February 2
De Klerk Unbans ANC, Paving Way for Mandela Release
Summary
South Africa had endured decades of apartheid rule enforcing racial segregation and suppressing opposition groups like the African National Congress. President F.W. de Klerk, who assumed office in 1989 amid growing international pressure and domestic unrest, recognized the need for reform. On February 2, 1990, in a landmark address to Parliament, de Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC and other organizations, the release of political prisoners including Nelson Mandela, and the lifting of restrictions on anti-apartheid activities. The speech signaled the beginning of negotiations to dismantle the apartheid system. Mandela walked free nine days later after 27 years in prison.
Why It Matters
De Klerk's announcement initiated the formal end of apartheid, leading to multiracial elections in 1994 and the establishment of a democratic South Africa under Mandela's presidency. It transformed the country's international standing, ending sanctions and isolation while inspiring global movements against racial injustice. The transition avoided widespread civil war and set a model for negotiated political change in divided societies.
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Free Speech Atlas: De Klerk Unbans ANC, Paving Way for Mandela Release connects to speech, publishing, press freedom, or censorship history.
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Sources
- On This Day in History – February 2, Time and Date AS. Accessed 2026-07-08.
- February 2, Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed 2026-07-08.