Events Leading up to the Negotiations (Grade 12 NSC Matric History): Revision Notes
Events Leading up to the Negotiations
South Africa in crisis during the 1980s
During the 1980s, South Africa was experiencing a severe decline marked by increasing political violence and a deepening economic crisis. The country had become difficult to govern effectively, with widespread problems affecting daily life and stability.
This period represents one of the most turbulent times in South African history, when the apartheid system was beginning to collapse under the weight of its own contradictions and internal resistance.
The ongoing insurrection created numerous serious challenges across the nation:
- Disruption of education: Black schools were frequently closed or disrupted
- Civil conflict: Communities experienced regular unrest and confrontations
- Mass detentions: Large numbers of people were imprisoned without trial
- Police brutality: Security forces used excessive violence against protesters
- Economic instability: The country's economy suffered from ongoing turmoil
These problems made large areas of South Africa virtually ungovernable, creating an urgent need for change.
Mutual distrust between communities
The crisis was worsened by deep suspicions and fears on both sides of the racial divide, making any potential solution extremely difficult to achieve.
This mutual distrust was one of the greatest obstacles to peaceful negotiations. Both communities had legitimate fears that needed to be addressed before meaningful dialogue could begin.
White community fears
White South Africans had been convinced over many years that introducing democracy would inevitably lead to disaster for them. They believed that:
- A black majority government would automatically become communist
- Their property and possessions would be seized and redistributed
- Their cultural identity and way of life would be completely destroyed
- Only continued military control could protect them from these outcomes
Black community concerns
Meanwhile, black South Africans were equally suspicious of any government initiatives. They worried that:
- Any negotiations would be merely for show, without genuine substance
- The apartheid system would continue largely unchanged
- They would be offered meaningless concessions whilst real power remained with whites
- Previous government promises had proven unreliable
The 1985 offer and Mandela's response
A significant moment occurred in 1985 when President PW Botha made a conditional offer to release Nelson Mandela from prison. However, this offer came with strings attached - Botha demanded that the African National Congress (ANC) must first renounce violence as their method of resistance.
This proposal created a crucial decision point, but Mandela's response was clear and firm. He refused to accept release under these conditions, stating that meaningful discussions could not begin whilst fundamental obstacles remained in place.
Mandela insisted that before any genuine negotiations could commence:
- Government policies that maintained apartheid needed to be removed
- There must be evidence that the authorities were genuinely committed to finding a real solution
- Trust needed to be established that both sides were serious about change
His position was that you cannot negotiate properly when one side holds all the power and maintains oppressive policies.
The beginning of the solution
The 1986 emergency as a catalyst
The situation reached a turning point during the State of Emergency declared in 1986. This period of heightened repression and violence actually encouraged Nelson Mandela to reconsider his approach. From his cell in Pollsmoor prison, he decided to request a meeting with government representatives.
Ironically, the 1986 State of Emergency - intended to crush resistance - actually became the catalyst that prompted Mandela to take the first step towards negotiations.
This was a pivotal moment because it represented the first genuine step towards dialogue between the two sides.
Mandela's independent decision
Importantly, Mandela made this crucial decision entirely on his own, without consulting his prison colleagues or the ANC leadership in exile in Lusaka. This showed remarkable leadership and political courage.
He explained his reasoning with a powerful statement: "There are times when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction, confident that he is leading his people the right way."
This quote from his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom reveals how Mandela understood that sometimes leaders must take risks and make difficult choices, even when others might not initially understand or support their decisions.
Assessment tip
When answering exam questions about this period, remember to:
- Explain the context - why negotiations became necessary
- Discuss both sides' fears and concerns
- Show understanding of cause and consequence - how the 1986 Emergency led to Mandela's request for talks
- Include specific dates - 1985 for Botha's offer, 1986 for the Emergency
- Use primary source evidence like Mandela's quote to support your points
Key Points to Remember:
- By the 1980s, South Africa was experiencing severe political violence and economic crisis that made the country largely ungovernable
- Both white and black communities had deep fears about negotiations - whites feared communist takeover, blacks feared meaningless talks
- In 1985, PW Botha offered to release Mandela if the ANC renounced violence, but Mandela refused until government obstacles were removed
- The 1986 State of Emergency actually prompted Mandela to request talks with the government
- Mandela made the decision to enter negotiations independently, showing decisive leadership during a critical moment in South African history