In December 1991 the Convention for a Democratic South Africa ( CODESA ) was held with the aim of establishing an interim government . However , a few months later in June 1992 the Boipatong massacre occurred and all negotiations crumbled as the ANC pulled out . After this negotiations proceeded between two agents , Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC , and Roelf Meyer of the National Party . In over 40 sessions the two men discussed and negotiated over many issues including the nature of the future political system , the fate of over 40,000 government employees and if/how the country would be divided . The result of these negotiations was an interim constitution that meant the transition from apartheid to democracy was a constitutional continuation and that the rule of law and state sovereignty remained intact during the transition , which was vital for stability within the country . A date was set for the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 . The ANC won 62.5 % of the votes and has been in power ever since
Boipatong massacre
Boipatong massacre
African National Congress