The Turnaround in South Africa's Nuclear Weapons

Question 1

South Africa and USA

Answer 1

1950s: SA supplied USA with its uranium, apartheid was established, SA signed a collaboration agreement which resulted in acquisition of a peaceful reactor

Question 2

Safari-1 and Pelindaba Nuclear Power Plant

Answer 2

1965: the reactor that USA supplied which processed uranium, established in the Pendiaba Nuclear Power Plant

Question 3

Origins of the Bomb Project

Answer 3

during 1960s, SA was isolated in int’l relations due to refusal to sign the NPT and apartheid; UN GA called for abolishment of apartheid, so USA and other countries withdrew support from SA (1973); SA began developing a limited nuclear capability (1974); Ebola crisis, civil war, Cuban forces in Angola and SA, concern for Soviet expansionism which signified need for nuclear deterrent (1975)

Question 4

First Operational Bomb

Answer 4

1980s: began development of the first nuclear bomb which didn’t require a test, produced 6 NWs before its decision to reverse its policy

Question 5

Reasons for the Reversal

Answer 5

1989: PM De Klerk declared dismantlement of NWs and conversion of facilities for peaceful applications because: geo-political context changes (ceasefire in Angola, independence of Namibia, end of the Cold War, disillusionment of the USSR, fall of the Berlin Wall) which allowed SA to move from a confrontational to cooperative relationship, nuclear deterrent would present obstacles in int’l relations so the reversal would promote global and domestic relations and exchange of peace nuclear knowledge

Question 6

Accession to the NPT

Answer 6

1991: signed the NPT as a NNS, SA had to allow inspections of facilities and submit inventory due to IAEA safeguards

Question 7

Events in the Following Years

Answer 7

1994: Nelson Mandela became the first Black president of SA which signalled the end of apartheid and advocated for non-proliferation and disarmament; 1995: NPT was extended indefinitely and SA played a significant role in this; Apr 1996: signed the Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty which agreed to not having NWs in the region and came into force in 2009; 1996: joined the CTBT and ratified in 1999; 1998: Mandela argued against NS’ NAs as deterrent and assurance of security; 2017: signed the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Treaty which called for total abolition of NWs and complete disarmament

Question 8

Why SA’s Case is Unique

Answer 8

developed a nuclear capability but reversed its policy to become an advocate of non-proliferation and disarmament, serves as a model for other NS, although no reversal has happened since, there remains a possibility for other states to follow suit