Different Directions Witnessed in South African March

The article explores the historical significance of the last mass march by the white population in South Africa, which took place in 1990. The rally attracted more than 20,000 participants who came out to protest against the release of former President Nelson Mandela, with a similar objection demonstrated against FW de Klerk’s political maneuvers. The demonstration was considered a milestone as it showcased the resistance to change among a portion of South Africa’s white minority at the time.

The 1990 march was triggered by the imminent release of Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid revolutionary political leader who was imprisoned for 27 years. During his sentence, Mandela became an emblem of courage and defiance against the racially discriminatory ruling regime. His looming freedom signified a pivotal turning point, stoking fear and opposition amongst a section of the white population who feared his influence and the potential shake-up of the status-quo.

Simultaneously, there were public disapprovals against FW de Klerk, who served as the state president during the crucial transition period of South African politics. De Klerk, despite being a member of the National Party that engineered and upheld apartheid, initiated reforms to end racial segregation. His unexpected stance against apartheid and his efforts to open negotiations with black political groups sparked dissension among white hard-liners.

The march underscored the tensions and deep divisions that permeated South African society at the time, hinting at the resistance to racial equality and political transformation. The white minority, who had benefited from the apartheid system, feared a seismic shift in their societal and political positions. Their resistance stemmed from the apprehension that Mandela’s release and de Klerk’s political actions would redefine the future of South Africa, potentially to their disadvantage.

In retrospect, the 1990 whites’ march is a significant historical event as it encapsulates the collective apprehension of change during a decisive moment in South African history. The march embodies the societal division that apartheid left behind, showcasing the forces of resistance at play during the tumultuous transition towards democracy. Today, as South Africa continues to grapple with racial and socio-political disparities, this historical event sheds light on the roots of current tensions.