The peaceful transition from white racist minority domination to black majority rule in South Africa was one of the great political and social surprises of the late 20th century. The next surprise could be nearly as staggering: a marriage between the National Party that created apartheid and the movement that conquered it, the African National Congress. But, as top officials from both parties began match-making talks in early November, the prevailing view outside of the proposed partnership was that the marriage would end in tears and the party of apartheid would finally disappear forever.
