ONE grave consequence of the intensification of struggle in South Africa is the increased rivalry organisations striving for leadership. the setting up of Forum Committee (NF) in March, 1983 and the United Democratic Front (UDF) three The UDF identifies Freedom Charter, programme of Alliance in which the African National Congress (ANC) played a leading role before it was banned in 1960. Azapo, which emerged out of the black ment, is the main constituent of the NF.
This rivalry was aggravated during the campaign against the new constitu tion in vel ds be lions played an acuve role UDF, however, seemed to hog most of the publicity and members of Azapo and the Cape Action League, another affiliate of pictures newspapers and on TV being described as UDF supporters.
After the Uitenhage massacre last March, matters came to a head.
took funeral arrangements. supporters were barred from attending by youths message of condolence from Azapo president Ishmael Mkhabela was not read out at the funeral. families told Azapo that they had 'strict orders' not to hold discussions with any other organisations Fosatu (Federation of South African Trade Unions) the liberation tims lo between the This has been evident since the National that months later. with the which was the the consciousness frightened on all fronts. which both organisations, NF, were annoyed to see the ANC tense ver Lusaka, The ANC. In complete charge of the Azapo and NF working class wearing UDF T-shirts.
Bereaved
liberation except UDF.
members who approached relatives of the shooting victhey required any assistance met with the same response At times, this rivalry has led to violence and bloodshed. • Leaders of both groups have expressed their belief government provocateurs are fanning the flames and that physica attacks on individual members of their respective organisations were probably the work of government agents. There is little reason to doubt this.
From its headquarters in Lusaka. the ANC has expressed its concern at situatiol The "preservation unity' it says, is a 'top priority'. The statement continues: "Let us stop the enemy from exploiting the temporary problems between the UDF and Azapo We should not give comfort to an uncomfortable Our watchwords must oe unity In acuoll. the enemy " It calls on the people 'to seize the initiative and build their own organs of popular power which must be the only authority in the townships...' This would appear to reflect the new direction which is emanating from • consultanve conerence u its first since 1969 The heightened struggle in South Africa has raised many doubts in the ranks of particular, the spectacular growth of the trade union movement has underpinned the importance of the without whom the liberation struggle could not be won There is now a clear demand, within the ANG, for a sharper definition of the role of the working class within the struggle, rather than the wishy-washy reference to its 'leading role' as defined by the Morogoro consultative conference in 1969.