Interpretations of political violence during South Africa's transition

This article evaluates conflicting interpretations of political violence during South Africa's transition between 1990 and 1994. Its point of departure is the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It is argued that the 'third force' interpretation favoured by the TRC does not provide a convincing explanation of the violence, especially after the Record of Understanding of September 1992. Alternative explanations, including that the violence was the product of political competition among parties contending for power in post-apartheid South Africa, are analysed. It is also contended that hitherto accounts of the transition have tended to underestimate the impact that violence had on the country's political transformation.