South Africa on Brink of Civil War as ANC Vows to Use Military Force

Strategic Insights -

The situation in South Africa remains dire as the African National Congress (ANC) has made it clear that it will use military force to subdue the Zulu royalists who are resisting the upcoming elections. Amidst the escalating violence, which has claimed 156 lives in Natal since the state of emergency was declared 10 days ago, the ANC's hardline stance has left many South Africans fearing the worst.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, has vowed to use military force to "wipe away" the Zulu royalists who are resisting the elections.
  • Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC's secretary-general, has stated that those resisting the new order will be "swept aside" and that the laws of the new government will be enforced in Natal, the Zulu heartland.
  • The ANC's determination to push ahead with the election despite the violence and opposition has been condemned by UN and Commonwealth observers, who accuse the ANC of "arrogance" and "naivety" in believing that the Zulu royalists can be militarily contained.
  • The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has admitted that planning for the election is far behind schedule, with only half of the required 20,000 ballot boxes made, and the need for 100,000 electoral officers, 10,000 cars and drivers, and a list of polling stations to be worked on.
  • The Zulu campaign to get a better deal has been described by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi as needing to continue for another "100 years" if necessary.

Statistics:

  • 156 deaths in Natal since the state of emergency was declared 10 days ago.
  • 3-5 million estimated Zulu royalist supporters.
  • 1,000 ANC officials accused of brutal behavior in the border town Petrus Steyn.
  • 500,000 Anton-Hofmeyer bodies (unmarked graves of ANC victims) discovered.
  • 64 polling booths planned for Soweto, which means 30 electors will have to vote every minute.

Sources:

  • "Sunday Times", April 1994
  • United Nations official
  • Commonwealth observer
  • Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC secretary-general
  • Nelson Mandela, ANC leader
  • Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Zulu royalist leader
  • FW de Klerk, South African President