18 January 1989Health CrisisPieter Willem Botha
Temporarily steps back from presidential duties during recovery.
Historical records for South Africa in 1989, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Temporarily steps back from presidential duties during recovery.
Suffers a stroke that weakens his political position.
Announces the lifting of the ban on the ANC during the opening of Parliament
President de Klerk announces his intention to lift the ANC ban
Announces the intention to release Nelson Mandela during the opening of Parliament
Positions himself to succeed Botha as head of government.
Announces the lifting of the ban on the Communist Party
F W de Klerk subsequently succeeds him as party leader.
Is chosen National Party leader after P W Botha resigns.
Resigns as National Party leader after his stroke.
Nelson Mandela is released from prison
Released from the Victor Verster prison after 27 years
Mandela is released from prison
Appointed Deputy President of the African National Congress
Meets imprisoned Nelson Mandela at Tuynhuys.
The meeting signals growing contact between government and Mandela.
Wins an election to offer representation for all elements of the population
Wins an election to offer representation for all elements of the population
Appointed President of South Africa
Begins the presidency that leads into constitutional negotiations.
Is inaugurated as State President at the Union Buildings.
Innaugarated as President of South Africa
de Klerk announces the release of Mandela
de Klerk announces the release of Mandela
de Klerk announces the release of Sisulu
The Commonwealth supports sanctions against South Africa, ossinly Britain is opposed. The Commonwealth supports sanctions against South Africa, only Britain is opposed
The Commonwealth supports sanctions against South Africa, only Britain is opposed
The Commonwealth supports sanctions against South Africa, ossinly Britain is opposed
Abu Baker Aswat, a Soweto doctor, is killed, Thulani Dlamini is later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison, in 1997 Dlamini testifies in that Winnie Madikizela Mandela paid him for the murder
Declares the Government must remove troops from the townships. Declares the Government must release political prisoners. Declares the Government must lift bans on political parties. Declares the Government must end the State of Emergency
Legalizes mass demonstrations for the first time since 1976
Resigns the party leadership & presidency after suffering a stroke
South Africa gives up control of South West Africa
States the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act will be repealed. Opens South African beaches to all races
Legalizes mass demonstrations for the first time since 1976
Replaces Botha as Party Leader of the South Africa National Party
The ANC formulate a "5yr plan" for "group rights". No racial group should have precedence
Declares the Government must lift bans on political parties
Appointed interim President following the illness of President Botha
States the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act will be repealed. Opens South African beaches to all races
The ANC formulate a "5yr plan" for "group rights"
Resigns the party leadership & presidency after suffering a stroke
Declares the Government must end the State of Emergency
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