Factors which favoured the independence of South Africa

•    The use of Ghandism whereby South Africans carried out several strikes, boycotts and demonstrations helped to weakened apartheid.
•    The formation of political parties like the ANC, PAC and the Zulu Inkatha etc.
•    The financial and military assistance from the frontline states.
•    The use of violence /guerrilla war fare by the ANC and PAC which formed the Umkotho we Sizwe and POQO respectively.
•    The rise of strong nationalist leaders like Albert Luthuli, Steve Biko, Oliver Tambo. Nelson Mandela, Chief Buthelezi etc.
•    The role of the black consciousness movement.
•    The financial, moral and military assistance from the OAU.
•    The imposition of economic sanctions against South Africa by the international community weakened the apartheid regime.
•    The dismissal of South Africa from the common wealth.
•    The dismissal of South Africa from the international Olympics.
•    The role of Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu who spoke fiercely against apartheid.
•    The role of Oral and written literature.
•    The role of Music, Dance and Drama.
•    Pressure from communist countries.
•    The independence of South Africa's neighbours e.g Mozambique and Angola in 1975, Zimbabwe in 1980 and Namibia in 1990.
•    The collapse of the cold war between 1985-1991 made Britain, France , USA to pressurize South Africa to dismantle apartheid. They had secretly supported south Africa as a check against communist ideas in neighbouring Angola and Mozambique.
•    The rise to power of FW De Clerke in 1989 and his reforms.
•    The release of political prisoners of war and the extension of amnesty to all political exiles.
•    The break up of the triamvalent, which used to extend military and economic support to South Africa.
•    The wave of disturbances within countries whose leaders supported apartheid

National Movements and New States in Africa