Negotiating a settlement: Reform and retrenchment for all, 1990–1994

With the recognition that neither side could win the war – and with Namibia’s independence being ushered in the year before – De Klerk’s new government and the ANC began to negotiate a settlement. On 7 August 1990, the ANC suspended its armed struggle, following its unbanning – alongside that of the SACP and the PAC – by De Klerk on 2 February 1990, and the release of Nelson Mandela and all other political prisoners nine days later.1 The end of apartheid would – in many senses – be brought about by the intelligence services of both sides.