In August 1990, South Africa’s democratic dispensation still seemed elusive. Nelson Mandela, now freed from prison, found himself battling not only the National Party government led by President F.W. De Klerk, but also the Inkatha Freedom Party led by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
On August 24th, the government declared a State of Emergency in 27 townships, and banned the carrying of all weapons.
Simon filed this report from Johannesburg for “World Monitor”, the nighly newscast produced by The Christian Science Monitor for America’s “Discovery Channel”. It’s an interesting reminder of the societal tensions that – at the time – posed a threat to the move toward democracy.
