F. W. de Klerk becomes state president

Seventeen democratic organizations were effectively prohibited from political activity, forcing opposition networks to reorganize through the Mass Democratic Movement.

The Wembley concert reached a worldwide television audience and transformed the demand to free Mandela into a global popular campaign.

The transfer placed Mandela in a house on prison grounds and facilitated increasingly direct talks with government representatives.

While white, Coloured and Indian chambers were elected, the Black majority remained excluded and democratic organizations mobilized defiance.

About 30,000 people marched with civic, religious and political leaders after police violence, demonstrating the weakening of restrictions on public protest.

Walter Sisulu and six other veteran leaders left prison, signalling that the government was preparing for negotiations with the liberation movement.

Tens of thousands gathered at Soccer City to hear Walter Sisulu and other veterans publicly reaffirm the liberation movement's programme.

The decision began dismantling a central structure through which the security state had coordinated military influence over civilian government.

De Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC, PAC and SACP, the release of political prisoners and the opening of a negotiated transition.

The president confirmed that Mandela would leave prison the following day without renouncing the liberation struggle.