/ 3 July 1992

Watch out FW, the crunch is coming

The stage is set for a colossal showdown between the state and the African National Congress, as local and international pressure on South Africa reached new heights this week. Last night the government was due to announce its response to the ANC's 14 conditions for the resumption of talks. But indications are that they are not likely to go far in meeting ANC demands.

Plans by the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the ANC for widespread mass action are far advanced and unlikely to be changed. In the latest developments:

  • A confidential ANC document gives a first glimpse of the insurrectionary tactics it would use to topple the state. These include the disruption of post and telecommunications, the dislocation of the civil service and crippling of the national transport system. 
  • Cosatu has announced plans for a general strike, potentially of a week's duration, starting on August3.
  • Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku jetted in to South Africa yesterday and met President FW de Klerk last night.
  • United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali is to raise South Africa at the next meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
  • Proposals for the inclusion of international monitors in National Peace Accord structures are under consideration within the UN, Common ­ wealth, Organisation of African Unity and European Community.
  • A mission of three EG foreign ministers is due in South Africa before the August 3 national strike. 
  • The world Anti-Apartheid Movement is to discuss the revival of the sanctions campaign against South Africa at a conference this month.
  • Local churches are to launch a defiance campaign if the government's response is inadequate.

This article originally appeared in the Weekly Mail.