The ‘Rubicon Speech’ further united organizations in their opposition to Botha’s reformed South Africa.
How did civic organizations and youth participation contribute to the opposition against Botha’s government?
The mass action against the government involved civic organizations that aimed to make the country ungovernable at the local level.
What are civic organisations?
They aim to improve neighbourhoods or the community through volunteer work by its members.
Provide an example of one of these rolling mass action strikes that turned violent.
The Langa Massacre in Uitenhage (Eastern Cape) on the 25th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre (March 1985) resulted in 19 people being shot and killed by the police. Such violent protests, while tragic, were part of the resistance efforts. Eventually, by 1987, the revolt in townships subsided, but residents continued to refuse rent payments and boycotted local council elections.
What led to the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in South Africa in 1983?
The UDF was formed in response to the apartheid government’s attempts to suppress opposition to its policies. The UDF aimed to unite people from different backgrounds to resist apartheid.
What were the main characteristics of the United Democratic Front (UDF) as an organization?
The UDF was a highly democratic organization with decentralized structures. It had around 700 affiliates, more than 2 million members, and the support of the World Council of Churches. Each affiliate had equal voting powers, and all decisions were made through a democratic consensus. This structure made it challenging for the state to undermine the organization.
What methods and actions did the United Democratic Front (UDF) use to resist apartheid?
The UDF organized marches, demonstrations, boycotts, stay-aways, and campaigns, successfully drawing attention to its cause and achieving extensive publicity. These actions aimed to drive home political points and oppose apartheid policies.
How did the apartheid government respond to the activities of the United Democratic Front (UDF)?
The apartheid government responded by arresting and detaining many UDF leaders under the State of Emergency, which was used to suppress opposition. The government sought to disrupt the UDF’s activities through arrests and detentions.
What was the “Don’t Vote Campaign,” and what was its impact?
The “Don’t Vote Campaign” was the UDF’s campaign to discourage Coloured and Indian voters from participating in the elections of the Tri-cameral parliament. It was successful in reducing voter turnout, with only 30% of Coloured voters and 20% of Indian voters participating in the elections.
What was the “Million Signature” campaign launched by the UDF in January 1984?
The “Million Signature” campaign involved activists going door to door with a petition against apartheid, aiming to collect a million signatures and raise awareness about the need to resist apartheid.
Who was responsible for founding (establishing) the UDF?
Allan Boesak
Why was the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) formed in South Africa, and who were its main constituents?
The MDM was created in response to the government’s severe restrictions on the United Democratic Front (UDF) in February 1988. It mainly consisted of the UDF, COSATU, and had ties with the banned ANC. It included support from whites, homeland leaders, and moderate leaders of color.
