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African National Congress

Mandela and De Klerk Agree to Postpone Elections in Natal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nelson Mandela and South African President FW De Klerk have reached a joint peace plan to prevent civil war in the province of Natal. The initiative aims to address the demands of the Zulu royalist faction, including the safeguarding of King Goodwill Zwelithini's position and the granting of special powers to rule his people. The plan involves postponing the elections in Natal for a few weeks to accommodate the Inkatha Freedom Party's campaign and to provide the Zulu monarch with reassurances on his position in the new South Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint peace plan between Mandela and De Klerk involves postponing elections in Natal for a few weeks to accommodate the Inkatha Freedom Party's campaign and to provide reassurances to King Goodwill Zwelithini on his position in the new South Africa.
  • The plan aims to address the demands of the Zulu royalist faction, including the safeguarding of the king's position and the granting of special powers to rule his people.
  • The ANC leader and the President have agreed to put the proposal to King Goodwill Zwelithini and Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Zulu political leader, at a summit this week.
  • The plan is seen as the country's last hope of avoiding war, and De Klerk and Mandela remain adamant that elections will proceed in the rest of South Africa on the scheduled dates.
  • The delay in Natal is a significant concession from the two leaders, who had previously insisted that the election dates were "set in stone".
  • The decision to postpone elections in Natal comes after a series of violent clashes between ANC and Inkatha supporters, including a church attack that killed three worshippers and wounded 11.
  • The government and ANC sources have declined to give details of the offer, leaving it unclear whether it will go far enough to meet the Zulu demands for self-government.
  • King Goodwill Zwelithini's sovereignty will be protected, and he will have special powers to rule his people as a legitimate monarch.
  • The Inkatha Freedom Party will be included on ballot papers, and it will be given time to campaign.
  • The delay in Natal is conditional on Buthelezi's Inkatha Freedom Party giving "cast iron" guarantees of its involvement in a new election in Natal.

Statistics:

  • At least 53 people have been killed in bloody ANC-Inkatha battles in central Johannesburg.
  • More than 100 people have died in clashes in Natal, the Zulu heartland.
  • 53 people have been killed in ANC-Inkatha clashes, and over 100 have died in Natal.
  • The South African government has drafted in 1,200 troops to Natal, but 20,000 might be needed if a Zulu rebellion erupts.
  • 1,200 troops are currently in the province, but reinforcements may be necessary to maintain security.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Times, 1994
  • Copyright (C) The Sunday Times, 1994

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