FROM ROCK 'N 'ROLL TO HARD CORE PUNK - UKZN ...

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uprising was a decisive turning point for the resistance
movement, and from that time resistance spread to all parts of
South Africa and became better organised as time passed. The
United Democratic Front emerged as the leader of the struggle for
freedom, and a non-racial ideology based on the principles of the
Freedom Charter became dominant. From. 1977 Umkhonto we Sizwe
increased the scope and effectiveness of its activities.
Operations included attacks on two SASOL oil-from-coal plants in
1980, on the uncompleted Koeberg nuclear power station in 1982
and on Air Force Headquarters in Pretoria in 1983. Many other
acts of sabotage were also undertaken by Umkhonto units, and 'all
these operations had an important impact on the consciousness of
the oppressed, inspiring large numbers to join the struggle
against apartheid.' 18 It is also possible to distinguish a
greater resistance by white youths in Durban to the political
regime, and specifically to military conscription, as the End
Conscription Campaign gained momentum on the University of Natal
campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
The political crisis which faced the regime as a result of the
growth of the liberation movement was compounded by an economic
crisis. The value of the Rand fell, inflation rose to 15% per
annum, and foreign investment decreased while unemployment rates
increased. Furthermore, labour unions grew in power and numbers,
and their demands for workers' rights became ever stronger. Thus,
the South African government was under immense pressure, and was
forced to the defensive position as the political and economic
situation worsened.
In 1980 the South African government lost its last major ally in
the region when Robert Mugabe won the Zimbabwean election and his
party (Zimbabwe African National Union) took power. The new
Zimbabwean government joined the rest of Africa in condemning
apartheid, and called for international isolation of South
Africa. The demand for economic sanctions against South Africa
18 J. Pampallis, Foundations of the New South Africa, p. 265.