Explain to what extent Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of perestroika and glasnost were directly responsible for the political changes that occurred in South Africa after the 1990s - NSC History - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 2

Gorbachev's reforms fundamentally altered the global political landscape. The disintegration of the Soviet Union and the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe in 1989 exemplified this shift. Gorbachev's policies facilitated a new narrative around governance and human rights, which resonated in South Africa where apartheid was being challenged.

The National Party in South Africa claimed to protect the nation from a communist threat. However, as the Soviet Union weakened, this justification became increasingly unrealistic. The collapse of the USSR directly influenced the African National Congress (ANC) and led to a change in its stance against apartheid. This shift signified that the ANC could no longer rely on external support from the Soviet Union, necessitating negotiations with the National Party.

The ANC, encouraged by changes in global politics, began talks with the National Party as external pressures mounted. Key events, such as the defeat of the South African Defense Force (SADF) at the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, and the gradual acceptance of reforms by leaders like F.W. de Klerk laid the groundwork for political transformation. De Klerk's decision to unban the ANC and release political prisoners signified a turning point in the struggle against apartheid.

In conclusion, Gorbachev's policies of perestroika and glasnost played a critical role in reshaping the political dynamics in South Africa during the early 1990s. While internal factors and local leaders were crucial, Gorbachev’s influence on global politics and the dismantling of Soviet support for apartheid significantly contributed to the eventual dismantling of the apartheid regime.