Played a role in the dismantling of apartheid

• Mandela; prisoned for 26 years, refused release unless all were free (unbanned resistance groups and other political prisoners), this united resistance nationally and internationally; he symbolised anti-apartheid - gave an impactful speech on white South Africans, ending some emotional divides
• Botha; expensive strategy led to economic collapse, unsustainable by mid-1980s and his Rubicon Speech (1985) of denial for future reforms sparked international sanctions and anger; his 'reforms' (1983, Constitution) upset people (anti-apartheid and white supremacists) and sparked internal opposition, including boycotts; he didn’t care to win back support, and his tunnel vision acted as a catalyst
• Botha; Had to call State of Emergency; his failures set stage for Apartheid fall under De Klerk, but it wasn’t the most important as his goal was to keep Apartheid
• De Klerk; knew he had to take a pragmatic approach, especially due to the economic crisis which pushed him to make reforms, met and released Mandela and unbanned resistance groups, oversaw tangible change, pleased the internal and external groups, easing problems and facilitated negotiation with the NP (so he may retain some power)
• Biko; Key member uniting BCM, inspired Soweto ( which caused international outcry) and his death revealed police brutality truth in 1997
• UDF; election boycott united groups against apartheid
• ANC; instructed blacks to make SA ungovernable, led to township unrest and a state of emergency, which was a catalyst for everything spiralling - NP was losing of control and under De Klerk, needed reforms
• PAC; Sharpville massacre led to international outrage and more internal resistance