South Africa all the anti apartheid and liberation forces are seriously reassessing their strategy. A recent issue of Work in Progress, an influential organ of dialogue reflecting the views of all South Africa's extra parliamentary forces of struggle, published a broad analysis of the rethink that is now going on in various organisations.
The African National Congress (ANC) is holding its first consultative consince 1969 Lusaka. Although no ofyet come out the conference the South African journalist Howard Barrell visited Lusaka and interviewed the ANC leaders.
In an editorial, Work in Progress comes to the conclusion that 'many old tormulas are losing validity and some tried and tested opposition responses have In volatile and fluid situation all formulas, cliches and assumed assaulengeable uths Howard Barrell came away Lusaka with the firm impression that it 'open season' for fresh ideas. There was a determination that there should be absolutely He found open acoale. among the rank and file discernible excitement at the prospect of which their voices will be heard louder than usual on several pressing issues.
While no official statethe Lusaka Barrell, on the basis of his with ANC leaders. says the ANC is gearing itself for examination of some key aspects. These include the role of the armed struggle. admission of whites to the ANC the tactics 'popular warfare' and the principle of talks with the South African government.
By Charlie Van Gelderen He quotes ANC sources as stating they have objection to discussions with individual members the South Ancan governmell. But not in such a way as it would be seen as negotiations. They Classcu that there had been no talks, negotiations, contact or diplomatic exchanges between the ANC the South African government over the past year.
Any talks had to be premised on an agreement that apartheid had to be completely dismantled and centre on the practical ways and means of constructing united, non racial country.
The dynamic growth of the black movement is reflected in the demand for a closer definition of the primary position the working class and its interests. Now that the black working class forms the largest and best organised force in the black community tere ts a strong feeling for the need vague reference "leading role of the wi Moro Goro conterence in 1960 to a more positive stand.
One aspect of policy which clearly differentiated the ANC from the National Forum (NF) its chief affiliate AZAPO, the reliance which the ANC leadership still place: on pressure from "liberal" OILSUC to speed the process of dismantling of apartheid.
Over the past 24 years the ANC external mission diplomats have striven to isolate the apartheid regime internationally by on especially the United States big business politicians Thus recently held talks with Senator Edward Kennedy and supported his visit to The NF and its affiliates organised demonstrations akallist Kennedy's visit greeted him with placards which read 'No to imperialism', 'We will not forget your part in Vietnam' and 'Our struggle is for a Socialist Azania' This illustrates the maJOr difterence between AZAPO ANC AZAPO's manifesto lays down that apartheid cannot be ended without smashing the capitalist which sustains it.
The Kennedys, of this world ther maintain will stop short by long distance from which has as it: 3icapitalism to rely on the Kennedys was spurious.
The issue of Work Progress also debated the main differences between the UDF NF would be ms cauing to coumar pos UDE and NF as 'organisational incarnations of progressive democratic versus black consciousness political movements.' UDF officials admit that after 18 months of existence lacks clear ideological NF's policy defines it as an anti-imperialist, antiracist anti-sexist and anticollaborationist group. is explicitly left wing and socialist in its self defining manifesto programme. UDF is not. Opponents say UDF is explicitly ambiguous. The Western Саре branch secretary of the UDF admits that at its formation divisions were blurred.
But different opinions perspectives emerging. It is necessary to do battle at an ideological level to define a cleares political stand.
The issues of course will not be decided in the debating chamber or in the of journals. A5 the liberation struggle іпtensities. the organisation will be tested in the crucible of battle. At this stage those abroad who support the struggle for liberation must give unconditional solidarity WILE organisations engaged in that struggle. It is for the black working class and its South * NO infest c apartheid NO TO APARTHEID!
JUNE 16th Stop the massacres i scatted
Socialist Action 24 May 1985
----- pull-quotes -----
be rethought.