The Arsenal of Securocracy: Pretoria’s provision of arms and aid to Salisbury, c.1974–1980

Abstract

The 1974 Carnation Revolution put paid to Exercise ALCORA and created a truncated White Redoubt in Southern Africa. South Africa’s relations with Rhodesia were tumultuous and tested their rather strained alliance to the limits notwithstanding certain common interests. BJ Vorster’s détente policy occasioned the withdrawal of the South African Police contingent from Rhodesia. In this way, Pretoria applied diplomatic pressure on Ian Smith to force him to negotiate with moderate Zimbabwean nationalist leaders. A settlement remained out of reach and the civil war intensified. The guerrillas gained the upper hand despite the tactical advantages enjoyed by the Rhodesian Security Forces and the extensive material aid and arms provided by Pretoria. As the doctrine of Total National Strategy was elevated to a dogma under PW Botha’s leadership, South Africa projected its military power into Rhodesia. Indeed, Pretoria’s incremental intervention was stepped up during the Zimbabwean-Rhodesian interregnum and plans were hatched for a coup if Muzorewa did not retain power in the 1980 elections. However, South Africa was unable to achieve its desired outcome and Mugabe’s ZANU(PF) won a landslide victory. This paper charts the South African national security state’s changing priorities and strategies during the period in question.