20/05/2024
Title: ANC: Vehicle to True Liberation, But Not Its Essence by Itumeleng Madisha member of Mkhonto Wesizwe - Tshwane Chapter
The African National Congress (ANC) was established in 1912 by a group of middle-class Africans who held various significant positions in society. Among the founding members were John Langalibalele Dube, a prominent educator and the first president of the ANC; Pixley ka Isaka Seme, a lawyer educated at Columbia University and Oxford; Sol Plaatje, a journalist, translator, and intellectual; and Alfred Mangena, also a lawyer. These individuals were part of an educated elite with relatively higher social and economic status compared to the majority of the African population at the time.
Class Analysis and Contradictions
The founders of the ANC, despite their noble intentions, were not representative of the majority of South Africans who were impoverished and subjected to severe exploitation and unemployment. This class contradiction is crucial in understanding why the ANC was not initially established as a liberation movement for the masses. The leaders' primary concerns were often aligned with securing political and economic rights for the educated elite rather than addressing the systemic poverty and exploitation faced by the broader population.
Incidents in Exile Highlighting ANC's Contradictions
1. Chris Hani's Letter to the ANC NEC: In his letter, Chris Hani criticized the corruption, nepotism, and lack of commitment to the struggle among the ANC leadership in exile. This letter exposed the growing disillusionment within the ANC ranks about the leadership's deviation from the liberation cause.
2. The Viana Mutiny (1984): ANC military camps in Angola witnessed a mutiny by disillusioned Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) soldiers who were frustrated with the leadership's incompetence and harsh living conditions, highlighting the disconnect between the leadership and the foot soldiers.
3. The Quadro Camp Atrocities: The ANC's detention and torture of dissenting members at the Quadro camp in Angola revealed the authoritarian tendencies within the organization, further alienating it from its grassroots support.
4. Operation Vula: This operation exposed the internal power struggles and the disconnect between ANC leaders in exile and those within South Africa, complicating the liberation effort.
5. Morogoro Conference (1969): This pivotal conference aimed to address the deep-seated issues within the ANC, including the need for greater commitment to non-racialism and socialism. Despite its significance, the resolutions of Morogoro were often ignored by the leadership, perpetuating the class contradictions.
Morogoro Conference: A Turning Point**
The Morogoro Conference is a landmark in ANC history as it attempted to realign the organization with its revolutionary goals and address internal contradictions. The conference emphasized the importance of a non-racial approach and the need for genuine revolutionary commitment, reflecting the grassroots members' dissatisfaction with the leadership's direction.
Analysis of the ANC's Interests
The ANC was primarily established by a middle-class elite who were not directly affected by the severe poverty, exploitation, and unemployment that plagued the majority of black South Africans. Their interest was often in securing their position within the colonial and apartheid structures rather than dismantling these structures entirely. This is evident in their early advocacy for rights and representation within the existing system rather than seeking its complete overhaul.
The ANC's Shift to Communism and Militarization
In 1928, recognizing the limitations of their initial political strategies, the ANC adopted a posture informedby communist ideology, influenced by the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA). This shift was motivated by the realization that a more radical approach was necessary to gain broader support and effectively challenge the apartheid regime.
Following the Suppression of Communism Act in 1950, which banned all black political parties, the ANC saw an opportunity to adopt more militant strategies. This led to the establishment of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the ANC’s military wing, with training and support from the Soviet Union. This militarization marked a significant shift in the ANC's tactics from peaceful protest to armed struggle, aligning them more closely with international anti-imperialist movements.
Similarities in MK's Interventions Then and Now
Historically, MK's interventions were characterized by sabotage and guerrilla warfare aimed at undermining the apartheid state. These activities were crucial in maintaining the pressure on the regime and keeping the spirit of resistance alive among oppressed South Africans. Today, the legacy of MK influences the Mkhonto Wesizwe Party's approach to confronting systemic issues within South Africa. The party continues to draw on the lessons of armed struggle, emphasizing the need for vigilant and active resistance against corruption and economic exploitation.
Conclusion
In recognizing the efforts of the ANC's founders in 1912, it is essential to acknowledge that their primary goal was the elevation of the black middle class, often at the expense of broader revolutionary objectives. While their achievements cannot be dismissed, the ANC's inherent contradictions and middle-class orientation have consistently hindered its ability to serve as a true liberation movement for all South Africans.
The Mkhonto Wesizwe Party's establishment reflects a critical reassessment of the ANC's legacy, advocating for a return to genuine revolutionary principles that prioritize the needs and aspirations of the impoverished and exploited masses. The journey toward a National Democratic Society cannot be led by an organization entrenched in maintaining middle-class privileges. Instead, it requires a movement grounded in the realities and struggles of the majority, as envisioned by the Mkhonto Wesizwe Party.
By learning from past experiences and adopting a more inclusive and revolutionary stance, the Mkhonto Wesizwe Party positions itself as the legitimate successor to the liberation ideals that the ANC initially aspired to but ultimately failed to achieve.
