A* Notes on External and Internal factors affecting the National Party government in South Africa

Failures of the Bantustans

The Bantustan system, a cornerstone of South Africa's apartheid regime, was experiencing significant challenges by the late 20th century. Despite being touted as independent homelands for Black South Africans, Bantustans were heavily reliant on White South Africa for their economic sustenance, with approximately 85% of their income originating from this source. Moreover, a mere 25% of African workers actually resided within the confines of the Bantustans, casting doubt on their purported function as viable autonomous entities. These territories failed to garner international recognition, further undermining their legitimacy on the global stage. Government subsidies accounted for a substantial 17% of Bantustan GDP, indicative of their inability to achieve self-sufficiency. Even in the case of Bophuthatswana, considered the most successful Bantustan, over 65% of the population relied on employment opportunities in White South Africa. A mere 3% of the Gross National Product (GNP) derived from Bantustans, underscoring their economic insignificance in the broader context of South Africa. It is evident that the Bantustan system, as a pivotal aspect of apartheid policy, was in a state of profound decline. Its faltering health served as a harbinger of the overall instability and impending collapse of the apartheid regime.

Economic Pressure Abroad

The imposition of external sanctions on South Africa during the apartheid era had significant ramifications, as evidenced by the arms embargo unanimously backed by the United Nations in 1977. Despite this embargo, South Africa's relations with certain countries such as Taiwan and Israel led to its acquisition of arms through alternative channels, notably through the establishment of the internal market entity known as ARMSCOR. Moreover, neighboring countries maintained supportive ties with South Africa due to their dependence on imports of oil and electricity, as well as the employment of South African workers. However, the economic landscape shifted with the oil crisis of 1973 and a slump in gold prices, resulting in reduced imports and diminished economic leverage over neighboring states.

The United States took decisive action in 1986 by initiating sanctions against South Africa, exemplified by Chase Manhattan's withdrawal of loans from the country. This move precipitated a crisis of confidence and sparked a significant reduction in potential growth, leading to a staggering loss of 5 million jobs, representing a 10% decline. For South Africa, heavily reliant on a robust economy to maintain its international standing, this development proved detrimental. Notably, multinational corporations such as Kodak and Barclays, which had previously operated in South Africa, opted to withdraw from the country in response to mounting pressure from their primary markets and diminishing growth prospects within South Africa itself. The decision to sever ties reflected a strategic move to mitigate backlash and align with evolving global norms, ultimately underscoring the profound impact of external sanctions on South Africa's economic and diplomatic landscape.

Political Chaos

The Muldergate Scandal marked a pivotal moment in South African political history, challenging the perceived invincibility of the National Party (NP) and exposing the fragility of its authority. Prior to the scandal, the NP had enjoyed…