The Pretoria Minute was issued on 6 August after a meeting between the ANC and the government lasting 13 hours.
The Minute recorded the acceptance by both sides of the definition of a 'political offence', to be used in the process of granting pardon and indemnity to political prisoners and exiles. Target dates for the release of prisoners and return of exiles were set: the process was due to be completed by 30 April 1991. The working group on pardon and indemnity was instructed to draw up a plan by the end of August for the release of 'ANC-related' prisoners and the return of exiles.
The government undertook to lift the State of Emergency in Natal 'as early as possible', and said that it would consider some — very limited — amendments to the Internal Security Act. The government also said it would 'continue reviewing security legislation and its application in order to ensure free political activity', with a view to introducing amending legislation at the next session of parliament.
Paragraph Three of the minute announced the ANC's suspension of 'armed actions and all related activities', in the interest of moving as speedily as possible 'towards a negotiated peaceful political settlement' and 'in the context of the agreements reached'. A working group (known as the Paragraph Three Working Group) was established to deal with the implications of this suspension. Both sides re-committed themselves to act in ways which promoted a resolution of the general level of violence in the country, 'especially in Natal'.
The minute concluded that in view of what had been agreed, the way was open 'to proceed towards negotiations on a new constitution' and that exploratory talks on this would soon be held.
