PROJECT COAST: De Klerk shocked when Project Coast revealed as apartheid biological weapons programme
In the third of a six-part series, the new South African President FW de Klerk is shocked to learn of the apartheid biological weapons programme and takes action to suspend those involved in what was known as Project Coast.
South African President FW de Klerk was taken aback when he learned of the apartheid biological weapons programme known as Project Coast. Signed the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in 1972 and ratified it in 1975, South Africa was the only African country to develop both biological and nuclear capabilities. Prime Minister De Klerk took immediate action, suspending those involved and firing key figures, including Wouter Basson, the operational officer for Project Coast.
Basson, who designed and executed offensive components of the programme, was accused of undermining the dismantling process. Despite claims of transferring documents and shredding paperwork, padlocked steel trunks containing the documentary history of Project Coast were later discovered at Basson's home. The South African Police found these documents, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held hearings as a result.
Basson was hired to work for Transnet, where he used his extensive knowledge of biological and chemical materials to provide consultancy services to various entities, including Libya, the focus of US and UK concerns.
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