Rounding the Cape? - Nelson Mandela and African National Congress renounce use of violence

National Review, Sept 3, 1990

AFTER DECADES of saying he would never renounce the use of violence until the African National Congress's goals had been won, Nelson Mandela last week announced that the ANC was suspending its guerrilla war, effective immediately. Some observers felt this would be helpful to President F. W. de Klerk in countering white resistance to the pace of change; in fact, conservative whites are unlikely to believe the declaration, and Joe Slovo, Mr. Mandela's Communist ally, quickly stated that the warfare could be revived at any time.

Fortunately for South Africa's future, President de Klerk will not have to gamble too much on whether or not Mr. Mandela is to be believed. There is some danger in releasing ANC members from prison and allowing exiled guerrillas to return to the country, but the army remains strong, as do the intelligence services. As for the political aspects, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi's announcement of the Inkatha Freedom Party, willing to contest elections as soon as the political process is opened to blacks, has undercut at home (if not in the world media) the ANC's claim to represent all South African blacks.

The road toward a multi-party, multi-racial democracy in South Africa will be no shorter or smoother than the road toward prosperous and well-founded economies in Central and Eastern Europe. But in the South as in the East, the outside world should give its encouragement-and help, where indicated-to the people who seem genuinely to be striving for reform. President de Klerk and Chief Buthelezi both call for an end to sanctions. Why is the West listening to Joe Slovo.