Keep the Eye on the Prize : In South Africa, the enemy is apartheid; the goal is true democracy

The African National Congress has begun backing away from demands that South Africa’s president, Frederik W. de Klerk, fire his defense and law and order ministers, and end factional violence by May 9. That ultimatum and artificial deadline had threatened to halt the important interracial and interpolitical dialogue that is critical to South Africa.

Nelson Mandela, the deputy president of the ANC, issued the ultimatum last week shortly after police had shot and killed 11 black South Africans in what had been the deadliest battle between police and black demonstrators in nearly a year. ANC leaders, black ministers and international human rights advocates have long complained of overzealous police and security forces.

ANC leaders are understandably frustrated by the ethnic violence that has claimed the lives of as many as 5,000 black people in five years. In their open letter to De Klerk, the ANC again blamed the violence on collusion between the police and supporters of the Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party led by Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi. Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu has urged black leaders to resolve the violence by directing scrutiny toward blacks as well as whites who encourage violence. That, too, is a necessary step to prevent the entrenchment of chronic and retaliatory violence. And, given the level of violence, the ANC’s demand that police ban machetes, clubs and other weapons favored by Zulus in townships is absolutely legitimate.

The two prominent black political leaders, Mandela and Buthelezi, have met twice to end the violence. Their second meeting, held last month, renewed hopes internationally. But the ANC’s latest accusation of Inkatha’s collusion with the government halted that progress. Buthelezi, who is notoriously ambitious and thin-skinned, took immediate offense. The ill feelings on both sides must not shut down necessary communication.

The violence--initially Zulu against Zulu in a power struggle that began in the Natal province--spread to the townships near Johannesburg. The bloodshed--fueled by rivalries, poverty and other legacies of apartheid--has threatened international sympathies and internal progress.

Only a combined effort can stop the violence. Mandela and the ANC must continue to participate in the dialogue with the government and persuade their followers to support this course. Buthelezi must tone down his talk of civil war and other inflammatory rhetoric. De Klerk must discipline and reform security forces until they treat everyone equally regardless of ethnicity or affiliation. Peace must be given a better chance in South Africa.