The ANC and IFP hold high-level peace talks

The state deployed troops southeast of Johannesburg as conflict between ANC and IFP supporters intensified during the uncertain transition.

The leaders met as attacks spread to Soweto after armed hostel residents assaulted train passengers, threatening the negotiation process.

The organizations cited forged pamphlets and other evidence suggesting elements of the security forces were aggravating township conflict.

The Special Committee against Apartheid expressed concern about killings, detentions and arrests during the opening political process.

ANC, UDF and COSATU representatives demanded government action as township killings threatened peaceful change.

After a Mandela-De Klerk meeting, the government announced that about 20,000 exiles could come home, reversing a major consequence of repression.

Justice Minister Kobie Coetsee announced procedures, but the government and ANC disputed how many prisoners qualified.

ANC mobilizations in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein protested delays in freeing people jailed for resistance to apartheid.

The ANC president came home after leading the external mission through decades of banning, armed struggle and international mobilization.

Delegates demanded removal of obstacles to negotiation, retained sanctions pressure and called 1991 a year of mass action.