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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Bophuthatswana: from 'independence' to regionalism
Authors:Daphne, Paul
De Clercq, Francine
Year:1992
Periodical:South African Review - SARS
Issue:6
Pages:128-140
Language:English
Geographic terms:South Africa
Bophuthatswana
Subjects:nation building
national liberation movements
peace negotiations
Abstract:Bophuthatswana's initial reaction to the crumbling of the apartheid policy framework under way since February 1990 was one of defiance, with President Mangope asserting that 'Bophuthatswana (Bop) will be independent one hundred years from now'. Major internal and external pressures have, however, forced the Bop administration to reconsider this untenable position, and the end of 1991 saw a move towards engaging in the negotiation process and participating in Codesa. At the same time, the Mangope regime has in fact been busy forging an alliance with white right-wing groups in South Africa in order to defend their interests when reincorporation takes place. In March 1991 the Bop government convened a regional conference with neighbouring white interest groups to discuss cooperation and a regional alliance. In June 1991 Mangope's Bophuthatswana Democratic Party (BDP) opened its door to residents of South African black townships, and black councillors in particular, in the Northern Cape/Western Transvaal region. Meanwhile, Mangope prevents the ANC and COSATU from organizing in Bop. Capital's interests do not appear tied to perpetuating the Mangope regime, while Pretoria remains cautious about the Bop government. Mangope's move towards a regional alliance and his participation in Codesa place Bophuthatswana more comfortably within a national context alongside other groupings which want to consolidate their apartheid power bases and minority privileges under the guise of regionalism. Notes, ref.
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