HSY3705
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 10 August 2024
Introduction
The Tricameral Parliament system, introduced in South Africa in 1983, was a significant yet
contentious reform aimed at restructuring the political landscape under apartheid. This system
was part of a series of reforms implemented by the National Party (NP) government, led by P.W.
Botha, purportedly to modernize and stabilize the apartheid regime. However, these changes
were met with intense opposition and had profound implications for South African society,
especially among different racial groups. This essay critically discusses the impact of the
Tricameral Parliament system, focusing on its primary objectives, the responses it elicited, and
its effects on various racial groups, particularly the black majority.
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Introduction
The Tricameral Parliament system, introduced in South Africa in 1983, was a
significant yet contentious reform aimed at restructuring the political landscape under
apartheid. This system was part of a series of reforms implemented by the National
Party (NP) government, led by P.W. Botha, purportedly to modernize and stabilize the
apartheid regime. However, these changes were met with intense opposition and had
profound implications for South African society, especially among different racial
groups. This essay critically discusses the impact of the Tricameral Parliament system,
focusing on its primary objectives, the responses it elicited, and its effects on various
racial groups, particularly the black majority.
Objectives of the Tricameral Parliament
The tricameral parliament system was implemented by the National Party (NP)
government under P.W. Botha as a constitutional reform aimed at addressing growing
dissatisfaction with apartheid policies. The primary objective was to create a multi-
racial parliamentary structure that included whites, coloureds, and Indians while still
excluding the black majority from meaningful political participation (Thompson, 1990).
The structure consisted of three separate chambers: one for whites, one for coloureds,
and one for Indians. Each chamber had limited legislative powers, with the white
chamber retaining dominance over national affairs. The intention was to placate
international criticism and internal dissent by appearing to move towards a more
inclusive political system without relinquishing white supremacy (Sparks, 1990).
Political Mobilization and Opposition
The introduction of the Tricameral Parliament galvanized political mobilization among
various segments of South African society. Trade unions, students, and liberation
movements utilized the socio-economic grievances exacerbated by apartheid policies
to rally opposition against the government. The Industrial Relations Act of 1979, which
legalized trade unions while prohibiting political participation, paradoxically enabled
unions to organize and mobilize workers during an economic downturn. Socialist and
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.