Parties: Participants in the political process in South Africa, representing the political parties and organisations and Government
Type: Intra-state
The Parties to the National Peace Accord agreed to address the worst effects of political violence at a local level and to achieve a measure of stability based on common effort, thereby facilitating a base for broader socio-economic development and reconstruction. The Parties agreed that in order to effectively eradicate intimidation and violence, mechanisms need to be created which would deal with the investigation of incidents and the causes of violence and intimidation as well as actively combat the occurrence of violence and intimidation. The Parties agreed on the need to promote more effective policing, a commitment to sound policing practices and a co-operative relationship between the police and the communities. The Parties agreed on a code of conduct for political parties and organisations, a code of conduct for police officials, guidelines for the reconstruction and development of communities and establishment of structures to implement the Accord. The Parties recognised the human rights of all, and that the reconstruction and development of communities must take place in a non-partisan manner.
The Parties agreed that the Commission established by the Prevention of Public Violence and Intimidation Act would be used to investigate the root causes towards reducing violence. The Parties further agreed that regional and local dispute resolution committees be appointed to prevent violence and intimidation. In relation to the Code of Conduct for political parties, guidelines were provided on what political parties shall and shall not do. In relation to security forces, the Accord set out general principles that police should comply with in protecting all people in South Africa from crime, including that they are accountable to the people. Provisions were made for the composition of the police force, covert operations and the use of dangerous weapons.
In terms of measures to facilitate socio-economic reconstruction and development, principles were set out for how this should be conducted. The Parties further called for a Commission of Inquiry regarding the prevention of public violence and intimidation. The Parties also agreed that a National Peace Secretariat and a National Peace Committee would be established to implement the provisions of the Accord. It was proposed that Special Criminal Courts be established to deal with unrest-related cases, cases of public violence and cases involving intimidation.