Frontline Season 9 Episode 13 The Struggle for South Africa

The Struggle for South Africa, an episode of Frontline season 9, delves into the story of South Africa's painful liberation from apartheid. Narrated by David Ogden Stiers, the documentary focuses on the political and social upheaval that occurred as the country transitioned to democracy.

The episode begins with an overview of the apartheid system and the resistance to it, including the formation of the African National Congress (ANC) and the rise of Nelson Mandela. The episode explores the international pressure that forced the white minority government to abandon apartheid, the negotiations that led to Mandela's release from prison, and the formation of a new, democratic government.

Throughout the episode, interviews with key players in the struggle for South Africa's freedom shed light on the challenges faced by those who sought to dismantle apartheid. The documentary paints a picture of a country in turmoil, with violence and political unrest seemingly on the brink of spiraling out of control.

One of the key themes of The Struggle for South Africa is the tension between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a Zulu nationalist movement led by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The episode explores the roots of this conflict and the way it played out in the early 1990s, as South Africa prepared for its first democratic elections.

Another major focus of the documentary is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a body established after the end of apartheid to investigate human rights abuses committed during the years of white minority rule. The episode includes interviews with Desmond Tutu, the Archbishop of Cape Town who chaired the commission, as well as with victims of apartheid-era violence and members of the security forces who were involved in it.

Throughout the episode, archival footage and news clips help to bring the story of South Africa's liberation struggle to life. Viewers are transported back to this pivotal time in the country's history, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexity of the issues at play and the bravery of those who fought for freedom.

The Struggle for South Africa is a powerful and moving episode of Frontline, one that sheds light on a critical moment in world history. It offers a comprehensive overview of the events that led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a new, democratic South Africa, while also exploring the dark legacy of violence and injustice that continues to haunt the country to this day. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex political and social dynamics of the global struggle for human rights and freedom.