About this site

This resource is hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, but was compiled and authored by Padraig O’Malley. It is the product of almost two decades of research and includes analyses, chronologies, historical documents, and interviews from the apartheid and post-apartheid eras.

1992

CODESA discussions begin to pave the way for change in South Africa.

Boipatong and Bisho massacres

Women enter the CODESA talks under the auspices of the Women's National Coalition.

Dorothy Nyembe receives Chief Albert Luthuli award from ANC.

Lindiwe Sisulu awarded Human Rights Center fellowship in Geneva. she has written extensively on women, liberation struggle, working conditions and agriculture.

Further Indemnity Act No 151:

Extended indemnity to state offenders and provided for total secrecy regarding the actions for which individuals sought indemnity.

Commenced: 10 November 1992 (unless otherwise indicated), ss 2-25: September 1992

Repealed by s 48 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act No 34 of 1995.

Council of National Unity Constitution Amendment Proclamation No 23:

Created unity bodies and mechanisms.

Commenced: 5 April 1990

KwaNdebele: Land Tenure Act No 11:

Commenced: 21 January 1994

KwaNdebele: Intimidation Act No 13:

Commenced: 22 January 1993

KwaNdebele: Corruption Act No 14:

Commenced: 5 February 1993

KwaZulu: Land Affairs Act No 11:

Commenced: 30 November 1993

1992 - 1993

Commission of Inquiry into the 1986 Unrest and Alleged Mismanagement in KwaNdebele

Mandate: To inquire into and report on any mismanagement that has occurred in the governmental department of KwaNdebele, the KwaNdebele National Development Corporation or the KwaNdebele Utility Company, with special reference to -

a)any malpractices or irregularities in the above-mentioned department, corporation and company; and to any irregular favouring of individuals or institutions;

b)any abuse of authority or position by persons in the board of such a corporation or company;

c)any losses suffered by a department or organisation as a result of misallocation of funds;

and to determine steps to be taken to halt such mismanagement or to prevent their recurrence, in order to ensure that funds put at the disposal of KwaNdebele are used to the best advantage of KwaNdebele and its inhabitants.

The mandate was extended in Government Gazette No 13586 (25 October 1991) to include any such matters irrespective of whether they occurred before or after 28 November 1988.

Date of Report: see below

Chair: PARSONS, B.J.

Ref(s):

Report 1:RP 119-92 [topic and date not available]:

Report 2:Concerning police functions of the Department of Law and Order as one of the Departments of Government of KwaNdebele; RP 120/1992; 19 May 1992

Report 3: --- [not available]

Report 4:Concerning the Department of Water Affairs and Public Works; RP 91/93; 10 March 1993

Report 5:Concerning the Department of Civil Relations and Information; RP 137/1993; 24 August 1993

Report 6:Concerning the KwaNdebele National Development Corporation and the KwaNdebele Utilities Company; RP 146/1993; 9 November 1993

1992 - 1995

Commission of Inquiry regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation Mandate: The chairperson and members of the Commission were appointed for three years to investigate the issue of public violence and intimidation in South African society. With regard to specific incidents of violence, the Commission's approach was to inquire into paradigm situations where, on the face of it, the symptoms were common to other areas of violence. The Commission's major aim with these investigations was to act as a catalyst in the process of transforming the police force into a body that had the confidence, respect and co-operation of the vast majority of the people of South Africa.

Dates of Reports: Reports spanned a number of topics and were given at various points between 1992 and 1995. The final report was submitted in October 1994.

Chair: GOLDSTONE, R.J.

Ref: The references are different for the different reports of the Commission, which were being processed at the Parliamentary Library, Cape Town, at the time of writing.

January 1992

Outline of a working model for the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) is presented.

Details are revealed of Armscor involvement in acquiring top secret American technology for the manufacture of weapons in South Africa.

7 January 1992

Danish Coalition indicates to the European Council that it favours the lifting of remaining EU sanctions.

8 January 1992

Sisulu is given the ANC Isitwalandwe award in Bloemfontein.

At its eightieth anniversary celebration, the ANC presents its post-apartheid policies and launches its electoral campaign.

The ANC National Executive Committee rejected President Frederik Willem de Klerk's proposals for a referendum as an "attempt to prolong the transition by 10 years or more", and said that ANC would "strive for the setting up of an Interim Government in the first half of this year, and elections for a Constituent Assembly to be held by December 1992.

13 January 1992

Exchange of notes with Japan concerning the re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

22 January 1992

President F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela are awarded the Unesco Peace Prize.

23 January 1992

South Africa and Angola re-establish diplomatic ties after a seventeen-year break.

24 January 1992

President F.W. de Klerk opens parliament and suggests a referendum in which the vote of each race group be counted separately.

24 January 1992

In a speech given at the opening of the parliamentary session in Cape Town, President de Klerk reiterated his intention to set up a transitional government "broadly representative of the total population".

In a statement, the ANC rejected President de Klerk's proposed "transitional arrangements of long duration".

27 January 1992

The European Community formally lifts economic sanctions against South Africa.

28 January 1992

Eugene Terre'Blanche, leader of the Afrikaner Resistance Movement (AWB) and nine other members are arrested for staging a riot on 9 August 1991 when President F.W. de Klerk was addressing a meeting in Ventersdorp.

February 1992

The United Stares blocks the sale 01200 long-range 616 super-guns to Saudi Arabia.

Three dozen Labour Party members of House of Representatives switched to National Party: Labour Party and Rev. Allan Hendrickse were defeated in a vote of confidence.

Carrying of dangerous weapons prohibited: Participants in gatherings in unrest areas are prohibited from carrying listed weapons and firearms, excluding traditional cultural weapons and/or objects not specifically designed to inflict injury (Government Notice 719, GG 13801 of 28 Feb 1992).

2 February 1992

Exchange of notes with the government of Bulgaria regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations.

3 February 1992

According to a study by the Human Sciences Research Council, violent attacks by whites against blacks have increased sharply in the two years since President de Klerk announced the first measures towards the end of apartheid.

5 February 1992

The Goldstone Commission of Inquiry has its first hearing on the South African Defence Force involvement in promoting black on black violence.

Signs an agreement with Hungary on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

6 February 1992

South Africa:Signs bilateral air transport agreement with Burundi.

7 February 1992

South Africa:Signs an agreement with the government of the Republic of Poland on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

20 February 1992

President de Klerk announced that a referendum for whites only would be held on 17 March 1992, to determine their support for the continuation of the reform process, aimed at a new constitution through negotiations.

23 February 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Angola on the establishment of representative offices.

24 February 1992

President F.W. de Klerk announces the holding of a referendum on 17 March requesting a mandate to pursue constitutional reform from the white electorate.

The ANC submits its constitutional blue-print to CODESA. It suggests a two phase transitional period of multiparty rule for fifteen months, to be followed by a coalition government for up to five years.

26 February 1992

Defence Minister Roelf Meyer said that the ANC's proposals on joint control of security forces and on a role for the international community in the supervision of the transition were not acceptable to the National Party.

28 February 1992

South Africa and the Russian Federation establish full diplomatic relations.

6 March 1992

Signs economic and industrial co-operation agreement with Italy.

According to a report on violence published by the Black Sash Repression Monitoring Group, an estimated 11,000 persons have been killed in political violence in South Africa since 1986.

9 March 1992

Exchange of notes establishing diplomatic relations with Thailand.

11 March 1992

In the Southern African region, South Africa and Zimbabwe are facing the worst drought of this century, the impact of which will affect food supplies for millions of persons.

13 March 1992

South Africa:Signs treaty with Swaziland on the establishment and functioning of the joint Water Commission.

Signs treaty with Swaziland on the development and utilization of the water resources of the Komati River Basin.

18 March 1992

In a referendum held on 17 March, nearly 70% of white voters vote in favour of the continuation of negotiations to end white minority rule.

In the referendum for whites only, 68.7 per cent voted "Yes", compared to 31.3 per cent who voted "No". 86 per cent of the white voting population participated in the referendum.

27 March 1992

Multilateral agreement between the governments of Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland amending the Trilateral Monetary Agreement of 5 December 1974.

April 1992

The 1991 census figures released.

CODESA outlines its proposals for an interim constitution.

1 April 1992

Signs bilateral monetary agreement with Namibia.

3 April 1992

African National Congress (ANC) President Nelson Mandela called for an "independent international monitoring force" to help curb violence in South Africa, saying that the Government had "abdicated itself from its duties".

6 April 1992

The Human Rights Commission (HCR) of South Africa said that the level of violence in the country had reached unprecedented levels during March 1992, with 437 persons killed and 898 injured, and that "the extreme level of violence was undoubtedly the result of forces working to destabilise the referendum and the peace process".

9 April 1992

President F.W. de Klerk pays a state visit to Nigeria.

13 April 1992

Nelson Mandela announces his separation from his wife, Winnie Mandela.

13 April 1992

ANC President Nelson Mandela announced that he and his wife Winnie were to separate, because of "differences on a number of issues" and "circumstances beyond (their) control".

21 April 1992

Five white Democratic Party MP's defect to the ANC.

23 April 1992

The South African government submits its proposal for an interim constitution for South Africa to CODESA.

25 April 1992

Barend du Piessis, the Minister of Finance, resigns because of ill health.

27 April 1992

The Conservative Party (CP) caucus agreed to hold talks with the National Party on setting up a white state (volkstaat), but expelled one of its MPs, Mr. Koos van der Merwe, who had advocated immediate participation in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA).

May 1992

In a major cabinet reshuffle, Chief Executive Officer of the Mining House, Gencor, Derek Keys is appointed Finance Minister to replace Barend du Piessis.

1 May 1992

Signs agreement with Zambia on the establishment of representative offices.

8 May 1992

South Africa and Kenya establish formal diplomatic relations.

12 May 1992

Agreement was reached in Working Group III of CODESA on the establishment of a multiparty Transitional Executive Council, which could take decisions by an 80 per cent majority. Participants in Working Group I agreed that all security forces should be placed under the control of the transitional governmental structures.

15 May 1992

The second plenary session of CODESA (CODESA II) was convened in Johannesburg.

The delegation sent by the Secretary-General to attend the session as an observer was led by Chinmaya Rajaninath Gharekhan, Permanent Representative of India, and included Hisham Omayad, Director, Department of Political Affairs, and Mr. Bwakira, Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

15 May 1992

The second plenary session of CODESA (CODESA II) was convened in Johannesburg.

The delegation sent by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to attend the session as an observer was led by Mr. Chinmaya Rajaninath Gharekhan, Permanent Representative of India, and was also composed of Mr. Hisham Omayad, Director, Department of Political Affairs, and Mr. Bwakira, Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

As one of the working groups could not reach consensus, especially over the percentage vote required to adopt certain clauses of the constitution, there was an impasse.

16 May 1992

CODESA talks end in deadlock. The ANC threatens mass action if the government does not compromise on constitutional issues.

16 May 1992

CODESA II ended without any significant progress being achieved. Failure to resolve the deadlock on issues related to the constitution-making process prevented the consideration of other reports. The participants mandate the Management Committee to resolve the outstanding issues and draft legislation for the implementation of agreements reached so far.

The ANC decided on "mass action" to press for the establishment of an interim government and elections for a constituent assembly.

21 May 1992

South Africa and Lesotho establish full diplomatic relations.

Signs agreement with Cote d'lvoire on the establishment of diplomatic Relations.

22 May 1992

Signs bilateral air transport agreement with Singapore.

24 May 1992

A three-day Seminar on the Future Role of the United Nations in Helping Address South Africa's Socio-economic Problems was held in Windhoek (Namibia) by the Special Committee against Apartheid and the Centre against Apartheid. Participants concurred that the apartheid system had left a deeply damaging socio-economic legacy, and that the critical situation faced by large segments of the population, particularly in the areas of education, health, employment and housing, needed to be urgently redressed.

24 May 1992

A three-day Seminar on the Future Role of the United Nations in Helping Address South Africa's Socio-economic Problems was held in Windhoek (Namibia) by the Special Committee against Apartheid and the Centre against Apartheid. Participants concurred that the apartheid system had left a deeply damaging socio-economic legacy, and that the critical situation faced by large segments of the population, particularly in the areas of education, health, employment and housing, needed to be urgently redressed.

25 May 1992

Signs co-operation agreement with Venda regarding structural adjustment.

Winnie Mandela and the entire executive of the ANC Women's League are suspended.

26 May 1992

South Africa:Signs bilateral air transport agreement with Netherlands.

27 May 1992

The second interim report of the Commission of Inquiry regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, was released. The report indicated that the Commission had received no evidence yet of a "third force" implicated in the violence, but denounced the Government's failure to "take sufficiently firm steps to prevent criminal conduct by members of the security forces and the police".

It also accused the ANC and the IFP of "resorting to violence and intimidation in their attempts to gain control over geographic areas".

1 June 1992

Justice R.J. Goldstone, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry Regarding the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation, expressed concern at the manner in which its second interim report had been "unfairly and selectively used" by the South African authorities. He stated that Commission had not "exonerated elements in the security forces for contributing to violence".

3 June 1992

In a report entitled "Agenda for Peace", the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) criticised Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi for "carrying a heavy responsibility for the escalation of violence". The report warned that it would "not be possible to hold free and fair elections on a one-person, one-vote basis" in much of South Africa today.

9 June 1992

South Africa:Signs memorandum of understanding with Zimbabwe on the transportation By road of commodities related to drought relief.

10 June 1992

Amnesty International released world-wide a report entitled "State of Fear", which accused South Africa's security forces of involvement in violence and stated that the Government was guilty of "gross negligence at best" in not bringing the culprits to book.

11 June 1992

South Africa:Signs protocol with Italy on the establishment of a joint working group for trilateral development co-operation in Southern Africa.

16 June 1992

The ANC began an open-ended campaign of public protest with a day of rallies, work stoppages and threats of a crippling general strike until the Government agreed to terms for the creation of an interim government and an elected assembly to write a new constitution.

17 June 1992

Boipatong massacre takes place.

17 June 1992

Armed attackers shot and hacked their way through the black township of Boipatong, leaving more than 40 people dead and scores injured, including women and children. Witnesses said that the violence was perpetrated by residents of a nearby hostel.

18 June 1992

The ANC said that on the day of the massacre, information had been conveyed to the police on an impending attack in Boipatong, and that police arrived and forcibly removed residents who were patrolling the township in anticipation of the attack. According to the ANC, police were later seen escorting groups of armed men at various points.

19 June 1992

The Goldstone Commission recommended that the 32nd Battalion "should not again be used for peacekeeping duties anywhere in South Africa". The Commission's Tokoza Committee said that the battalion had committed acts of violence against residents of the Phola Park squatter camp.

21 June 1992

Following the Boipatong massacre, the ANC suspends bilateral talks with the government.

21 June 1992

ANC President Nelson Mandela announced that he was suspending all talks with the Government in the wake of the killings in Boipatong on 17 June when more than 40 were killed and scores injured. He requested the UN Secretary-General to call a special meeting of the Security Council to discuss the killings.

21 June 1992

ANC President Nelson Mandela announced that he was suspending all talks with the Government in the wake of the killings in Boipatong.

He also requested the UN Secretary-General to call a special meeting of the Security Council to discuss the killings.

23 June 1992

The ANC and PAC asked the ministerial council of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), meeting in Dakar, to call for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to examine the violence.

23 June 1992

The ANC and PAC asked the ministerial council of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), meeting in Dakar, to call for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to examine the violence.

The ANC National Executive Committee decided, at an emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee, to suspend bilateral talks with the Government and participation in CODESA negotiations.

27 June 1992

While in Nigeria, Secretary-General Boutros-Boutros Ghali met with South African Foreign Minister Roelof Botha to discuss the deteriorating situation in South Africa and the constructive role the UN could play in reviving CODESA. The Secretary-General also met the Chairman of the IFP, who handed him a message from Chief Gatsha Buthelezi.

28 June 1992

The Council of Ministers of the OAU issued a resolution calling for an urgent meeting of the Security Council to examine the issue of violence and to take action to put an end to it.

30 June 1992

President Nelson Mandela met in Dakar with Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. They discussed the possible involvement of the international community in investigating violence in South Africa and, in particular, the convening of the Security Council on this issue. PAC President Clarence Makwetu also met with the Secretary-General.

Please ensure that the event is listed in such a way that is answers the questions WHO? WHAT? WHERE and if interpretation is included WHY? (eg. South Africans vote in the first democratic elections in South Africa).

ANC President Nelson Mandela met in Dakar (Senegal) with UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. They discussed the possible involvement of the international community in investigating violence in South Africa and, in particular, the convening of the Security Council on this issue. PAC President Clarence Makwetu also met with the Secretary-General.

July 1992

The South African government and the ANC attempt to break the stalemate, resulting from the Boipatong massacre.

In response to the Goldstone Commission findings, the South African government announces the disbanding of battalions 31 and 32 and the former Namibian counter-insurgency unit, Koevoet.

Two South African military intelligence agents are arrested in London on a mission to kill a former South African policeman, Dirk Coetzee, who confessed in 1989 to leading hit squads against black activists in the 1980s.

1 July 1992

Justice Bhagwati, former Chief justice of India, was appointed to join the Commission of Inquiry regarding the Prevention of Public Intimidation and Violence, as an assessor in the investigation of the recent Boipatong massacre. Dr. P. A. J. Waddington, Director of Criminal Justice Studies of Reading University (United Kingdom) was appointed to evaluate the police investigation of this massacre.

2 July 1992

President de Klerk offered to lower the margin of approval needed for changes in South Africa's constitution from 75 per cent to 70 per cent. This issue, among others, had brought talks to an impasse of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) II.

3 July 1992

Corruption Act No 94:

Provided anew for the criminalisation of corruption.

Commenced: 3 July 1992

IN FORCE: CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE.

5 July 1992

During a four-day consultative visit in South Africa, Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku said the Commonwealth was prepared to help get constitutional talks back on track.

8 July 1992

Signs agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding visits by the ICRC to persons held in South African prisons.

10 July 1992

An international panel led by Philip Heymann, Director of the Harvard Law School Center for Criminal Justice, proposed changes in the way South African police dealt with protesters, including the universal ban on demonstrators carrying weapons, timely notice by protest organisers, and the prohibition of using lethal force to disperse a crowd.

10 July 1992

Indemnity Amendment Act No 124:

Amended the 1990 Indemnity Act to provide for the disposal of articles seized in connection with the investigation of events for which a particular person has been granted indemnity.

Commenced: 10 July 1992

Repealed by s 48 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act No 34 of 1995.

13 July 1992

the tripartite alliance, consisting of the ANC, the SACP and the COSATU, outline mass action plans from the beginning of August and the occupation of cities on 5 August.

14 July 1992

An International Hearing on Political Violence in South Africa, which was co-sponsored by the Special Committee against Apartheid and organised by the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, was held in London from 14 to 15 July 1992. Discussions focused on the causes and impact of violence, as well as measures to curb it.

The Hearing found that the primary responsibility for the ongoing violence lay with the South African Government "since it failed to take effective measures to end it".

14 July 1992

An International Hearing on Political Violence in South Africa, which was co-sponsored by the Special Committee against Apartheid and organised by the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, was held in London from 14 to 15 July 1992. Discussions focused on the causes and impact of violence, as well as measure to curb it.

The Hearing found that the primary responsibility for the ongoing violence lay with the South African Government "since it failed to take effective measures to end it".

President de Klerk announced the disbandment of two security force units, the 31 and 32 battalions, and the dissolution of the controversial police unit, Koevoet.

15 July 1992

At the request of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the Security Council convened on 15 to 16 July to examine the issue of violence in South Africa and take appropriate action to end it. Forty-eight Member States addressed the Council as well as ANC President Nelson Mandela, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) President Clarence Makwetu and South Africa Foreign Minister Roelof "Pik" Botha. The Council listened to nine representatives from other political parties who spoke in their personal capacity.

16 July 1992

The Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 765(1992). Pursuant to that resolution, the Secretary-General appointed a Special Representative, Mr. Cyrus Vance, to recommend measures to assist in bringing an effective end to the violence and in creating conditions for negotiations to resume.

The United Nations Security Council discussed the situation and adopted resolution 765(1992). Pursuant to that resolution, the Secretary-General appointed a Special Representative, Mr. Cyrus Vance, to recommend measures to assist in bringing an effective end to the violence and in creating conditions for negotiations to resume.

21 July - 31 July 1992

Cyrus Vance, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, arrived in South Africa for talks with a broad array of political, religious, business and labour leaders with a view to making the widest possible recommendations.

23 July 1992

The Waddington report into the Boipatong killing is released.

23 July 1992

Agreement was reached between the South African Police, ANC, SACP and COSATU on the principles outlined by a panel of experts on how mass demonstrations should be controlled. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it was unable to agree to terms restricting the carrying of cultural weapons.

24 July 1992

Dr. Peter Waddington of Reading University, who had been invited by the Goldstone Commission to make an independent inquiry into Boipatong massacre, presented his report in which he stated that while there was no evidence of police collusion in the killings, the South African Police suffered from "serious organisational problems".

27 July 1992

Church leaders launched a major initiative among business, labour, government and political groups to restart negotiations and help create a more favourable political climate for the coming week's general strike.

ANC President Nelson Mandela said that next week's general strike would go ahead. He said the aim of the mass protest, was not an insurrection but the peaceful removal of de Klerk from power; the immediate transfer of political power to the people, installation of an interim government, free and fair elections to a constituent assembly.

30 July 1992

The South African government and ANC leaders held talks, brokered by the United Nations Special Envoy to South Africa, Cyrus Vance, to break the political stalemate.

30 July 1992

Nelson Mandela requested the United Nations to send observers during the ANC demonstrations scheduled for the following week.

30 July 1992

ANC President Nelson Mandela requested the United Nations to send observers during the ANC demonstrations scheduled for the following week. The UN Secretary-General announced that he would send a small group of UN officials from the Department of Political Affairs.

31 July 1992

The Secretary-General announced, after consultation with the South African Government and others, that he would send a small group of UN officials from the Department of Political Affairs.

Seven UN observers joined three UN staff members who were already in South Africa with Special Representative Cyrus Vance. They were immediately deployed in various provinces of the country to monitor events during the week of mass action.

August 1992

The 31 and 32 battalions that were ordered to dissolve by President F.W. de Klerk, is being integrated into RENAMO, according to Mozambican reports.

The South African government accepts the United Nations proposals on breaking the political stalemate in South Africa.

Five CP MP's leave the party to form the Afrikaner Volksunie.

3 August 1992

A forty-eight-hour strike and a week of mass action starts to force an early transition to majority rule.

South Africa:Signs air services agreement with the Russian Federation.

3 August 1992

The African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and its allies led millions of workers on a nation-wide general strike to demand a multiracial interim government by the end of the year and effective steps to halt violence.

5 August 1992

Nelson Mandela leads more than 50,000 supporters to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

7 August 1992

The Secretary-General submitted a report to the Security Council (S/24389) based on the findings of Cyrus Vance. He recommended that the United Nations make available some observers to further the purposes of the National Peace Accord.

7 August 1992

United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali submitted a report to the Security Council (S/24389) based on the findings of his Special Representative Cyrus Vance. He recommended that the United Nations make available some observers to further the purposes of the National Peace Accord.

8 August 1992

Justice Richard Goldstone said that his Commission was ready to carry out a full-scale inquiry into the security forces and political armies, in response to a recommendation made in the UN Secretary-General's report.

8 August 1992

Justice Richard Goldstone said that his Commission was ready to carry out a full-scale inquiry into the security forces and political armies, in response to a recommendation made in the UN Secretary-General's report.

11 August 1992

South Africa:Signs air services agreement with the United Kingdom.

13 August 1992

The ANC issues a statement explaining why it has suspended talks with the South African government and that its fourteen demands have not been met.

13 August 1992

Foreign Minister Roelof (Pik) Botha said that the South African Government (SAG) had accepted "in principle" the report of the Secretary-General. It had agreed, with qualifications, to investigations into the police and army.

13 August 1992

South African Foreign Minister Roelof (Pik) Botha said that the South African Government (SAG) had accepted "in principle" the United Nations report on South Africa based on the ten-day mission of UN Special Representative Cyrus Vance. The South African Government had agreed, with qualifications, to investigations into the police and army.

17 August 1992

Signs memorandum of agreement with Lesotho regarding the design, construction and maintenance of the international border bridge over the Caledon River at Maseru.

17 August 1992

Leaders of 10 southern African states met in Windhoek, Namibia and signed the Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This replaced the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADDC) set up in 1980 to reduce dependence on South Africa.

The UN Security Council approved the Secretary-General's report (S/24389), and authorised the stationing of UN observers in South Africa to work closely with the National Peace Secretariat to address the areas of concern noted in the report. The Secretary-General was to decide how many observers should be sent. The Council also authorised the deployment of observers from the OAU, the Commonwealth and the European Union. [Resolution 772(1992)]

18 August 1992

Following meetings between the SAG and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), broad agreement was reached that could lead to the PAC's inclusion in restructured talks.

The Commonwealth announced that it would send to South Africa a team of about a dozen observers as part of international efforts to stem the violence. The observer group would arrive in South Africa late September

21 August 1992

ANC Secretary-General Cyril Ramaphosa met with Constitutional Affairs Minister Roelf Meyer to discuss possible compromises on ANC pre-conditions to the resumption of negotiations and the revamping of the National Peace Accord.

21 August 1992

KaNgwane: Child Care Harmonisation Act No 2:

Commenced: 21 August 1992

Criminal Procedure Amendment Act No 6:

Commenced: 21 August 1992

24 August 1992

Exchange of notes with Italy constituting an agreement regarding the establishment of a community centre for refugees in the Transvaal.

Signs agreement with Mozambique regarding the establishment of trade mission

26 August 1992

A bilateral summit between delegations of the ANC and the South African Government, led respectively by Nelson Mandela and President de Klerk, was held in Johannesburg. A joint Record of Understanding was published, which laid the basis for the resumption of negotiations. Agreement was reached, in particular, on the banning of dangerous weapons throughout the country, the fencing of a number of hostels, the release of all remaining political prisoners before 15 November and the need for an elected Constituent Assembly with a fixed time frame and adequate deadlock- breaking mechanisms.

27 August 1992

Sweeping changes are made to the police force and a purging of top police personnel.

27 August 1992

Law and Order Minister Hernus Kriel announced "sweeping initiatives" aimed at "restoring the credibility of the SAP". The changes included the setting up of a new body to investigate police actions, the resignation or early retirement of 18 out 55 generals of the SAP and the promotion of Black officers to senior posts.

31 August 1992

Signs agreement with Mozambique concerning fishing matters.

Multilateral agreement between the governments of Ciskei, South Africa, Transkei and Venda on the cross-border transportation of goods by road.

Multilateral agreement between the governments of Ciskei, South Afrca, Transkei and Venda on the cross-border transportation of passengers by road.

2 September 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with the United Kingdom concerning mutual assistance in relation to drug trafficking.

3 September 1992

The National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) endorsed proposals for the intensification of the mass action campaign and decided not to resume negotiations until meaningful steps were taken by the Government to deal with the violence. It noted, however, that the Government had gone a long way towards accepting that idea of a democratic Constituent Assembly.

4 September 1992

Speaking at the end of a two-day fact-finding mission by three ministers of the European Community (EC), United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd announced that the EC would send some 15 observers to South Africa and would second investigators to assist the Goldstone Commission's investigative task force.

7 September 1992

The ANC leads a march against the Ciskei government and the Bisho massacre takes place.

7 September 1992

Ciskei security forces fired on ANC demonstrators marching towards the capital of the homeland, killing 29 of them and wounding more than 200.

8 September 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Israel on co-operation in the field of agriculture.

8 September 1992

A two-day follow-up conference on Educational Assistance to disadvantaged South Africans was organised in New York by the United Nations Educational and Training Programme for Southern Africa. The Conference focused international attention on the requirements for educational assistance to Black South Africans during the transition period.

9 September 1992

President de Klerk stated that it was "simply not possible to negotiate constitutional issues before the question of violence had been dealt with satisfactorily". He called for a meeting at leadership level to be convened urgently with the ANC to discuss the violence and other obstacles to the resumption of negotiations.

10 September 1992

Winnie Mandela resigns from the Executive of both the ANC and the Organization's Women's League.

14 September 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Namibia on the establishment of a permanent Water Commission.

Signs agreement with Namibia on the Vioolsdrift and Noordoewer joint irrigation scheme.

14 September 1992

In a statement on the National Peace Accord, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) of South Africa stated that some 3,400 persons had died in political violence in the year following the signing of the Accord.

16 September - 27 September 1992

Mr. Virendra Dayal, special envoy of the Secretary-General, visited South Africa.

21 September 1992

President F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, leader of the ANC agree, at a peace summit, to resume constitutional negotiations that were suspended in June.

21 September 1992

The Goldstone Commission of Inquiry issued an Interim report on Hostels, in which it recommended that those Hostels associated with violence be fenced off.

23 September 1992

Ms. Angela King, head of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA), arrived in Johannesburg with six observers, bringing the total number of United Nations observers in the country to 20. The full contingent of 50 observers was expected to be deployed in October.

The United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa was established to assist the parties in South Africa in their efforts to put an end to violence.

23 September 1992

Ms. Angela King, head of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA), arrived in Johannesburg with six observers, bringing the total number of United Nations observers in the country to 20. The full contingent of 50 observers was expected to be deployed in October.

25 September 1992

Gazankulu: Criminal Procedure Amendment Act No 9:

Commenced: 25 September 1992

26 September 1992

A bilateral summit between delegations of the ANC and the South African Government, led respectively by Nelson Mandela and President de Klerk, was held in Johannesburg. A joint Record of Understanding was published, which laid the basis for the resumption of negotiations. Agreement was reached, in particular, on the banning of dangerous weapons throughout the country, the fencing of a number of hostels, the release of all remaining political prisoners before 15 November and the need for an elected Constituent Assembly with a fixed time frame and adequate deadlock- breaking mechanisms.

27 September 1992

The ANC and the South African government reach a compromise at their summit meeting in Johannesburg.

27 September 1992

At a meeting held in Ulundi, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Chief Gatsha Buthelezi warned that the deals struck between the ANC and the South African Government were "illegitimate" and "unimplementable" and that Zulus would continue carrying cultural weapons. He rejected once again the concept of a Constituent Assembly and announced his decision to brake off talks with the Government.

28 September 1992

Robert McBride, Barend Strydom, Mehetheleli Mncube and Mzondeleli Nondula were among 150 political prisoners released.

29 September 1992

The Goldstone Commission issued its report on the Bisho massacre, in which it described the "indiscriminate" shooting as "morally and legally indefensible." The Commission called on the Ciskei authorities to investigate criminal charges against the officials responsible for the massacre and on the leadership of the ANC alliance to publicise censure those members who had exposed demonstrators to the danger of death.

30 September 1992

Meeting in a special session, the National Executive Committee of the ANC ratified the Record of Understanding and agreed that it indicated sufficient movement to enable the ANC to return to negotiations. It resolved to take additional precautions in future marches to minimise possibilities of any loss of life and injury.

October 1992

The ANC released a report on inhumane treatment of its opponents in the organization's detention camps in Angola, Tanzania and Uganda.

The United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa was established to assist the parties in South Africa in their efforts to put an end to violence.

1 October 1992

Births and Deaths Registration Act No 51:

Regulated the registration of births and deaths.

Commenced: 1 October 1992

IN FORCE (as amended by the General Law Third Amendment Act No 129 of 1993, the Home Affairs Laws Rationalisation Act No 41 of 1995 and the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act No 40 of 1996): BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.

8 October 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Israel on co-operation in the fields of culture, education and science.

South Africa:Signs agreement with Israel on co-operation in the field of environmental management and of nature protection and conservation.

South Africa:Signs agreement with Israel in the field of tourism.

South africa:Signs agreement with Israel on trade and industrial co-operation.

12 October 1992

The Special Committee against Apartheid held a solemn meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners. The meeting was followed by a round table discussion on "The Role of Law Enforcement and Law Enforcement Officials During the Transition Period and After".

16 October 1992

The Goldstone Commission reports the finding of a secret operational centre run by Military Intelligence and seize plans to destabilise the ANC.

18 October 1992

A team of 12 Commonwealth observers, including high-ranking officers from military and police, a former Government Minister, and a director from a criminology institute, arrived in South Africa. The team, which was led by Ghana Supreme Court Judge Austin Missah, will stay for a period of three months.

20 October 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Namibia regarding trade tests for apprentices and other prospective artisans.

23 October 1992

India announced the plan to open a cultural centre in South Africa empowered to discharge consular functions. It will be the first Indian office in South Africa since 1948, when New Delhi cut ties with Pretoria.

24 October 1992

In a joint statement, Government and the PAC said they agreed on the urgent need for the establishment of a more representative forum, which would decide on transitional arrangements leading to a new Constitution.

27 October 1992

Reggie Hadebe, a prominent Natal ANC leader, shot dead after contacting the Natal Witness newspaper in Pietermritzburg, with evidence that RENAMO is behind the violence in Natal.

28 October 1992

President F.W. de Klerk reshuffles his cabinet.

28 October 1992

The Commission against Apartheid in Sports met from 28 to 30 October in New York with representatives of the liberation movements, South African non-racial sports organisations, World Boxing Council and the International Olympic Committee, to review developments on apartheid in sports.

28 October 1992

The Commission against Apartheid in Sports met from 28 to 30 October in New York with representatives of the liberation movements, South African non-racial sports organisations, World Boxing Council and International Olympic Committee, to review developments on apartheid in sports.

29 October 1992

The first group of European Community observers, including some police officers, lawyers and economists, arrived in South Africa to assist in preventing violence, defusing tension, and promoting peace. In addition, 6 police experts joined Judge Goldstone's newly created investigative task force.

30 October 1992

South Africa:Signs air services agreement with Zambia.

November 1992

The Oelof de Meyer report finds corruption and incompetence on a vast scale in Lebowa.

The Parsons report on the KwaNdebele 'homeland' is released.

The ANC releases its strategic perspectives documents which opts for indefinite power-sharing coalition with the National Party.

1 November 1992

Exchange of notes with Namibia on the joint administration of Walvis Bay and the off-shore islands.

4 November 1992

Internal Peace Institutions Act No 135:

Provided for the establishment of a National Peace Secretariat and local dispute resolution committees to combat and prevent public violence and intimidation.

Commenced: 4 November 1992

Repealed by s 1 of the Internal Peace Institutions Act Repeal Act No 28 of 1995.

5 November 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Namibia relating to the basic conditions governing the secondment of judges.

6 November 1992

Judicial Matters Amendment Act No 143:

Amended the Investigation of Serious Economic Offences Act No 117 of 1991 in order to regulate the appointment of a Director, and amended the Attorney-General Act 92 of 1992 to provide for the appointment of attorneys-general to perform certain functions.

Commenced: 6 November 1992

Amended by the Internal Peace Institution Act Repeal Act No 28 of 1995.

7 November 1992

Foreign Minister 'Pik' Botha is declared persona non grata by Angola for having supported the rebel Angolan UNITA.

9 November 1992

South Africa:Exchange of notes with Croatia regarding the establishing of diplomatic relations.

Exchange of notes with Slovenia regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations.

12 November 1992

South Africa:Signs agreement with Bophuthatswana concerning formal Technikon instructional programmes and the performance by the Certification Council for Technikon education in the Republic of Bophuthatswana.

Signs agreement with Venda concerning formal school and Technical College instructional programmes and the performance by the South African Certification Council of functions in the Republic of Venda.

President F.W. de Klerk spells out a government timetable for a transition to multiracial democracy and that all-race elections will take place by April 1994.

15 November 1992

In line with the Record of Understanding reached between the SAG and ANC, 42 political prisoners were released. The National Council of Indemnity said that more information was needed on the circumstances of 22 other prisoners before recommending whether they are qualified for release. Prisoners who qualify for release are those "who had committed crimes with political motivation and whose release could contribute to reconciliation and peace".

16 November 1992

At a news conference in Johannesburg, Judge Richard Goldstone revealed the existence of files containing plans for covert operations aimed at discrediting the ANC's armed wing MK by Military Intelligence task force led by former Civil Co-operation Bureau (CCB) member Ferdi Barnard.

Judge Goldstone made an urgent plea to the SAG for wider powers, more resources and greater co-operation for his investigation into official and private security forces, as recommended by the UN Secretary-General. He later stressed that he did not need a wider mandate but more personnel to meet the demands on the commission.

17 November 1992

The OAU observer team led by Botswanan Ambassador Legwaila arrived in Johannesburg.

18 November 1992

The National Working Committee of the ANC adopted a discussion document entitled "Negotiations A Strategic Perspective". The documents which presents five phases in the democratic "revolution", starts off by the establishment of the Transitional Executive Council with the aim to secure agreement on elections for a Constituent Assembly and establishment of Interim Government of National Unity. It further outlines modalities for power sharing also after a new constitution, and for practical measures to curb the violence.

22 November - 9 November 1992

Tom Vraalsen, special envoy of the Secretary-General, visited South Africa.

26 November 1992

President de Klerk announced a proposed timetable on a transitional process in South Africa which envisaged that a fully representative government of national unity would be in place no later than the first half of 1994.

28 November 1992

Four white South Africans were killed and seventeen injured when armed persons stormed into a golf club in King Williams's Town.

30 November 1992

The Special Committee against Apartheid held two-day consultations with 56 participants from non-governmental organisations and anti-apartheid movements in Geneva, to review developments in South Africa and assess the present and future role of these organisations.

December 1992

The IFP releases a constitution for the KwaZulu-Natal region, calling for an autonomous KwaZulu-Natal state.

Twenty-three military officers are purged following revelations of illegal and unauthorized activities by the South African Defence Force.

1 December 1992

Cabinet decides to replace the SAF trainer Harvard by the Swiss-made Pilatus PC-7 MK2. The joint venture will include twelve SA companies.

Signs Protocol with Korea on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) joined the offices of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in South Africa to assist in the reintegration of returnees, particularly women and children.

10 December 1992

The Concerned South African Group (COSAG) issues a statement that multi-party talks should be resumed.

19 December 1992

President F. W. de Klerk announced that he was either suspending or forcibly retiring 23 officers of the South African Defence Force, including two generals and four brigadiers for illegal or unauthorised activities and malpractice. He also said further disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution would follow pending the completion of the probe.

22 December 1992

The Secretary-General submitted a report to the Security Council on the efforts to establish peace and to promote multi-party negotiations in South Africa.

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