Source B9, on the contrary, opposes the view that Nelson Mandela was the main reason why apartheid ended. This source is again a secondary source with its origin being from a book of historical facts is presented in headline style in order to appeal to general readers. The source conveys the view that it was in fact F.W de Klerk who ‘Knocked out’ the main props of the racist apartheid system, not Mandela. The author states within the source that without De Klerk, Mandela would not have been released from prison, and would not have not become the president of South Africa. The source conveys that without De Klerk the ending of apartheid would not have been possible, as it was he who removed the 30 year ban of the ANC, the South African Communist Party and other anti-apartheid organisations. Lying within source B9, is similarities to B1, as both have the purpose to inform, and would have been thoroughly researched to come to an objective judgement. The source does however show a narrow range of evidence, as it is merely recalling just one day of the many years of the fight for the end of apartheid within South Africa. Similarly to the previous source, it makes no assessment of, or judgement on, what pressures were placed on De Klerk to make these critical decisions. Source B6, however, completely opposes these views showing De Klerk stating how much Mandela was a significant role in the ending of apartheid.
Source B6 is a contemporary source with its origin being Time magazine where F.W De Klerk, the former South African president states how Mandela a very significant figure within South African history, should be remembered. This source supports the view that the leadership of Nelson Mandela was the main reason why apartheid ended. De Klerk states how Mandela’s charisma and determination won him the affection and respect of the South Africans. The source states that one of the most important roles in ending apartheid was the one played by Nelson Mandela. However, this source was written over a decade after the end of apartheid, the passing of time may have altered De Klerks views significantly. De Klerk may also be being modest about his own achievements in ending apartheid, therefore giving Mandela more credit due than necessary. It is possible that De Klerk is trying to distance himself from his previous association with the apartheid system, by emphasising Nelson Mandela’s achievements. It also possible that he is influenced by Mandela’s role as president in peacefully reconciling and uniting a much divided nation. Source B11, however shows a view that dismisses Mandela of any significance towards the ending of apartheid, with the emphasis being towards the effects that international sanctions had on political change.
Source B11 is again a contemporary source about the main effects recession had on South Africa, written by Tony Howarth a historian for a school textbook. The source highlights the fact that the recession put new stresses on the African population; however the relaxation of South Africa’s white-supremacist policies also occurred through this in an attempt relax international sanctions. The strikes showed black grievances and they began to assert this through the new student-based black consciousness movement. World criticism of the regime began, applying sanction pressures through the economy, which ultimately led to the recession in South Africa from the late1970s onwards. No obvious personal views are being portrayed within this source although as it is written for a school textbook, it shows clear evidence that the writer would likely reach objective, factual conclusions and would have lived through the apartheid years. Furthermore there is no mention of Nelson Mandela’s efforts through this period, so we cannot come to or input an objective on the writer’s interpretation on how much Mandela contributed to the ending of apartheid. The writer strongly puts across the view that recession and sanctions played a significant role in ending apartheid, through this source. As the book was written some 8 years before Mandela’s release from prison, this will have an effect on the judgement it reaches. It is unaware of the impact made by either De Klerks decisions or Mandela’s release from prison, which affects the validity of its conclusions. Source B16 however appreciates other main contributors being Mandela and F.W De Klerk to the ending of apartheid.
Source B16 is a secondary source, which links back to B11, with both sources being written for a school textbook. The fact that this source was written in 1997 will have an impact, as Mulholland has had the opportunity to assess the roles of Mandela and De Klerk in the ending of apartheid. The first sentence within the source is extremely important as it is stating that there is no doubt that Mandela was the ‘catalyst’ in finally cracking the apartheid system. This source is supporting the view that the leadership of Nelson Mandela was the main reason why apartheid ended in South Africa in the 1990s. However source B16, also portrays that De Klerk had a range of other forces that were pushing him towards reform. The source does not however mention or consider how De Klerk or Mandela contributed to the ending of apartheid, in any way. With just the barriers they had to overcome being shown. Although this is a secondary source with the writer being a historian and teacher, meaning she lived through the apartheid era, we can see that her own views are not being shown. Source B5 however mentions Mandela being an icon for forgiveness and reconciliation, with the celebrations of his 90th birthday.
Source B5, is a again a secondary source showing a television interview in South Africa on Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. Although it describes him as being a ‘wonderful gift to us all’ Source B5 does not state whether Mandela was the most significant figure in the ending of apartheid. The source also states that Mandela was an ‘icon for forgiveness and reconciliation’; however, this may be what the viewers want to hear. The source was written by an anti-apartheid politician and civil rights campaigner Archbishop Desman Tutu, which could mean the source, may be slightly biased. The source directs its message to Mandela; being a wonderful man, however it does not take into consideration other factors that contributed to the ending of apartheid such as international sanctions and the role played by F.W De Klerk. It is highly unlikely that Tutu, a personal friend of Mandela, as well as a civil rights campaigner, would criticise his friend on his 90th birthday. Unlike source B5, B8 states how Mandela was a key figure in the ending of apartheid.
Source B8 is a contemporary source that was written just after apartheid had ended. This may therefore alter the author’s interpretation, as they may have had a negative experience though apartheid era, causing great appreciation towards Nelson Mandela. The author describes Mandela as ‘heroic’ which shows they clearly admire him. This could lead me to question whether the source could have been slightly exaggerated; however there is no obvious sign of this. The fact the source was written for a magazine for use in European schools suggests in-depth research into the facts behind Nelson Mandela and his contribution towards the ending of apartheid, have been completed. Source B8 supports the view that Mandela was a key figure and way the main reason why apartheid ended in South Africa in the 1990s. There is no reference to F.W De Klerk’s contribution within source B8 as the author suggests doubt that ‘anyone else could have brought off this peaceful transaction.’ This is quite a different view from that of B13, where he is considered almost unimportant.
Source B13 is a contemporary photographic source, showing badges worn by ordinary people outside of South Africa who supported international sanctions. The sanctions themselves put huge pressure on the South African government for political change. The badges were available during the 1970’s and 1980’s, when Mandela was in prison, and were worn by those protesting for change within South Africa, by refusing to buy South African goods and produce. This source questions Mandela’s importance as it shows that the ANC and other anti-apartheid campaigners could and were, continuing to campaign without Mandela’s input. Although we are unaware of how many people wore these badges nor how effective they were, we can see that sanctions made a big impact in the ending of apartheid, as international banking sanctions eventually left South Africa in a recession. This was the turning point for the realisation and consideration of the morality of apartheid form, many within the white community as well as the South African government. The source clearly gives the view that sanctions and campaigners were the main reason as to why apartheid ended, rather than the work of Nelson Mandela.
Overall, the eight sources, both supporting and contradicting the given interpretation that the leadership of Nelson Mandela was the main reason why apartheid ended in South Africa in the 1990s, are both fully justified and valid. Nelson Mandela was in many ways seen to be the catalyst towards this, however international sanctions, campaigning and the role played by F.W De Klerk, appear to have had a far more significant impact on South Africa during this time. The fact Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, meant he could not contribute to the protests, which shows these campaigns could clearly and directly continue without such his leadership skills. However, the actions of campaigners such as Mandela were crucial in gaining international attention and sympathy initially. International sanctions, both economic and sporting, threw South Africa into a recession that, combined with the role played by F.W De Klerk, ultimately forced the government of South Africa to relax its policies, leaving the pathway clear for Mandela to take the role of president. The role played by Mandela although significant into the ending of apartheid without contributions of F.W De Klerk, campaigners and the impact of international sanctions, Mandela would not have been released from prison, never mind elected president.
