CODESA parties sign the Declaration of Intent

Delegates debated the armed movement's role in a negotiated transition and called for a formal ceasefire.

Parties, unions, religious bodies and civic organizations agreed to codes of conduct and monitoring mechanisms intended to reduce political violence.

Dozens of anti-apartheid organizations called for an elected constituent assembly and an interim government to manage the transition.

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

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

At its eightieth anniversary, the organization presented post-apartheid policies and began preparing supporters for democratic elections.

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

In a whites-only referendum, a large majority supported De Klerk's negotiation policy, weakening the white right's claim to block the transition.

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

Rallies and work stoppages demanded an interim government and an elected constituent assembly.