CODESA (Convention for a Democratic South Africa)

• Despite violence, talks were held to plan a new constitution and governance, De Klerk was labeled 'traitor' by white extremists and boycotted the talks, there was also opposition from the PAC claimed the talks were a sellout to whites
• Began talks in December 1991 on a new constitution, democratic elections, homelands, and provisional (interim) governance, also aimed to establish a transition timeframe
• Major political parties attended, except for Conservatives and PAC, who were protesting, an agreement reached for interim government was needed for transition
• NP and ANC disagreed on the constitution as De Klerk sought 'checks and balances' (white veto) and NP felt threatened by MPs losing power; the 1992 referendum proved threat wrong
• Ultimately, on the surface, the ideas put forward at CODESA in December 1991 seemed good, and were agreed by all parties so CODESA 2 was organised for May 1992
• Bisho Massacre in 1992 prompted ANC-NP negotiations and a restart of talks, progress needed to be made
• There were still some issues between the ANC and the NP but ultimately, the 1994 elections were agreed upon and held, ushering in a new political and social era for South Africa
• Chris Hani, leader of MK and SACP, was killed over one person, one vote issue; this became a turning point, with violence still going on, but Mandela calling for calm