Chapter 2B – CCTSA

The New Dawn

THE 2 FEBRUARY 1990 SPEECH

On 2 February 1990, in a speech at the opening of Parliament, President FW de Klerk made announcements that would change South Africa forever. They included:

the unbanning of the ANC, the SACP, and other revolutionary organisations;
the imminent release of Nelson Mandela; and
the government’s willingness to negotiate a new Constitution for South Africa.

“The aims include a new democratic Constitution, universal franchise, no domination, equality before an independent judiciary, the protection of minorities, as well as of individual rights.”

Invitation to all parties to join the negotiations

“Walk through the open door, take your place at the negotiating table together with the government and other leaders who have important power bases inside and outside of Parliament.”

FW de Klerk opens Parliament on 2 February 1990

THE RELEASE OF NELSON MANDELA

On 9 February 1990, President De Klerk had another meeting with Nelson Mandela at which he informed him that he would be released from prison on Sunday 11 February.

On 11 February, Nelson Mandela walked out of the Victor Verster Prison near Paarl with his wife, Winnie. The same evening he made a fiery speech to tens of thousands of people from the balcony of the Cape Town City Hall.

Nelson Mandela celebrating his release with Winnie Mandela