Codesa
The Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) was a pivotal series of negotiations in the early 1990s that aimed to dismantle apartheid and establish a democratic South Africa. These talks involved various political organizations and were marked by significant events and milestones.
CODESA I: December 1991
The first plenary session of CODESA, known as CODESA I, convened on December 20–21, 1991, at the World Trade Centre in Kempton Park, near Johannesburg. The session was chaired by Chief Justice Michael Corbett, along with judges Petrus Shabort and Ismail Mahomed. Nineteen groups participated, including the South African government, the African National Congress (ANC), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the National Party (NP). Notably, organizations such as the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO), and the Conservative Party (CP) boycotted the talks. During this session, participants signed a Declaration of Intent, agreeing to establish a united, democratic, non-racial, and non-sexist state. They also committed to principles like the separation of powers, a supreme constitution with a bill of rights, and regular multi-party elections based on proportional representation. However, disagreements persisted regarding the implementation of these principles.
CODESA II: May 1992
The second plenary session, CODESA II, commenced on May 15, 1992. Prior to this, President F.W. de Klerk had called for a whites-only referendum to gauge support for continued negotiations, which resulted in a majority favoring the process. Despite this endorsement, CODESA II faced significant challenges. Disagreements emerged over constitutional principles, particularly concerning majority rule and power-sharing arrangements. These disputes led to a breakdown in negotiations, and the talks were suspended.
Escalation of Violence and Key Incidents
The period between and following the CODESA sessions was marked by escalating violence, which further strained the negotiation process.
Boipatong Massacre (June 17, 1992): A tragic event where 42 individuals were killed in Boipatong. The incident intensified tensions, with allegations of government involvement in the violence.
Bisho Massacre (September 7, 1992): During a protest march in Bisho, the capital of the Ciskei homeland, 28 ANC supporters and one soldier were fatally shot by the Ciskei Defence Force. The protesters were demanding the reincorporation of Ciskei into South Africa.
Resumption of Negotiations
In the aftermath of these violent events, informal discussions between key figures, notably ANC's Cyril Ramaphosa and NP's Roelf Meyer, facilitated the resumption of formal negotiations. This led to the establishment of the Multi-Party Negotiating Process (MPNP), which began on April 1, 1993. The MPNP successfully navigated the remaining obstacles, culminating in the adoption of an Interim Constitution on November 18, 1993. This set the stage for South Africa's first democratic elections on April 27, 1994.
CODESA's journey was a complex interplay of negotiations and conflicts, but it ultimately laid the groundwork for a democratic transition in South Africa.
Causes of CODESA:
International Pressure on Apartheid: Economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the international community forced the South African government to reconsider its apartheid policies.
Internal Resistance and Unrest: Widespread protests, strikes, and violence led by anti-apartheid movements such as the ANC (African National Congress) and trade unions increased instability.
Economic Decline: Apartheid policies had led to economic stagnation, increasing unemployment, and a declining standard of living, making reform necessary.
Release of Nelson Mandela and Unbanning of Political Parties: In 1990, President F.W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC, PAC, and other organizations and released political prisoners, signaling a move toward negotiations.
Growing Willingness for Political Reform: Both the ruling National Party and opposition movements recognized that a peaceful transition was necessary to avoid a civil war.
Effects of CODESA:
End of Apartheid: The negotiations ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid laws and the creation of an inclusive political system.
1994 Democratic Elections: CODESA paved the way for South Africa's first democratic elections, which resulted in Nelson Mandela becoming president.
Adoption of an Interim Constitution: The negotiations led to the drafting of an interim constitution that guaranteed equal rights and set the foundation for a democratic South Africa.
Violence and Political Tensions: While CODESA aimed for peaceful change, there were violent outbreaks, including conflicts between the Inkatha Freedom Party and ANC supporters.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): The transition inspired the formation of the TRC, which investigated human rights abuses during apartheid and promoted national healing.
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