This Day in History: 27 August 1990
Minister of Constitutional Development, Gerrit Viljoen on 27 August 1990 said that negotiations for a new South African constitution should begin in 1991 and be completed within two years. The African National Congress suggested that equal status be given to all participants in the process of drawing up the new constitution. Even before the process started there was a disagreement over the composition of the government during the drafting of the new constitution. The ANC wanted an Interim government, whereas the Democratic Party and Inkatha Freedom Party favoured the Nationalist Party government to remain in power during the transition. The Organisation of African Union was also exerting pressure of the South African government to move fast in drawing [up] the constitution [or] face isolation from the organisation.