The Arms Control Primer Better know a non-nuke: South Africa
Nov 20, 2025
Join Professor Anna-Mart van Wyk, a nuclear historian, and Robin E. Möser, a nuclear verification researcher, as they unravel South Africa's intriguing nuclear journey. Discover how apartheid-era policies fostered a secret arsenal, marked by a mysterious 1979 test. They dive into the decision to dismantle the weapons during a political shift, revealing rapid disarmament and the pivotal role of IAEA safeguards. Insights into the political complexities of nuclear disarmament provide valuable lessons for future negotiations and international relations.
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Sanctions Fueled Nuclear Decision
- International arms embargoes and regional conflicts drove Pretoria's 1978 decision to weaponize enrichment capability.
- Leaders saw a nuclear device as a deterrent and bargaining chip amid isolation and conventional shortages.
The 1979 Vela Double-Flash Mystery
- The 1979 Vela satellite 'double flash' over the South Indian Ocean remains unexplained and sparked suspicion of a test.
- South Africa and Israel both denied responsibility and the event remains a major unresolved mystery.
De Klerk's Swift Secret Dismantling
- F.W. de Klerk rapidly ordered dismantling upon taking office, tasking a committee to remove six warheads within months.
- The rollback was secret, faster, and easier to decide than subsequent public NPT accession.
