Hundreds of political prisoners began a hunger strike at Robben Island

The release of Nelson Mandela on 11 February 1990 was a catalyst that sped up the change in the political dispensation in South Africa. On 4 March 1990 343 political prisoners on Robben Island went on a hunger strike demanding their release in order to strengthen the bargaining positions of the ANC. While de Klerk suggested that the unconditional release of political prisoners was a real possibility, he faced considerable opposition from the white electorate as many of the political prisoners were detained for their involvement in acts of violence. Nonetheless, this campaign showed a rare glimpse of political unity among Black political prisoners opposed to Apartheid, as prisoners from political movements across the political spectrum joined in this hunger strike for demanding their release.