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Political analysis has traditionally projected material structure or the power of ideologies as the primary determinant of popular movements and other pressures for social change. Applying either a reductionist materialism or a disembodied idealism to the South African conflict cannot fully explain variations in the political analysis and strategy of popular challenges to the minority regime, nor the likely outcome of such challenge.
This study examined the rhetoric of two South African leaders, F.W de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, from 1990 to 1994, to determine their respective rhetorical visions of a new South Africa and the rhetorical strategies used to gain identification with their audiences.
Whatever political solution may be arrived at in South Africa, it will be based on the principle of universal citizenship. One may wager with good assurance, on the basis of what has happened everywhere else in Africa and virtually all the world, that in the new political order-whatever specific character that may have in terms of political rights and popular participation-all the people who live within its boundaries, except temporary sojourners from other countries, will not only become citizens but will be declared 'a people', 'the people', and, before long, 'a nation'. Already, in advance of the final negotiations, the ANC and the government are all but agreed on the need for a 'government of national unity.
