On 2 February 1990, State President F.W. de Klerk delivered a historic speech in Parliament in Cape Town, announcing that the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) would no longer be banned. He also announced that Nelson Mandela, who had spent 27 years in prison, would be released unconditionally.
The announcement marked a turning point in South Africa’s history. It signalled the beginning of the formal dismantling of apartheid and opened the way for negotiations that would eventually lead to the country’s first democratic elections in April 1994.
Nine days after the announcement, on 11 February 1990, Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison near Paarl. His release became one of the defining moments of South Africa’s transition to democracy.
Key Facts About the 2 February 1990 Speech
- Date: 2 February 1990
- Venue: Parliament, Cape Town
- Speaker: F.W. de Klerk, State President of South Africa
- Organisations unbanned: ANC, PAC, SACP and several associated organisations
- Major announcement: Nelson Mandela would be released unconditionally
- Other measures: Suspension of executions, release of political prisoners and the lifting of restrictions on various organisations
- Mandela’s release: 11 February 1990
- Historical significance: Opened the way for negotiations towards a democratic South Africa
What Did F.W. de Klerk Announce on 2 February 1990?
De Klerk made the announcements during his opening address to Parliament for the 1990 parliamentary session.
The decision to unban the ANC and PAC was particularly significant. Both organisations had been prohibited since 1960, following the Sharpeville massacre and the government’s subsequent crackdown on anti-apartheid movements. The SACP had been banned since 1950.
The unbanning lifted a major legal barrier that had prevented these organisations from operating openly inside South Africa.
In addition to lifting the bans, De Klerk announced several important measures:
- A suspension of executions while the death penalty was reviewed.
- The release of political prisoners.
- The lifting of restrictions on 33 organisations, according to the SABC Truth and Reconciliation Commission archive.
- A commitment to begin negotiations aimed at ending apartheid and establishing a political system based on equal rights and universal voting rights.
These announcements represented a major departure from the apartheid government’s previous policy of suppressing organised opposition.
De Klerk’s Promise to Release Nelson Mandela
One of the most significant moments in De Klerk’s speech was his announcement that Nelson Mandela would be released from prison.
Mandela had been imprisoned since 1962 and was serving a life sentence following his conviction in the Rivonia Trial in 1964. By February 1990, he had spent 27 years behind bars.
Addressing Parliament, De Klerk stated:
“I wish to put it plainly that the government has taken a firm decision to release Mr. Mandela unconditionally.”
Although De Klerk did not provide a specific release date in his speech, the announcement ended years of uncertainty surrounding Mandela’s future.
On 11 February 1990, Mandela walked out of Victor Verster Prison, accompanied by his then-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He later addressed thousands of supporters from the steps of Cape Town City Hall.
His release became an international symbol of the struggle against apartheid and the beginning of a new political era in South Africa.
Events Leading Up to the Historic Announcement
The decision to unban liberation movements did not happen overnight. It followed years of political resistance, growing international pressure, economic difficulties and changing circumstances within South Africa and the wider international community.
Several important developments contributed to the events of 2 February 1990.
1983: Formation of the United Democratic Front
The United Democratic Front (UDF) was established, bringing together hundreds of anti-apartheid organisations, community groups, churches and trade unions. It became an important force in the internal resistance movement.
1985: State of Emergency
The apartheid government declared a state of emergency amid escalating political unrest and resistance in townships across the country. Despite increased security measures and repression, opposition to apartheid continued to grow.
18 January 1989: P.W. Botha Resigns as National Party Leader
P.W. Botha, who had suffered a stroke, resigned as leader of the National Party, creating uncertainty about the country’s political leadership.
2 February 1989: De Klerk Becomes National Party Leader
F.W. de Klerk succeeded Botha as leader of the National Party, positioning himself to become the country’s next State President.
August 1989: Adoption of the Harare Declaration
The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) adopted the Harare Declaration, which outlined a framework for negotiations and a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. The Commonwealth adopted the declaration in October 1991.
October 1989: Release of Walter Sisulu and Other Political Prisoners
De Klerk met leaders of the Mass Democratic Movement and released Walter Sisulu and several other Rivonia Trialists. Nelson Mandela, however, remained in prison.
9 November 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a major turning point in international politics and the decline of the Cold War. The changing global political environment also influenced the circumstances surrounding negotiations in South Africa.
By the time De Klerk delivered his historic address, he had been State President for approximately five months.
Reaction to De Klerk’s Speech
The announcement prompted immediate and sharply divided reactions across South Africa.
While many anti-apartheid activists and supporters celebrated the decision, conservative political groups strongly opposed it.
Members of the Conservative Party walked out of Parliament, accusing De Klerk of betraying white South Africans and abandoning apartheid policies.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu welcomed the announcement, reportedly saying that De Klerk had “taken my breath away”.
Jay Naidoo, then General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), described the reaction among supporters of the liberation movement as one of overwhelming excitement.
“We exploded with joy, I mean it was a significant movement forward,” he said.
Celebrations broke out in towns and cities across the country. In Cape Town, crowds gathered and waved ANC flags. In Johannesburg, however, police used tear gas and batons to disperse marching crowds.
The contrasting reactions reflected the deep political divisions that continued to characterise South African society.
What Happened After the ANC Was Unbanned?
The events of 2 February 1990 set in motion a series of political developments that transformed South Africa.
Mandela’s release was followed by negotiations between the apartheid government and the liberation movements. These discussions gradually established the foundations for a democratic political settlement.
Important milestones included:
- 11 February 1990: Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison and addressed a crowd of approximately 50,000 people from the steps of Cape Town City Hall.
- 19 February 1990: Mandela received his first South African passport.
- 2 April 1990: The ANC elected Mandela as its Deputy President.
- 4 May 1990: The government and the ANC signed the Groote Schuur Minute, committing themselves to addressing obstacles to negotiations and pursuing a peaceful political process.
- 6 August 1990: The Pretoria Minute was signed, with the ANC agreeing to suspend its armed struggle.
- 13 December 1990: Oliver Tambo returned to South Africa after approximately 30 years in exile.
- 17 March 1992: White South African voters overwhelmingly supported the continuation of negotiations in a referendum, with approximately 68% voting in favour.
- 1993: Agreement was reached on an interim Constitution to prepare the country for democratic elections.
- 27 April 1994: South Africa held its first democratic elections, allowing citizens of all races to vote.
Despite these significant developments, the transition was not peaceful throughout. Political violence continued during the negotiations, claiming thousands of lives and threatening the country’s move towards democracy.
Nevertheless, the negotiation process ultimately resulted in the establishment of a democratic political system.
The Historical Significance of 2 February 1990
De Klerk’s announcement on 2 February 1990 remains one of the most important milestones in South African history.
By unbanning the ANC, PAC and SACP, the government effectively opened the door for previously prohibited political organisations to participate openly in negotiations about the country’s future.
The announcement also changed the political status of Nelson Mandela, whose release became a powerful symbol of the collapse of apartheid’s political order.
Although the speech did not immediately end apartheid, it marked the beginning of a formal process that would eventually bring the apartheid system to an end.
The negotiations that followed were difficult and often accompanied by violence, political disagreements and uncertainty. However, they culminated in the historic democratic elections of 27 April 1994, when South Africans of all races voted together for the first time.
For this reason, 2 February 1990 is remembered as the day South Africa took a decisive step towards democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did F.W. de Klerk unban the ANC?
F.W. de Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC on 2 February 1990 during his opening address to Parliament in Cape Town.
Which political organisations were unbanned?
The main organisations were the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), together with several associated organisations.
Was Nelson Mandela released on 2 February 1990?
No. De Klerk announced that Mandela would be released unconditionally on 2 February 1990. Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison nine days later, on 11 February 1990.
How long had the ANC been banned?
The ANC had been banned since 1960, meaning it had been prohibited for approximately 30 years before De Klerk’s announcement.
Why was 2 February 1990 important?
The date marked the unbanning of major anti-apartheid organisations, the announcement of Mandela’s impending release and the beginning of formal negotiations towards ending apartheid.
Where did De Klerk make the announcement?
He made the announcement in Parliament in Cape Town during the opening of the 1990 parliamentary session.
When did South Africa hold its first democratic election?
South Africa held its first democratic, non-racial national election on 27 April 1994. The election resulted in Nelson Mandela becoming the country’s first democratically elected president.
Sources and Further Reading
- Nelson Mandela Foundation – Organisations Unbanned
- South African History Online – Nelson Mandela Timeline: 1990–1999
- SABC Truth and Reconciliation Commission Archive – Unbanning
- The Conversation – F.W. de Klerk made a speech 30 years ago that ended apartheid: Why he did it
- Voice of America – Two Decades Since De Klerk Announced Release of Mandela
- Wikipedia – Speech at the Opening of the Parliament of South Africa, 1990
