Losing Precious Momentum : Political deadlock in South Africa stalls the crucial preliminary talks

Optimism is in short supply in South Africa. A political deadlock stalls the preliminary talks necessary to pave the way for a new nonracial constitution. Violence claims black lives and fuels deadly rivalries. Mass protests harden a growing number of whites against change.

In the face of increasing internal and international pessimism, South Africa’s President Frederik W. de Klerk met Tuesday with the nation’s foremost black leader, Nelson Mandela, deputy president of the African National Congress. The two leaders renewed their commitment to “the peaceful negotiation process.” They must meet again, and again, and agree on the steps needed to start the negotiations.

Mandela seeks an interim government and a constituent assembly elected on the basis of one person-one vote before the negotiations can begin. De Klerk refuses to share power so completely before a new constitution is drafted. Common ground must be found.

The release of political prisoners is another hurdle. The white regime is willing to free prisoners accused of political offenses, and lists 600 for release. The ANC deems many offenses, including murder, as politically motivated crimes and lists more than 3,600. These sticking points must be resolved.

De Klerk deserves credit for releasing Mandela from prison, unbanning black political parties, lifting the state of emergency, eliminating several racial restrictions and inspiring other reforms during the past nine months. But the pace of progress has slowed. To regain the momentum he must reduce black and white resistance to his proposals.

Mandela must reduce resistance to negotiations from inside and outside of the ANC. Toward that end, he met recently with leaders of the Pan Africanist Congress, which shuns negotiations with the white government.

To promote black unity, Archbishop Desmond Tutu called a summit on Thursday. Mandela and most black leaders attended. But shame on Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, who leads the combative Inkatha Movement, for refusing again to meet in the interest of peace and tolerance.

In the interest of progress, every South African--black and white--must compromise.