Detente's Operations in Zimbabwe:

The 1974 Unity Agreement

As can be seen from the above South Africa plays a pivotal rule and shares an essential identity of interests with imperialism in attempting to stave off the final confrontation in South Africa itself. Thus by late 1974 both had become prepared to sacrifies the Smith regime and began moves to force Smith and the black nationalists to the negotiating table. The result was that a false unity was imposed on the nationalists who were forced to sign a Declaration of Unity (December 1974) and merge into the enlarged ANC. By the time negotiations were attempted at Victoria Falls in August 1975 the Unity Agreement had broken down with Nkomo of ZAPU attempting secret negotiations with Smith, and the ANC under Muzorewa and Sithole not proving to be the easily manipulated body it was expected. These factors together with Smith's continued intransigence meant this detente move was a failure.