Historical Organization

Convention for a Democratic South Africa

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South Africa 📍 South Africa

Convention for a Democratic South Africa

Also known as: CODESA

Details

Organization Timeline

Parties agree to convene CODESA

📅 30 November 1991

Nineteen organizations approved an agenda and arrangements for an inclusive convention on constitutional principles and transitional government.

CODESA begins at the World Trade Centre

📅 20 December 1991

Political organizations and international observers gathered for the first broad multiparty constitutional convention.

CODESA parties sign the Declaration of Intent

📅 21 December 1991

Most participating parties committed themselves to democracy, constitutional government and a peaceful transition.

The ANC submits a constitutional blueprint to CODESA

📅 24 February 1992

The proposal combined a short multiparty transition with an elected constitution-making process and a temporary coalition government.

CODESA II ends in deadlock

📅 16 May 1992

Negotiators failed to agree on constitution-making thresholds and interim arrangements, leading the ANC to intensify mass action.