A TURBULENT TRANSITION

In: Journal of democracy, Band 1, Heft 4, S. 8-24

Abstract

THE TASK OF DEMOCRATIZATION IN SOUTH AFRICA IS ESPECIALLY COMPLEX OWING TO ITS UNIQUE HISTORY OF RACIAL OPPRESSION AND THE ENORMOUS DIVERSITY OF ITS SOCIETY. THIS ESSAY WAS WRITTEN TO PROVIDE A BROAD OVERVIEW OF THE TRANSITION PROCESS, IT EXPLORES THE FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN STRATEGY BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO ENTER NEGOTIATIONS WITH MAJORITY ORGANIZATIONS FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH, COOPERATION BETWEEN THE ANC AND THE NATIONAL PARTY AS A DUAL POWER STRUCTURE IS EXAMINED, AS WELL AS, THE NECESSARY STAGES OF NEGOTIATION AND THE OBSTACLES WHICH LIE AHEAD.