The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 served as a major catalyst (spark) for the political transformation that occurred in South Africa - NSC History - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 2

The collapse served to undermine the communist regimes in Eastern Europe and contributed fundamentally to changing the dynamics of global politics. This shift allowed for a decrease in the international legitimacy that apartheid regimes enjoyed, further isolating them.

Gorbachev’s policies of Glasnost and Perestroika not only reformed the Soviet Union but also inspired anti-apartheid movements in South Africa by illustrating the possibility of peaceful political change. This provided a framework for South African leaders to envisage a new political landscape.

As the Berlin Wall fell, the support for oppressive regimes, including apartheid, diminished globally. The ANC began to receive broader support, both financially and morally, from various international actors, which emboldened their struggle against apartheid.

The disintegration of the USSR prompted the National Party to recognize that it could not maintain control in the face of a growing liberation movement. This ultimately led to crucial negotiations with the ANC members, marking a pivotal turn in South Africa's political environment.

The events at the end of the Cold War were not only about the Soviet Union but also about a broader reconfiguration of international alliances, which directly impacted the South African political landscape. This culminated in crucial reforms that dismantled apartheid, showcasing the deep interconnections between these historical events.