CONSAS

The fundamental objective of South African regional policy was now defined as the creation of a Constellation of Southern African States (CONSAS).

Once the basic CONSAS links had been imposed on the surrounding states, by persuasion or by force, South Africa would perforce have to be recognized by all the major powers as the de facto regional power, with southern Africa acknowledged to be a South African sphere of influence, an area where South Africa had "legitimate interests." Moves for sanctions and other kinds of international action against apartheid would thus be thwarted.

In the first phase--from late 1978 to early 1980--the idea of creating CONSAS was launched.