By Mary Mostert, Editor Michael Reagan Monthly Monitor
May 17, 1996
The Clinton administration hailed adoption of South Africa's new constitution, declaring that it was "an inspiration to the rest of the world" and "a major step in the remarkable transition of South Africa to a truly nonracial, multiparty participatory democracy."
State Department spokesman Mary Swann stated: "The commitment shown by South Africans to reject the legacy of violence and factionalism that all too often dominates such a fundamental change in government is an inspiring example to all nations. We congratulate South Africa's Government of National Unity and all South Africans on this outstanding achievement."
The only problem with that rosy comment is that ALL South Africans have NOT approved the new Constitution. Those who would like an American style system, for instance, the more than 8 million people in South Africa, more than 25% of the population, who live in KwaZulu Natal, oppose it for its Marxist philosophy and strong central government control of nearly everything and everybody in the country. Those who want an American style constitution built on the principle that the people are sovereign and that they have unalienable, God-given rights which government should not be permitted to interfere with, are not supporting it.
The ANC assassinations of political enemies, especially members of the Inkatha Freedom Party political candidates in KwaZulu Natal, are grim testimony to the fact that violence in South Africa, which has increased tenfold since Mandela's election, hardly indicate a "rejection of violence."