Chapter 2D – CCTSA

THE NEW DAWN

THE NATIONAL PEACE ACCORD

Progress toward the commencement of constitutional negotiations was seriously impeded by escalating violence:

In July 1990 the security forces uncovered an underground mobilisation offensive by the ANC – known as Operation Vula.
In July 1991 the ‘Inkathagate’ exposés revealed that elements in the security forces had been funding operations of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) including a trade union and had been training IFP forces.

Countrywide violence

King Goodwill Zwelithini and Mangosuthu Buthelezi in traditional regalia

Escalating violence led to the adoption of the National Peace Accord on 14 September 1991. The accord was initiated by church, business, and community organisations. It made provision for:

a Code of Conduct for political parties, the security forces, and the police;
a National Peace Secretariat with local and regional peace committees;
a National Peace Committee comprising all the signatories to monitor compliance with the Code of Conduct; and
a National Peace Commission, under the chairmanship of Judge Richard Goldstone, to investigate and report on violence and intimidation.

FW de Klerk, Nelson Mandela & Mangosuthu Buthelezi during the National Peace Accord meeting