Derick Makatu
Jan 11
Examine the factors that are likely to have forced the making of “Total Strategy” policy in South Africa and discuss the contents of the policy?
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Jan 11
The "Total Strategy" policy in South Africa was developed in response to a combination of internal and external factors that put pressure on the apartheid regime. This policy aimed to consolidate and strengthen the apartheid system by addressing various challenges faced by the government.
Internal Factors:
1. Internal Opposition: The apartheid regime faced significant opposition from various groups within South Africa, including the African National Congress (ANC), trade unions, and student organizations. This internal resistance threatened the stability of the regime and forced the government to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter these challenges.
2. Economic Challenges: South Africa faced economic sanctions and divestment campaigns due to its apartheid policies. These measures severely impacted the country's economy, leading to a decline in foreign investment, trade restrictions, and limited access to international markets. The government needed a strategy to mitigate these economic challenges and ensure the survival of the apartheid system.
3. Political Instability: The apartheid regime faced internal divisions and power struggles within the ruling National Party. The government needed a policy that could unite different factions and maintain political stability.
External Factors:
1. International Pressure: The international community, including the United Nations and various countries, condemned apartheid as a system of racial discrimination. South Africa faced diplomatic isolation, and many countries imposed economic sanctions and cultural boycotts. The government needed a policy to counter this international pressure and improve its image on the global stage.
2. Regional Conflicts: South Africa was involved in various regional conflicts, particularly in neighboring countries like Angola and Mozambique. These conflicts were seen as threats to the apartheid regime's security and required a comprehensive strategy to protect South Africa's interests.
Contents of the "Total Strategy" Policy:
1. Military Defense: The policy emphasized the need to strengthen the military capabilities of South Africa to protect its borders and interests. This included increasing defense spending, developing advanced weaponry, and expanding the military presence in neighboring countries.
2. Economic Development: The policy aimed to address the economic challenges faced by South Africa by promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on international trade. It focused on developing domestic industries, encouraging investment in strategic sectors, and diversifying the economy.
3. Propaganda and Diplomacy: The policy emphasized the importance of improving South Africa's international image through propaganda and diplomatic efforts. The government aimed to counter negative perceptions of apartheid and promote a positive narrative about the regime's policies.
4. Internal Security: The policy focused on maintaining internal security and suppressing opposition to the apartheid regime. This included strengthening the police force, expanding surveillance capabilities, and implementing repressive measures to control dissent.
5. Social Engineering: The policy aimed to further entrench apartheid by implementing social engineering measures. This included enforcing racial segregation, promoting separate development for different racial groups, and implementing policies to control and restrict the movement of non-white populations.
Overall, the "Total Strategy" policy in South Africa was a comprehensive approach to address the internal and external challenges faced by the apartheid regime. It aimed to consolidate the regime's power, protect its interests, and counter opposition both domestically and internationally.
Internal Factors:
1. Internal Opposition: The apartheid regime faced significant opposition from various groups within South Africa, including the African National Congress (ANC), trade unions, and student organizations. This internal resistance threatened the stability of the regime and forced the government to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter these challenges.
2. Economic Challenges: South Africa faced economic sanctions and divestment campaigns due to its apartheid policies. These measures severely impacted the country's economy, leading to a decline in foreign investment, trade restrictions, and limited access to international markets. The government needed a strategy to mitigate these economic challenges and ensure the survival of the apartheid system.
3. Political Instability: The apartheid regime faced internal divisions and power struggles within the ruling National Party. The government needed a policy that could unite different factions and maintain political stability.
External Factors:
1. International Pressure: The international community, including the United Nations and various countries, condemned apartheid as a system of racial discrimination. South Africa faced diplomatic isolation, and many countries imposed economic sanctions and cultural boycotts. The government needed a policy to counter this international pressure and improve its image on the global stage.
2. Regional Conflicts: South Africa was involved in various regional conflicts, particularly in neighboring countries like Angola and Mozambique. These conflicts were seen as threats to the apartheid regime's security and required a comprehensive strategy to protect South Africa's interests.
Contents of the "Total Strategy" Policy:
1. Military Defense: The policy emphasized the need to strengthen the military capabilities of South Africa to protect its borders and interests. This included increasing defense spending, developing advanced weaponry, and expanding the military presence in neighboring countries.
2. Economic Development: The policy aimed to address the economic challenges faced by South Africa by promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on international trade. It focused on developing domestic industries, encouraging investment in strategic sectors, and diversifying the economy.
3. Propaganda and Diplomacy: The policy emphasized the importance of improving South Africa's international image through propaganda and diplomatic efforts. The government aimed to counter negative perceptions of apartheid and promote a positive narrative about the regime's policies.
4. Internal Security: The policy focused on maintaining internal security and suppressing opposition to the apartheid regime. This included strengthening the police force, expanding surveillance capabilities, and implementing repressive measures to control dissent.
5. Social Engineering: The policy aimed to further entrench apartheid by implementing social engineering measures. This included enforcing racial segregation, promoting separate development for different racial groups, and implementing policies to control and restrict the movement of non-white populations.
Overall, the "Total Strategy" policy in South Africa was a comprehensive approach to address the internal and external challenges faced by the apartheid regime. It aimed to consolidate the regime's power, protect its interests, and counter opposition both domestically and internationally.
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