Peacemaking and Peacebuilding in South Africa: The National Peace Accord, 1991-1994

The National Peace Accord (NPA) was signed in South Africa in 1991, bringing an end to the Apartheid era and signaling the transition to democracy. This book provides an assessment and in-depth account of the NPA, its implementation, and its implications for peace mediation and conflict resolution. The NPA mobilized the silent majority and gave peace an unprecedented grassroots identity and legitimacy. It was formulated by political representatives, with Church and business facilitators, and ended the political impasse. The author examines the work of the Goldstone Commission, the role of international observers, and the work of the peace structures set up to implement the Accord. This book will be essential reading for scholars, students, and others interested in South Africa's post-Apartheid history, as well as government agencies and NGOs involved in peacemaking globally.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 518 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: James Currey

The National Peace Accord (NPA) was a historic milestone in South Africa's journey towards a peaceful and democratic future, marking the end of the Apartheid era and the beginning of a new era of reconciliation and cooperation. Signed on 14 September 1991 by the ANC Alliance, the Government, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and a wide range of other political and labor organizations, the NPA laid the foundation for a united, non-racial democratic South Africa.

The NPA encompassed a comprehensive set of measures aimed at promoting peace and conflict resolution. It included codes of conduct for political organizations and the police, the establishment of national, regional, and local peace structures, the investigation and prevention of violence, peace monitoring, socio-economic reconstruction, and peacebuilding.

One of the key achievements of the NPA was the mobilization of the silent majority, who had previously been marginalized and excluded from the political process. The National Peace Campaign, set up under the NPA, brought together people from different backgrounds and ideologies to work towards a common goal of peace and democracy. This grassroots movement gave peace an unprecedented identity and legitimacy, and played a crucial role in shaping the country's transition to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The formulation of the NPA was a complex and multifaceted process that involved political representatives, Church and business facilitators, and international observers from the United Nations, the European Union, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of African Unity. The process was marked by intense negotiations and compromises, but ultimately led to the signing of the accord, which ended the political impasse and paved the way for the constitutional talks (Codesa) to begin.

The Goldstone Commission, established under the NPA, played a significant role in prefiguring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which was later established to investigate the human rights abuses committed during the Apartheid era. The Goldstone Commission's report, released in 1996, provided a comprehensive account of the atrocities committed and recommended that those responsible be held accountable for their actions.

The role of international observers from these organizations was also crucial in ensuring that the NPA was implemented in a fair and transparent manner. The presence of these observers helped to build confidence in the process and facilitated the peaceful transfer of power from the Apartheid regime to the new democratic government.

In conclusion, the National Peace Accord was a pivotal moment in South Africa's history, marking the end of a long and painful struggle for freedom and equality. The NPA's comprehensive set of measures and the mobilization of the silent majority laid the foundation for a peaceful and democratic South Africa, and its legacy continues to inspire and shape the country's political and social landscape today.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847013682