11 October 1993
...Today, we are gathered here to mark what we all hope and pray must be the last observance of the Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners, proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1976. As multi-party negotiators are proceeding with the business of setting up transitional structures in preparation for the first democratic elections, a number of prisoners are reported still to be held in connection with activities related to their opposition to the oppressive system of apartheid. We, therefore, appeal to the South African authorities to take the necessary steps for their immediate release.
While there are still numerous obstacles and dangers ahead, South Africans are now at the threshold of achieving what has been the goal of the many years of struggle and of arduous negotiations in the last couple of years. The first multi-party democratic elections are set for the 27th of April. Agreements have been reached in multi-party negotiations on a Transitional Executive Council, an Independent Electoral Commission, an Independent Media Commission and an Independent Broadcast Authority, which are the mechanisms that are expected "level the political playing field" in preparation for democratic elections. These agreements have now been enacted into law by Parliament. By the end of this month, it is expected that the Plenary of the multi-party negotiations will approve an interim constitution including a Bill of Rights and an Electoral Bill which, together with the agreements already enacted into law, will constitute a package for the transition period. The interim constitution will also be a constitutional framework for a newly elected non-racial government until a final constitution is adopted. The establishment of the Transitional Executive Council is the first step in representative government with all races in South Africa now participating in a governing body. This is an important milestone on the road to democracy and a historic victory for the people of South Africa and for members of the international community and anti-apartheid forces who have supported South Africa's struggle for freedom.
The commitment of all political leaders in South Africa is essential for the success of these transitional measures. We are encouraged to hear that bilateral meetings are going on with leaders who have suspended their parties' participation in the multi-party negotiations framework. It is recognised that the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Afrikaner Volksfront are important constituents; keeping them engaged in the political process through dialogue on their respective concerns is, therefore, an important aspect of the ongoing efforts towards a peaceful transition.
The alarming high levels of violence, including economic and political crime, continue to plague the country. Recent studies have shown growing numbers of South Africans who are too intimidated to participate in the electoral process, which is barely seven months away. Furthermore, a new study has indicated that democratic elections would, by themselves, not necessarily diminish violence and crime in South Africa. Despite widespread agreement on the principle of a national peacekeeping force, details on its implementation have so far proved problematic, delaying a final decision on its supervision and control. Yet, the shape of the proposed peacekeeping force seems to be emerging, and there are indications that it could be operational by the end of the year. With the election campaign on the way, full support for the peace structures established under the National Peace Accord is essential. The international community should be ready to respond to requests for electoral monitoring and assistance that could help build confidence and allow for the majority of South Africans to go out and exercise their right to vote. Ultimately, it is the South African people who will make the election free and fair by their courage and determination. They should, therefore, come out in their millions to vote in the first ever non-racial election in South Africa.
I believe it is time now to start looking beyond to some of the issues that will face the new government of national unity and reconstruction in May 1994. First among the post-apartheid problems will be a crisis of extremely high, and therefore difficult to fulfil, expectations. Many South Africans will expect that with the election of a new democratic government, their lives will be transformed immediately. As the example of Eastern Europe shows, restructuring a country is a slow and difficult process, and things may well get worse before they get better. It will be very difficult for the new government to deliver at the speed and on the scale expected of it.
The recent call for the lifting of economic sanctions as well as the increase in the number of discussions and forums currently taking place among South Africans and potential foreign investors, seem to indicate that the broad majority of South Africans now welcome the inflow of foreign investment into their country. With the transitional process under way, attention is now being focused on bolstering the economy that is struggling to recover from a four-year recession. The challenge that lies ahead is not only the upliftment of the day-to-day lives of impoverished South Africans, promotion of equal opportunity, protection of resources and community development, but also the building of a vibrant economy and its sustenance. Without a strong economy, the prospects for a stable new democratic government could be seriously weakened.
At this point, I would like to applaud all the people of South Africa, especially those who have actively fought for the eradication of apartheid, the liberation movements - the African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania - and all the ordinary men, women and children in townships and communities who did not give up the fight but pressed on in spite of immense difficulties in order to reach their just goals. They have been engaged in a heroic struggle that has captured the imagination of the world. And the fruits of their sacrifice are hopefully almost in sight.
The Special Committee believes it is the moral responsibility of members of the international community to maintain vigilance as developments unfold in South Africa while at the same time continuing to extend support to that country by strengthening their partnership with the people of South Africa to help eradicate the legacies of apartheid and build an equitable society so that South Africans of every colour, creed, gender and ethnic origin may share in the bounty of their land and enjoy the fruits of democracy.