The national uprisings of this year, resulting from the adoption of the new constitution, deepened the political and economic crisis of the Nationalist government. The government detained leaders from the United Democratic Front, Trade Unions, civics and other mass-based organisations. Thousands of soldiers and police were deployed in townships - especially in the Vaal Triangle. Over 150 people were killed as a result of police action. In Sebokeng 7000 police and troops were involved in military-style operations against residents of the township. There was an organised protest where there were mass stay-aways from work and school, which was backed by organised labour. Half a million workers supported the protest. After this, the stay-away became a major form of resistance - there were 16 such actions in the following year alone. Unrest swept the country as people responded to police and army killings with mass funerals and demonstrations. These were attacked by the police or army, which in turn fuelled further resistance.
