Pretoria Minute
Export agreement coding (PDF)Country/entity
South AfricaRegion
Africa (excl MENA)Agreement name
Pretoria MinuteDate
6 Aug 1990Agreement status
Multiparty signed/agreedInterim arrangement
YesAgreement/conflict level
Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( )Stage
Pre-negotiation/processConflict nature
GovernmentPeace process
South Africa peace processParties
SAG, ANCThird parties
-Description
Agreement establishing guidelines for prisoner release and amnesty established by the Groot Schuur working group (appended); Parties task working group to agree an implementation plan. The ANC agrees to a ceasefire.
Agreement document
Groups
- Children/youth
No specific mention.
- Disabled persons
No specific mention.
- Elderly/age
No specific mention.
- Migrant workers
No specific mention.
- Racial/ethnic/national group
No specific mention.
- Religious groups
No specific mention.
- Indigenous people
No specific mention.
- Other groups
No specific mention.
- Refugees/displaced persons
No specific mention.
- Social class
No specific mention.
Gender
- Women, girls and gender
No specific mention.
- Men and boys
No specific mention.
- LGBTI
No specific mention.
- Family
No specific mention.
State definition
- Nature of state (general)
No specific mention.
- State configuration
No specific mention.
- Self determination
No specific mention.
- Referendum
No specific mention.
- State symbols
No specific mention.
- Independence/secession
No specific mention.
- Accession/unification
No specific mention.
- Border delimitation
No specific mention.
- Cross-border provision
No specific mention.
Governance
- Political institutions (new or reformed)
No specific mention.
- Elections
No specific mention.
- Electoral commission
No specific mention.
- Political parties reform
No specific mention.
- Civil societyPage 2,
5. With due cognisance of the interest, role and involvement of other parties the delegations consider it necessary that whatever additional mechanisms of communication are needed should be developed at local, regional and national levels. This should enable public grievances to be addressed peacefully and in good time, avoiding conflict. - Traditional/religious leaders
No specific mention.
- Public administration
No specific mention.
- ConstitutionGovernance→Constitution→Constitutional reform/makingPage 3,
9. Against this background, the way is now open to proceed towards negotiations on a new constitution. Exploratory talks in this regard will be held before the next meeting which will be held soon.
Power sharing
- Political power sharing
No specific mention.
- Territorial power sharing
No specific mention.
- Economic power sharing
No specific mention.
- Military power sharing
No specific mention.
Human rights and equality
- Human rights/RoL general
No specific mention.
- Bill of rights/similar
No specific mention.
- Treaty incorporation
No specific mention.
- Civil and political rights
No specific mention.
- Socio-economic rights
No specific mention.
Rights related issues
- Citizenship
No specific mention.
- Democracy
No specific mention.
- Detention procedures
No specific mention.
- Media and communicationRights related issues→Media and communication→Media rolesPage 2,
5. With due cognisance of the interest, role and involvement of other parties the delegations consider it necessary that whatever additional mechanisms of communication are needed should be developed at local, regional and national levels. This should enable public grievances to be addressed peacefully and in good time, avoiding conflict.
Page 2,
7. In view of the new circumstances now emerging there will be an ongoing review of security legislation. The Government will give immediate consideration to repealing all provisions of the Internal Security Act that -
... (c) provide for a prohibition on the publication of statements or writings of certain persons; and
(d) provide for an amount to be deposited before a newspaper may be registered. - Mobility/access
No specific mention.
- Protection measures
No specific mention.
- Other
No specific mention.
Rights institutions
- NHRI
No specific mention.
- Regional or international human rights institutions
No specific mention.
Justice sector reform
- Criminal justice and emergency lawJustice sector reform→Criminal justice and emergency law→Reform to specific lawsPage 2,
7. In view of the new circumstances now emerging there will be an ongoing review of security legislation. The Government will give immediate consideration to repealing all provisions of the Internal Security Act that -
(a) refer to communism or the furthering thereof;
(b) provide for a consolidated list;
(c) provide for a prohibition on the publication of statements or writings of certain persons; and
(d) provide for an amount to be deposited before a newspaper may be registered.
The Government will continue reviewing security legislation and its application in order to ensure free political activity and with the view to introducing amended legislation at the next session of Parliament. The Minister of Justice will issue a statement in this regard, inter alia calling for comments and proposals. - State of emergency provisionsPage 2, 6. The Government has undertaken to consider the lifting of the State of emergency in Natal as early as possible in the light of positive consequences that should result from this accord.
- Judiciary and courts
No specific mention.
- Prisons and detention
No specific mention.
- Traditional Laws
No specific mention.
Socio-economic reconstruction
- Development or socio-economic reconstruction
No specific mention.
- National economic plan
No specific mention.
- Natural resources
No specific mention.
- International funds
No specific mention.
- Business
No specific mention.
- Taxation
No specific mention.
- Banks
No specific mention.
Land, property and environment
- Land reform/rights
No specific mention.
- Pastoralist/nomadism rights
No specific mention.
- Cultural heritage
No specific mention.
- Environment
No specific mention.
- Water or riparian rights or access
No specific mention.
Security sector
- Security GuaranteesPage 1,
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as amended, was accepted by both parties. The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed. The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August. The following target dates have in the meantime been agreed upon:
- The body or bodies referred to in paragraph 8.2 of the Report of the Working Group will be constituted by 31 August 1990.
- further release of prisoners which can be dealt with administratively will start on 1 September 1990.
- Indemnity which can be dealt with in categories of persons and not on an individual basis will be granted as from 1 October 1990. This process will be completed not later than the end of 1990.
- In all cases where the body or bodies to be constituted according to paragraph 8.2 of the Report of the Working Group will have to consider cases on an individual basis, the process will be expedited as much as possible. It is hoped that this process will be completed within six months, but the latest date envisaged for the completion of the total task in terms of the Report of the Working Group is not later than 30 April 1991.
Page 2,
4. Both delegations expressed serious concern about the general level of violence, intimidation and unrest in the country especially in Natal. They agreed that in the context of the common search for peace and stability, it was vital that understanding should grow among all sections of the South African population that problems can and should be solved through negotiations. Both parties committed themselves to undertake steps and measures to promote and expedite the normalisation of the situation in line with the spirit of mutual trust obtaining among the leaders involved.
Page 2,
5. With due cognisance of the interest, role and involvement of other parties the delegations consider it necessary that whatever additional mechanisms of communication are needed should be developed at local, regional and national levels. This should enable public grievances to be addressed peacefully and in good time, avoiding conflict.
Page 2,
6. The Government has undertaken to consider the lifting of the State of Emergency in Natal as early as possible in the light of positive consequences that should result from this accord.
Page 2,
7. In view of the new circumstances now emerging there will be an ongoing review of security legislation. The Government will give immediate consideration to repealing all provisions of the Internal Security Act that -
(a) refer to communism or the furthering thereof;
(b) provide for a consolidated list;
(c) provide for a prohibition on the publication of statements or writings of certain persons; and
(d) provide for an amount to be deposited before a newspaper may be registered.
The Government will continue reviewing security legislation and its application in order to ensure free political activity and with the view to introducing amended legislation at the next session of Parliament. The Minister of Justice will issue a statement in this regard, inter alia calling for comments and proposals.
Page 3,
8. We are convinced that what we have agreed upon today can become a milestone on the road to true peace and prosperity for our country. In this we do not pretend to be the only parties involved in the process of shaping the new South Africa. We know there are other parties committed to peaceful progress. All of us can henceforth walk that road in consultation and cooperation with each other. We call upon all those who have not yet committed themselves to peaceful negotiations to do so now. - CeasefireSecurity sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provisionPage 1,
3. In the interest of moving as speedily as possible towards a negotiated peaceful political settlement and in the context of the agreements reached, the ANC announced that it was now suspending all armed actions with immediate effect. As a result of this, no further armed actions and related activities by the ANC and its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe will take place. It was agreed that a working group will be established to resolve all outstanding questions arising out of this decision to report by 15 September 1990. Both sides once more committed themselves to do everything in their power to bring about a peaceful solution as quickly as possible. - Police
No specific mention.
- Armed forces
No specific mention.
- DDR
No specific mention.
- Intelligence services
No specific mention.
- Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forcesPage 1,
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as amended, was accepted by both parties. The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed. The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August. The following target dates have in the meantime been agreed upon:
... - Indemnity which can be dealt with in categories of persons and not on an individual basis will be granted as from 1 October 1990. This process will be completed not later than the end of 1990.
Page 1,
3. In the interest of moving as speedily as possible towards a negotiated peaceful political settlement and in the context of the agreements reached, the ANC announced that it was now suspending all armed actions with immediate effect. As a result of this, no further armed actions and related activities by the ANC and its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe will take place. It was agreed that a working group will be established to resolve all outstanding questions arising out of this decision to report by 15 September 1990. Both sides once more committed themselves to do everything in their power to bring about a peaceful solution as quickly as possible. - Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
- Corruption
No specific mention.
- Crime/organised crime
No specific mention.
- Drugs
No specific mention.
- Terrorism
No specific mention.
Transitional justice
- Transitional justice general
No specific mention.
- Amnesty/pardonTransitional justice→Amnesty/pardon→Amnesty/pardon properPage 1,
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as amended, was accepted by both parties. The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed. The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August.
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as
amended, was accepted by both parties. The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed. The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August. The following target dates have in the meantime been agreed upon:
. . .
Indemnity which can be dealt with in categories of persons and not on an individual basis will be granted as from 1 October 1990. This process will be
completed not later than the end of 1990. - Courts
No specific mention.
- Mechanism
No specific mention.
- Prisoner releasePage 1,
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as amended, was accepted by both parties. The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed. The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August.
... - The further release of prisoners which can be dealt with administratively will start on 1 September 1990. - Vetting
No specific mention.
- Victims
No specific mention.
- Missing persons
No specific mention.
- ReparationsTransitional justice→Reparations→Material reparationsPage 1,
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as amended, was accepted by both parties. The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed. The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August.
... - Indemnity which can be dealt with in categories of persons and not on an individual basis will be granted as from 1 October 1990. This process will be completed not later than the end of 1990. - ReconciliationPage 2,
4. Both delegations expressed serious concern about the general level of violence, intimidation and unrest in the country especially in Natal. They agreed that in the context of the common search for peace and stability, it was vital that understanding should grow among all sections of the South African population that problems can and should be solved through negotiations. Both parties committed themselves to undertake steps and measures to promote and expedite the normalisation of the situation in line with the spirit of mutual trust obtaining among the leaders involved.
Implementation
- UN signatory
No specific mention.
- Other international signatory
No specific mention.
- Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
- International mission/force/similar
No specific mention.
- Enforcement mechanism
No specific mention.
- Related cases
No specific mention.
- SourceOriginally sourced from the ANC website: www.anc.org.za [no longer available from source].
Also available from UN Peacemaker: https://peacemaker.un.org/southafrica-pretoria-minute1990
Pretoria Minute
Pretoria, 6 August 1990
The government and the ANC have held discussions at the Presidency, Pretoria, today 6 August 1990.
1. The Government and the ANC have again committed themselves to the Groote Schuur Minute.
2. The final report of the Working Group on political offences dated 21 May 1990, as amended, was accepted by both parties.
The guidelines to be formulated in terms of the Report will be applied in dealing with members of all organisations, groupings or institutions, governmental or otherwise, who committed offences on the assumption that a particular cause was being served or opposed.
The meeting has instructed the Working Group to draw up a plan for the release of ANC-related prisoners and the granting of indemnity to people in a phased manner and to report before the end of August.
The following target dates have in the meantime been agreed upon:
The body or bodies referred to in paragraph 8.2 of the Report of the Working Group will be constituted by 31 August 1990.
The further release of prisoners which can be dealt with administratively will start on 1 September 1990.
Indemnity which can be dealt with in categories of persons and not on an individual basis will be granted as from 1 October 1990.
This process will be completed not later than the end of 1990.
In all cases where the body or bodies to be constituted according to paragraph 8.2 of the Report of the Working Group will have to consider cases on an individual basis, the process will be expedited as much as possible.
It is hoped that this process will be completed within six months, but the latest date envisaged for the completion of the total task in terms of the Report of the Working Group is not later than 30 April 1991.
This programme will be implemented on the basis of the Report of the Working Group.
3. In the interest of moving as speedily as possible towards a negotiated peaceful political settlement and in the context of the agreements reached, the ANC announced that it was now suspending all armed actions with immediate effect.
As a result of this, no further armed actions and related activities by the ANC and its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe will take place.
It was agreed that a working group will be established to resolve all outstanding questions arising out of this decision to report by 15 September 1990.
Both sides once more committed themselves to do everything in their power to bring about a peaceful solution as quickly as possible.
4. Both delegations expressed serious concern about the general level of violence, intimidation and unrest in the country especially in Natal.
They agreed that in the context of the common search for peace and stability, it was vital that understanding should grow among all sections of the South African population that problems can and should be solved through negotiations.
Both parties committed themselves to undertake steps and measures to promote and expedite the normalisation of the situation in line with the spirit of mutual trust obtaining among the leaders involved.
5. With due cognisance of the interest, role and involvement of other parties the delegations consider it necessary that whatever additional mechanisms of communication are needed should be developed at local, regional and national levels.
This should enable public grievances to be addressed peacefully and in good time, avoiding conflict.
6. The Government has undertaken to consider the lifting of the State of Emergency in Natal as early as possible in the light of positive consequences that should result from this accord.
7. In view of the new circumstances now emerging there will be an ongoing review of security legislation.
The Government will give immediate consideration to repealing all provisions of the Internal Security Act that -
(a) refer to communism or the furthering thereof;
(b) provide for a consolidated list;
(c) provide for a prohibition on the publication of statements or writings of certain persons;
and
(d) provide for an amount to be deposited before a newspaper may be registered.
The Government will continue reviewing security legislation and its application in order to ensure free political activity and with the view to introducing amended legislation at the next session of Parliament.
The Minister of Justice will issue a statement in this regard, inter alia calling for comments and proposals.
8. We are convinced that what we have agreed upon today can become a milestone on the road to true peace and prosperity for our country.
In this we do not pretend to be the only parties involved in the process of shaping the new South Africa.
We know there are other parties committed to peaceful progress.
All of us can henceforth walk that road in consultation and cooperation with each other.
We call upon all those who have not yet committed themselves to peaceful negotiations to do so now.
9. Against this background, the way is now open to proceed towards negotiations on a new constitution.
Exploratory talks in this regard will be held before the next meeting which will be held soon.