Mandela Offers White Right-Wingers Separate Ballot for Homeland in Constitutional Settlement Bid

Strategic Insights -

African National Congress (ANC) leader Nelson Mandela has proposed that white right-wingers vote separately in the upcoming all-race elections to determine the borders of a white homeland. This offer is part of a broader package of ANC proposals presented to the Afrikaner Volkstat, an umbrella organization representing various groups, including the whites-only Conservative Party. The move aims to bring white conservatives into a constitutional settlement and prevent conflict that could leave many dead.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mandela proposed a separate ballot for white right-wingers in the upcoming all-race elections to determine the borders of a white homeland.
  • The offer is part of a package of ANC proposals presented to the Afrikaner Volkstat.
  • The ANC aims to bring white conservatives into a constitutional settlement and prevent conflict that could leave many dead.
  • The proposal comes ahead of crucial talks between the ANC, the government, and the Freedom Alliance, a coalition of white right-wingers.
  • The Inkatha president, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has warned of a possible boycott of the elections and a campaign of resistance against the new government.
  • A conference of Inkatha left the question of a boycott pending on the outcome of negotiations on an interim Constitution.

Statistics:

  • April's all-race elections will be the first of its kind in the country.
  • The ANC has proposed a separate ballot for white right-wingers in the upcoming elections.
  • The ANC aims to prevent conflict that could leave many dead, including both black and white individuals.
  • The Freedom Alliance, a coalition of white right-wingers, includes the Volksfront and the Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party.

Sources:

  • "Byline: ROSS DUNN Johannesburg, Monday." The text does not provide a publication date, but based on the context, it's likely that the article was published in April 1994.