06 | Boycott! | Homecoming

06 | Boycott! | Homecoming

From ABC Rewind by ABC Australia

April 23, 2026

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges faced by South Africa during its transition to democracy after Nelson Mandela's release from prison.

After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela is free and the anti-apartheid movement is full of hope. But as apartheid legislation is repealed and South Africa starts transitioning to democracy, not everyone is happy. Right-wing Afrikaner groups take to the streets with guns and the Zulu Inkatha Freedom Party inflicts terrible violence within the black community. There are mass killings and peace talks that keep falling apart; will the country make it across the finish line to free and fair elections? There's an entire system to dismantle and wounds to heal. There’s so much work to be done. What will the new South Africa look like?

Topics covered

  • apartheid
  • democracy
  • South Africa
  • violence
  • peace talks
  • elections

Keywords

  • Nelson Mandela
  • apartheid
  • South Africa
  • Inkatha Freedom Party
  • democracy
  • violence
  • peace talks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Inkatha Freedom Party

Places: South Africa

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