30 years of freedom: Looking back on 30 years of democracy
April 27, 1994, when citizens of all races and creeds were able to vote, marked the birth of democracy in South Africa, but the journey there began many years earlier.
No one expected it when it happened. In fact, everyone was under the impression that F.W. de Klerk would only deliver his annual speech to Parliament in February 1990, as he had only served as president of the apartheid regime for five months. But in other parts of the world, history is turning a corner, and with the fall of the Berlin Wall, de Klerk takes the initiative to announce the lifting of the ban on the ANC, the Pan-Africanist Congress, the South African Communist Party, and several other organizations. decided to do so.
Nine days later, ANC leader Nelson Mandela will walk Victor Vester is a free man released from prison., After spending 27 years in prison. Prior to the collapse of the law legalizing separation race Discrimination in group areas, etc. activitypopulation registration activityand Native Lands and Trusts activitya small number of previously white schools across the country will open their doors to black children.
The high school I attended was one of those schools.that was located in the Afrikaner enclave of Potchefstroom, then in the northern Transvaal.
In the run-up to the 1992 referendum, white voters were given the opportunity to express whether they were “for'' or “against'' the negotiated Plan C.systemMr Potchefstroom plastered people's cars with stickers urging everyone to vote “no”, giving the impression that any changes that had occurred since Mr Mandela's release would soon be quashed. this It only increased On April 10, 1993, SACP leader Chris Hani was assassinated. Negotiations to end apartheid were already in trouble. 9 days before Hani death The Multiparty Negotiating Forum (MPNF) met for the first time following the collapse of democracy. cord sa 1 and 2. Country primed Because of the civil war.
Nelson Mandela would play an important role in calming the masses.
on TV address, Mr Mandela said it was now “time for all South Africans to unite against those from all sides who seek to destroy what Chris Hani gave his life for – freedom for all of us”.
Despite previous challenges and obstacles, negotiations culminated in 1993 with the passage of a new interim constitution, the predecessor to the 1996 constitution. after that South Africa's first democratic elections were held in 1994.
This Friday's briefing reflects critically upon South Africa's progress and challenges that's all 30 years of democracy.
News24's Muhammad Hussein examines 30 milestones throughout South Africa's democratic journey.
There is also a proposal from Roelf Mayer, former chief negotiator of the National Party at the time. He considers that lessons learned in the run-up to the 1994 election may shed light on addressing some of the crises currently facing the country.
Hussein also met with Mac Maharaj, a key figure in the ANC. Negotiator Democratic transition period. He reflects on the pardon predicament and his concerns after the 2024 election.
There is also a suggestion from Mr. Theuns Eloff, former administrator of the MPNP. He considers the lessons learned from his Codesa impasse in 1992. prove useful in formation of The coalition government announces the next election.
Vali Musa was one of the framers of the constitution. He writes that the constitution remains the stable center of South Africa. Really Capture the hopes and aspirations of the people. It's for the people and for the people.
Finally, Mbazima Siroiwa, former general secretary of the trade union federation Cosatu and one of Cosatu's negotiators, explains why the outcome of the negotiations is not only a result of Cosatu, but also a result of the masses who took to the streets demanding Cosatu. details. be asked.
All of these submissions can be found at the links below.
We hope this week's issue provides insight into a pivotal moment in our country that brought many accomplishments and milestones, but also obstacles and challenges.South Africa is a long way from becoming a true democracy that's all.
The best,
Vanessa Bunton
Opinion editor.