South African History Online

27 April 1992

There appears to be some misinterpretation over the statement I made during
an interview with Jon Qwelane, published in the Sunday Star of 26 April,
1992, particularly given the misleading headline. To dispel this I repeat what I
have said on countless occasions previously.

The ANC considers that President De Klerk has a responsibility for the
violence, through both commission and omission, in three key ways. But in no way
did I suggest that President De Klerk was directly involved in the violence
against black people.

Firstly, President De Klerk, aware that spears, knobkerries etc are weapons
of death, issued a proclamation making it legal for Zulu-speaking people only to
carry such dangerous weapons. Despite repeated discussions with him on the
question, adequate measures to control the public carrying of weapons have not
been instituted.

Secondly, last May discussions were held with President De Klerk on the
question of hostels, and agreement was reached to phase them out and make
provision for both family and single person accommodation. It was further agreed
that, in the interim, the hostels be surrounded with barbed wire. There has been
no action on either measure.

Thirdly, in a number of areas adjacent to hostels, residents have been forced
out of their homes, leaving their possessions behind. Their homes have then been
occupied by those responsible for the violence that forced them to flee. People
have identified their homes, their possessions and the illegal occupants, but
the authorities have failed to take any action.

We hope this clarifies the matter.

Nelson Mandela
President, African National Congress
27 April
1992