Collapse of Apartheid: P.W.Botha

‘CROSSING THE RUBICON’

BOTHA’S SPEECH:

‘I believe we are today crossing the Rubicon, Mr Chairman. In South Africa there can be no turning back. I have a manifesto for the future of our country and we must engage in positive action in the months and years that lie ahead’ 

• Reform not a revolution

• SA’s problems will be solved by SA

• Inference that he will right the wrongs of apartheid

• Metaphor for Botha’s policies

CARROT - ‘REFORMIST CONCESSIONS’:

• WHAM (adapt or die)

• Divide and rule

• Constitution widening (reformation)

• …