Page 115 - SARB: 100-Year Journey

The apartheid effect
1985
President P W Botha delivers his infamous ‘Rubicon’ speech, effectively rebuffing pressure to effect political reform, and doubles down on detractors, declaring apartheid official policy.
1980s
Labour unions take up the cudgels for the political struggle, filling the gap left by political formations forced into exile by their banning. Strikes become the norm.
1987
Members of the National Union of Mineworkers go on strike for higher wages, safer working conditions and in protest against the migrant labour system. The strike, which was often violent, persisted for three weeks before it was called off.
Within white politics, the writing was on the wall. Facing international isolation and economic ruin, elements within the National Party, government and big business began to seek ways towards a negotiated settlement.
President P W Botha giving a speech in Johannesburg on 4 August 1985. /Media 24 Archives/Gallo Images via Getty Images
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