| | An analysis of the 1983 constitutional reforms in SA. The tri-cameral parliament and various local structures introduced under these reforms excited fierce resistance from whites, producing a split within the National Party and the creation of the Conservative Party in 1982. Among blacks some elements of the Indian and 'Coloured' petty bourgeoisie were keen to collaborate in the reforms. Opposition surfaced equally quickly, however, initially through organisations such as SASO (South African Students Organisation) and NIC (Natal Indian Congress). The reforms also created space for new political campaigns and thus saw the emergence of two national coalitions of civic groups and progressive trade unions, the UDF (United Democratic Front) and the National Forum. |
