Reasons for De Klerk's changes

• The reforms of Gorbachev in the Soviet Union and his statement that he would not take part in any future conflicts further reassured the government.
• To help divide the ANC and Inkatha, the South African Security Police had provided funds and training for Inkatha fighters to attack the ANC. this "Third force", as Mandela called it, was revealed in 1991, but only after 3,000 people died to political violence in 1990 alone; the worst year yet for political violence.