The Structure of CODESA
The ANC’s Negotiations Commission was set up to direct and manage the ANC’s position in the constitutional negotiations at CODESA and later the Multi-Party Negotiation Process (MPNP). It was responsible for developing negotiations positions, preparing delegates for meetings, and planning the process at CODESA. Its ultimate goal was the election of a democratic body that would draft the final Constitution.
The following recollections on the Negotiations Commission are drawn from Hassen Ebrahim’s memoir, From Marabastad to Magadishu, which he published in 2019.
“The ANC’s 48th National Conference of July 1991 … Established the Negotiations Commission as a sub-committee [of the National Working Committee] on 16 August 1991. Its mandate was to direct and manage the ANC’s constitutional negotiations. The chairperson of the commission was the secretary-general of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa, while the deputy secretary-general, Jacob Zuma, became the deputy chairperson, and Valli Moosa the secretary. The six office-bearers of the ANC were also ex-officio members. In addition, the NWC also appointed Joe Slovo, Joel Netshitenzhe, Thabo Mbeki, Mac Maharaj, Penuell Maduna, Mathews Phosa, Zola Skweyiya, Joe Modise, Joe Nhlanhla, Barbara Masekela, and Baleka Mbete as additional members. The Commission reported to the NWC and NEC.”
Hassen Ebrahim
then National Coordinator of the ANC’s Negotiation Commission
“My team of administrators consisted of four people. The opposing side – the Administration supporting the government – was 90-strong, with virtually unlimited resources. Despite this, the negotiating team was never left wanting, with documentation always well organised and preparations meticulous.”
Hassen Ebrahim
then National Coordinator of the ANC’s Negotiation Commission
“Unfortunately, the only record of these meetings was a journal, which I put together in the form of minutes, 21 notebooks to assist me in managing the outcomes and following things up. I will never forget some of the experiences. One of my very first bilateral meetings with the apartheid government was an encounter with the most senior commanders of the South African Defence Force. The meeting took place at a hotel close to the airport in Johannesburg. This was the first time that I came face-to-face with some of the very people who were responsible for authorising the attacks on us and assassination of many of my friends and comrades. The meeting was cordial, but the tension was very real.”
Hassen Ebrahim
then National Coordinator of the ANC’s Negotiation Commission
