From the Sunday Times 25 years ago

The ANC and the government have made a secret breakthrough in negotiations in the same week that President FW de Klerk called an all-white referendum to test his support.

The ANC and its allies have accepted the government’s proposal for an elected interim government and legislature which will draw up a new constitution. This boost to negotiations gives De Klerk a trump card in the tough referendum battle that lies ahead. It shows his supporters that he is able to achieve success in negotiations. Up to now the ANC has insisted that a multiparty interim government, appointed by Codesa, should govern for a short time. — February 23 1992