Townships

• Violence had always been widespread in townships. Soweto had been the focus of unrest in the 1970's. In the early 1980's the situation grew worse.
• In the early 1980's, Botha ordered a major offensive by the South African Defence Force against the ANC.
• Neighbouring countries were invaded and ANC guerrillas bases were attacked. In retaliation, the ANC told its supporters in the townships to make them ungovernable.
• Botha declared a state of emergency in most urban areas. In 1986, this was extended to the whole country.
• Between 1984-1986, the police killed more than 600 black Africans in townships.
• Fighting broke out between rival groups, most notably between the ANC and Inkatha members, which led to over 300 more deaths.