The national peace accord in South Africa's political transition: 1991–1994

ABSTRACT The process of resolving the South African conflict has involved a number of consecutive prototypes or initiatives, each of which have complemented and further developed those which preceded them. One such initiative has been the National Peace Accord which was signed on 14 September 1991 by twenty‐six organisations and which resulted in the establishment of multi‐party conflict resolution structures at the community level. This article investigates the background to the National Peace Accord, the structures which composed it and offers a critical overview of the successes and shortcomings of this particular peace initiative. A number of valuable lessons are identified which are of importance for the successful operation of similar initiatives and structures, both in South African and in other countries.