THE COMING OF DEMOCRACY TO SOUTH AFRICA AND COMING TO TERMS WITH THE PAST: NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT AND THE GNU "The coming of democracy to South Africa was a STOP-START journey because of the conflict along the way." Critically assess this statement with reference to the process of negotiation in South Africa between 1990 and 1994. - NSC History - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2

President F.W. de Klerk's announcement regarding the release of Nelson Mandela marked a pivotal moment in South Africa's transition. It demonstrated a willingness to engage with the African National Congress (ANC), signaling the commencement of formal negotiations. However, this was just the beginning of a complex process as it sparked mixed reactions from different sectors of society.

Following Mandela's release, the negotiations began earnestly. The first formal meeting at Groote Schuur in May 1990 culminated in the release of political prisoners, reflecting the initial steps towards trust-building, but also highlighted the ongoing tensions in the political landscape.

The August 1990 Pretoria minutes marked a significant point where the ANC suspended its armed struggle. This decision was critical in advancing dialogues; however, it also faced critiques from radical factions within the ANC, underscoring the complexities in reaching a united front.

The Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) represented a crucial platform for negotiations, addressing myriad issues faced by different parties. Yet, there were challenges, such as the IFP leader's absence and boycotts by the Right Wing Conservative Party, revealing divisions that complicated progress.

In 1992, the whites-only referendum endorsed De Klerk's mandate to negotiate, reflecting a societal shift. Nevertheless, it also illustrated the ongoing polarization, as not all segments of the population were included in this process.

The collapse of CODESA 2 over the contentious issue of majority rule emphasized the fragility of negotiations and illustrated the obstacles that made the journey towards democracy feel inconclusive and episodic.

The MPNP was another important step towards stabilizing the negotiation process, yet it was fraught with violence and uncertainty, complicating efforts to build consensus.

Eventually, the CODESA agreement in 1993 was a landmark achievement, leading to the first democratic elections in 1994. This agreement, however, was born out of a tumultuous and contentious negotiation phase, which reinforces the 'stop-start' characterization.

The 1994 elections epitomized the culmination of a long-negotiated journey. Despite the numerous hurdles, this landmark event signified the achievement of democracy in South Africa, marking a turning point in its history.

In conclusion, the journey towards democracy in South Africa was indeed a 'stop-start' affair characterized by numerous challenges, negotiations, and conflicts. While it was fraught with tensions and setbacks, the eventual success of the 1994 elections reflects the resilience of those involved in the negotiation processes.