Transcript for This day in history: March 18, 1992

In South Africa white voters have overwhelmingly chosen to give up their monopoly control of power. 69%. Of them approved the government's plan to abolish apartheid. That system of laws that have been forced white dominance. It was also an endorsement of president FW de Klerk who began the reform process. And staked his political future on the outcome of this vote. Mark quick he is in Johannesburg. It was president to clerks birthday today and South Africa shared his present. An overwhelming vote to continue reform today. We have closed the boat. On apostate and vet checked. It was a greater margin of victory than anyone had expected. A majority of voters seem to recognize the risk of civil war and economic chaos if they tried to stop the reform process. The white Kinect but it. As the president. A bomb itself. In this that if an end. But in the black township of Soweto reaction was subdued. Those who have suffered most under apartheid were relieved but still suspicious of white promises. While pulled. He is still very McConnell. Are horrible. I.s did an admirable to my old home. Nelson Mandela did think whites who had the courage to vote yes now he says it's time for the reform process to be accelerated. Black and white officials have already started negotiations over a new constitution. Mandela wants blacks included in an interim government this year. Blacks have become increasingly impatient with the pace of reforms. Even today thousands demonstrated to protest their continued exclusion from power. Conservative whites meanwhile lashed out at the yes vote threatening to fight rather than accept a black government. Not going to any negotiation table. Well I have to Biggs the freedom of my people from missed a month bella or anyone else. It is the continuing possibility. Of extremist violence that threatens to large today's victory from the right wing if the country moves toward majority rule too fast. From impoverished angry blacks if the pace of reform is too slow. Market's key ABC news Johannesburg.

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