The ANC adopts the Reconstruction and Development Programme

The long-serving ANC leader died after returning from exile, leaving a major legacy of international organization and movement unity.

Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging supporters invaded the negotiation venue in an attempt to intimidate delegates and derail the transition.

Members of APLA attacked a Cape Town congregation, killing eleven people. The attack showed that political violence continued during negotiations.

The joint award recognized their roles in negotiating an end to apartheid, while many South Africans continued debating responsibility and compromise.

Twenty parties approved the constitutional framework, electoral law and Transitional Executive Council for the democratic election.

A civil-service strike and popular uprising defeated Lucas Mangope's attempt to keep the territory out of the election; armed AWB intervention ended disastrously.

The manifesto presented the RDP and promised democratic government, equality and reconstruction after apartheid.

ANC security guards fired during an IFP march near ANC headquarters, killing marchers amid intense pre-election violence and disputed accounts.

De Klerk imposed emergency rule to curb escalating violence and protect the forthcoming election.

A last-minute agreement brought Inkatha onto the ballot, reducing the danger that KwaZulu-Natal would be excluded from the democratic vote.