Emergency Period: Repression and Moves to Reform

Here are some major political developments in South Africa during the four-year state of emergency:

June 12, 1986--President Pieter W. Botha imposes the emergency amid growing black unrest that has left hundreds dead. Within days, thousands of activists are detained without trial. The African National Congress begins an urban bombing campaign.

July 1, 1986--The government repeals Pass Laws, which required blacks to have an identity document and permission to be in white areas.

Feb. 24, 1988--The government effectively bans 17 opposition groups, including the United Democratic Front, the largest legal anti-apartheid organization.

January, 1989--About 1,000 detainees go on a hunger strike demanding to be put on trial or released. Hundreds are released over a period of several weeks.

Jan. 18, 1989--President Botha suffers a stroke. Frederik W. de Klerk becomes heir apparent.

Aug. 14, 1989--After disputes with his Cabinet, Botha resigns. De Klerk assumes power.

Sept. 6, 1989--De Klerk’s National Party wins white parliamentary elections. De Klerk launches a series of reforms such as allowing peaceful demonstrations and opening segregated beaches to all races.

Oct. 15, 1989--Six ANC leaders imprisoned for more than 25 years, including Walter Sisulu, are released.

Feb. 2, 1990: De Klerk legalizes the ANC and more than 60 additional opposition groups, suspends the death penalty, eases emergency restrictions, announces that ANC leader Nelson Mandela will be released shortly.

Feb. 11--Mandela is freed after more than 27 years in prison.

May 2-4: The ANC and the government hold their first talks. They agree to work together to end violence and negotiate a new constitution that would end white domination and bring blacks into the national government.

June 7--De Klerk announces end of state of emergency except in Natal.