NP holds federal congress

Following its withdrawal from the African National Congress (ANC)-led Government of National Unity, the National Party held its federal congress (1 - 3 August) in Cape Town to unveil its policy plan on anti-poverty strategies. The party's name change was also considered in congress discussion groups. The Gauteng delegate, Robert Rosseau, argued that the NP was "putting the cart before the horse" by launching its anti-poverty strategy, announced by Mr F.W. de Klerk on August 1, before changing the party's name. He further said "We've got a product with the wrong name. We can't sell it in black townships." Click here to read the opening speech by F.W. de Klerk. References: Kalley, J.A.; Schoeman, E. & Andor, L.E. (eds)(1999). Southern African Political History: a chronology of key political events from independence to mid-1997, Westport: Greenwood.