South Africa 1960–1994: The People and the State (J410/05) - The collapse of apartheid c.1980s–1994 — OCR GCSE History
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South Africa 1960–1994: The People and the State (J410/05) - The collapse of apartheid c.1980s–1994 explained
This topic explains how apartheid collapsed between the 1980s and 1994.
Read the full explanation
Pressure on the regime grew through international sanctions and through the United Democratic Front, a broad coalition that coordinated mass resistance. The growth of Inkatha under Buthelezi contributed to violent 'civil war' that harmed Black communities. Many opposed the 1983 constitution, which excluded Black South Africans from the new parliament. The State of Emergency of 1985–1990 showed the regime's repression. Divisions grew within the National Party, and 'total strategy' failed, including after the defeat at Cuito Cuanavale. Leading figures such as FW de Klerk, Ramaphosa and Mandela shaped negotiations between the government and the ANC. The ANC, Pan African Congress and South African Communist Party were unbanned, leading to the first free elections in 1994.
Your focus
- Identify the main pressures on the apartheid regime in the 1980s.
- Explain the roles of leading figures in negotiations.
- Describe the steps leading to the first free elections in 1994.
South Africa 1960–1994: The People and the State (J410/05) - The collapse of apartheid c.1980s–1994 exam tips
Marking Points
- Explains how sanctions and the United Democratic Front increased pressure on the regime.
- Describes the growth of Inkatha and the 'civil war' that affected Black communities.
- Identifies opposition to the 1983 constitution and the State of Emergency 1985–1990 as signs of crisis.
- Explains the failure of 'total strategy', including the impact of the defeat at Cuito Cuanavale.
- Links the roles of de Klerk, Ramaphosa and Mandela to negotiations and the unbanning of the ANC, PAC and SACP.
- Identifies the first free elections in 1994 as the outcome of the collapse of apartheid.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Match each option to the correct organisation, date or figure before choosing.
- 💡Eliminate options that misstate the year of an event such as the 1994 elections.
- 💡Check that the chosen option explains pressure on the regime or a step towards its collapse.
Common Mistakes
- Confuses the United Democratic Front with the ANC; keep them as distinct organisations.
- Places the first free elections in the wrong year; state 1994 accurately.
- Treats the State of Emergency as ending in 1985; give the range 1985–1990.