Economic Problems 1980s

Question 1

Why did the Rand fall in value?

Answer 1

State of Emergency in 1986 made the Rand fall.
- They were talking to anti-apartheid groups, but the military was stronger than ever.

Question 2

Economic issues

Answer 2

• 1985/86 90 Us firms left SA, e.g. Kodak
• 1985, Rand fell by 35%
• Import costs rose by 60% 1986-87
• 1984, electricity prices rose by 100% and in 1985 petrol prices rose by 31%
• 1987, World Bank figures showed that South Africa’s growth was amongst the lowest in the developed world, inflation third highest
• White population in decline. Expected whites would be outnumbered 5 to 1 by 2000.

Question 3

State of Emergency and impact

Answer 3

• 8,000 troops in townships with over 29,000 arrests
• 43 deaths in police custody in 1987
• Over 30 organisations banned, e.g. UDF
• Created a dictatorship ruled by force and suppression, decreased international support.

Question 4

Namibia independence 1988

Answer 4

Agreed at the New York Accords in 1988
- Free election in Namibia in Nov 1989, SWAPO won with 57% of vote
- Fully independent in 1990

Question 5

Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday

Answer 5

• Held at Wembley stadium in London in June 1988.
• 83 artists performed over 12 hours, e.g. Bee Gees or Whitney Houston
• 600 million global viewers