In August 1993, a provision for a national peacekeeping force had been incorporated into a draft Transitional Executive Council bill.
The SAP was initially excluded from the planning process due to its Internal Stability Unit's conduct within townships.
But due to the short time constraint and limited accommodation 3 743 personnel in 3 battalions were inducted on 24 January 1994.
[2]: 10 In March 1993, Nelson Mandela proposed a peacekeeping force be placed under UN supervision with possibly a foreign commander.
[2]: 29 On 18 April 1994, nine days before the elections, the NPKF shot and killed two children and Ken Oosterbroek, a photojournalist covering a clash between peacekeepers, the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party in Thokoza.