Mandela and
the dawn of
democracy
The 1990s
O
n 2 February 1990 the most famous political prisoner on the planet walked free.
The world and the majority of South Africans rejoiced at Nelson Mandela’s return
from Victor Verster Prison (and, before that, Pollsmoor Prison and Robben Island).
His people and the world gave him an ecstatic welcome.
Other prominent prisoners and detainees were also released. Banned political parties
— notably the ANC, the PAC and the Black Consciousness Movement of Azania – were
unbanned. The state of emergency was lifted and the first moves were made towards a
negotiated constitution through the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA).
Also in 1990, SEIFSA and industry trade unions reported progress in helping black employees
to buy houses. The rules of the Metal Industries Group Pension Fund were amended to
allow members to pledge pension contributions as security for home loans.
In a climate of tough economic conditions, escalating retrenchments and employer-union
confrontation, NUMSA held a controversial strike ballot. On 31 July 1992 the industry’s
last big national strike of the century began. By the following week, some 80 000 NUMSA
members were on a strike that would last a month.
Recessionary conditions in the following year saw employment in the industry drop to well
below 300 000. But in a significant pointer to better industrial relations, SEIFSA and NUMSA
agreed to investigate a long-term strategy to promote stability, skills and productivity in the
industry, and thus move towards making it world class.
In 1994 – the year of South Africa’s democracy – SEIFSA urged managements to promote
the election process and a mood of confidence through programmes to educate and
register employees as voters. The historic election day turnout swept the ANC and its
Cosatu and SA Communist Party allies to an overwhelming victory, and Nelson Mandela to
the Presidency. In the ensuing years, Mandela’s adroit reconciliation skills were to astonish
friend and foe – and he and the man who had ordered his release, former President FW de
Klerk, shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.
Through David Carson, then Director of SEIFSA’s Industrial Relations Division, the
Federation submitted a report to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, covering
events and developments affecting the industry and the organisation from 196 0 to 1994.
David Carson
SEIFSA Executive Director: 2009 - 2013
SEIFSA AT 75 - SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE
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