Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA)

Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA). A negotiating forum called CODESA was set up in 1991 after an agreement, the National Peace Accord, signed by the government and 18 other political organizations. Add who is at the table.

The CODESA Declaration of Intent, signed on 21 December 1991 at the first plenary meeting, established it as a standing body to facilitate the negotiating process. The United Nations, the OAU, the Commonwealth, the European Community and the Movement for Non-Aligned countries would act as observers. 

The first gathering saw “heated exchanges” between Mandela and De Klerk. Five working groups, each to report to the second CODESA plenary, were established:
• Working group 1 dealt with matters relating to the creation of a climate conducive to free and
fair elections
• Working group 2 handled constitutional principles
• Working group 3 was tasked with envisioning an interim government
• Working group 4 looked into the reincorporation of homelands
• Working group 5 was to devise a timetable for transition

De Klerk sought a mandate from the white electorate and held a referendum on 17 March, when almost 70% of white voters polled in favour of the continuation of negotiations to end white minority rule.
Agreement was reached that a multiparty transitional executive council be established that could make decisions with an 80% majority.