Resistance and Extra Parliamentary Activities
Formation of the Mass Democratic Movement

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On the 24 February 1988 the UDF was banned. In response the organisation changed its name and operated as the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM). After the banning, the workers movement attracted a following. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), formed in 1985 had joined forces with the UDF. With its slogan “An injury to One is an Injury to All”, COSATU united people into boycott and other action to challenge the government.

Source S:
(Source: Images of defiance, SAHA Wits University, Historical papers)
Consumer boycott in the late 1980s.

Source T:
COSATU logo (From COSATU website)

Growing unpopularity and the realisation that a long term solution had to be found to the country’s crisis led the Government to negotiate with the recognised leader of the people, Nelson Mandela and the ANC in exile. After being transferred from Pollsmoor to Victor Verster prison in December 1988, Mandela was allowed to meet regularly with the UDF leadership and other political leaders from inside the country. In July 1989, he met with P.W. Botha.

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Learning Outcome 2: Historical concepts
The learner will be expected to have an informed understanding of key concepts as ways of analysing the past. They will be expected to understand and explain the dynamics of change in the context of power relations operating in societies. They will also be expected to compare and contrast points of view/perspectives of the past and draw their own conclusions based on evidence

Activity 9

Source and content-based questions

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