Delegations of the Inyandza National Movement and the African National Congress met in Lusaka from the 1st to 3rd of March, 1986. The delegations, composed of 21 persons each, were led by their respective Presidents, Enos Mabuza and Oliver Tambo.
The meeting took place at the request of Inyandza, reflecting the conviction of Inyandza that the fundamental problem facing our country, the question of political power, cannot be resolved without the participation of the ANC, which is recognised by the majority of people of South Africa as their leader and genuine representative.
The ANC welcomed the decision of Inyandza and saw it as a very important step towards the further consolidation of the unity of our people and of the democratic movement of our country of which Inyandza is an integral part. After extensive discussions on the current internal and international situation, characterised by a warm spirit of comradeship, the two delegations agreed on a number of important issues.
They agreed that the solution to the problems facing our country lies in the institution of a system of majority rule in a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. Accordingly they were united in their opposition to the entire system of 'separate development' as represented by such institutions as the tri-cameral parliament, the bantustans, the community councils, the Regional Service Councils, the proposed National Statutory Council and so on.
The delegation of Inyandza explained that the principal task facing their movement is the organisation of the people to be part of the forces fighting for a democratic South Africa. To achieve this task, Inyandza is committed to non-violent means of struggle. The ANC expresses its full understanding and support for these positions.
The delegation of the ANC also reported to the meeting on its policy, it strategy and tactics. The ANC emphasised the need for the greatest possible mobilisation of all the people of our country to join in united political action against the apartheid regime. Equally, and in combination with the mass political struggle, the ANC also stressed the importance of the armed struggle to defend the people against the enemy armed forces and to give the people the possibility to seize power from a white minority regime which holds on to power by the use of force.
Inyandza expressed its understanding of the reasons which forced the ANC to resort to armed struggle and explained that as a result of the meeting, it had gained a better understanding of the strategy of the ANC as a whole.
The two delegations agreed that each organisation would continue to act in its own way, in accordance with its own decisions, independently arrived at, in pursuit of the common objective of the birth of a genuinely democratic South Africa. In this regard, the two sides agreed about the need for regular consultations between the two organisations in the interests of the speediest transformation of South Africa into a democratic country.
The two delegations agreed that it was important that other political organisations working with Pretoria-created institutions should, in the interest of all the people of our country, actively involve themselves in the struggle for genuine liberation of our country. In this regard, the two delegations agreed that it is important that these organisations should work in co-operation and not in competition with the rest of the democratic movement of South Africa.
The two delegations agreed that it is of central importance that the campaign for the immediate and unconditional release of Nelson Mandela and all other political prisoners should develop with greater intensity. They agreed that both their organisations would do their utmost in pursuit of this goal.
The two delegations further agreed that the obstacle to a negotiated resolution of the South African problem is the Botha regime. They concluded that no negotiations are possible while the leaders of the people are in prison and while the Pretoria regime refuses to accept that our country should be governed by all its people, both black and white, as equals, brothers and sisters.
The delegations of Inyandza and ANC expressed great confidence that the victory of the people over the system of white minority rule is not far off. They agreed that both organisations would spare nothing in the struggle to realise this objective. The two organisations agreed that they would meet again at a time to be agreed between them.
Delegations of the Executive of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) the National Executive Committee of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (Sactu) and the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) met in Lusaka on 5th and 6th March 1986.
The respective delegations were led by Comrade Jay Naidoo, General Secretary of Cosatu, Comrade John K Nkadimeng, General Secretary of Sactu and Comrade Oliver Tambo, President of the ANC. During the course of the discussions Cosatu and Sactu held a separate session to discuss matters of common interest as trade unionists. The meeting resulted from the common concern of all parties arising from the fundamental and deep-seated economic, social and political crisis into which the Botha regime and the apartheid system of national oppression and class exploitation have plunged our country. There was common understanding that the Pretoria regime and the ruling class of South Africa are powerless to provide any real and meaningful solutions to this general crisis, that lasting solutions can only emerge from the national liberation movement, headed by the ANC, and the entire democratic forces of our country, of which Cosatu is li important and integral part.
In this regard it was recognised that the fundamental problem facing our country, the question of political power, cannot be resolved without the full participation of the ANC, which is regarded by the majority of the people of South Africa as the overall leader and genuine representative.
The meeting recognised that the emergence of Cosatu as the giant democratic and progressive trade union federation in our country is an historic event in the process of uniting our working class and will immeasurably strengthen the democratic movement as a whole.
After extensive discussions on the current internal and international situation, characterised by a warm spirit of comradeship, the three delegations agreed on a number of important issues. They agreed that the solution to the problems facing our country lie in the establishment of a system of majority rule in a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. Further, that in the specific conditions of our country it is inconceivable that such a system can be separated from economic emancipation. Our people have been robbed of their land, deprived of their due share in the country's wealth, their skills have been suppressed and poverty and starvation have been their life experience. The correction of these centuries-old economic injustices lies at the core of our national aspirations. Accordingly they were united not only in their opposition to the entire apartheid system, but also in their common understanding that victory must embrace more than formal political democracy.
The Cosatu delegation explained that the principal tasks facing their federation are to consolidate their membership and affiliates, rapidly effect conversion of the general unions which are part of Cosatu into an industry-based union, within each industry bring about mergers in order to realise the principle of one industry, one union and to unite the entire working force of our country under the banner of Cosatu. At the same time, as a representative of our working class, Cosatu is seized with the task of engaging the workers in the general democratic struggle, both as an independent organisation and as an essential component of the democratic forces of our country. In this regard, the advancement of the interests of the workers and the democratic struggle of our people require that Cosatu, in working together with the other democratic mass organisations, seek to build disciplined alliances so as to ensure that the mobilisation of our people in united mass action also deepens the organisational basis of all democratic organisations of the people.
The delegation of the ANC also reported to the meeting on its policy, its programme, its strategy and tactics. The ANC emphasised the need for the greatest possible mobilisation of all the people of our country to join in united political action against the apartheid regime, equally and in combination with the mass political struggle. The ANC also stressed the importance of the armed struggle to defend the people against the enemy armed forces and to give the people the possibility to seize power from a white minority regime which holds on to power by the use of force.
The three delegations agreed that it is of central importance that the campaign for the immediate unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, should develop with even greater intensity. They agreed that the three organisations would do their utmost in pursuit of this goal.
As the crisis in our country deepens, so too does the resistance, the anger and the will of our people to fight back. In the process many issues have emerged and will continue to emerge as central campaigning issues.
At this very moment the entire democratic movement is confronted with the task of finding the correct campaign basis to destroy bantu education and establish in its place one single democratic, non-racial, free and compulsory system of education for all the children of our country.
Similarly it has become imperative that the workers of our country, together with all the democratic forces, work together to destroy the pass laws - the badge of slavery - and the whole system of influx control and prevent the Botha regime from re-introducing this hated system in any guise whatsoever.
In these and all other campaigns facing our people it is the duty of the democratic forces to work together and consult one another in order to establish the maximum unity in action by all our people. The delegations further agreed that the obstacle to any negotiated solution is the Botha regime. They concluded that no negotiations are possible while the leaders of the people are in prison and while the Pretoria regime refuses to accept that our country should be governed by all its people, both black and white, as equals, as brothers and sisters. In this context the national liberation movement, headed by the ANC, explained that neither negotiations nor 'talks about talks' have taken place and that the ANC is committed that any negotiations, if and when they should take place, must be public and involve the entire democratic movement.
In the discussions between Cosatu and Sactu, both agreed that the widest possible unity of trade unions in our country is of utmost importance in our people's struggle against the apartheid regime and the bosses. Both agreed that there was no contradiction whatsoever arising from their separate existence.
The meeting of all three organisations was characterised by an overwhelming optimism that despite all the manoeuvres by the Botha regime and its allies, despite the heightening repression, victory over the system of white minority racist rule is not far off. The meeting reiterated the commitment of the three organisations to fight for a society free from the chains of poverty, racism and exploitation which would require the restructuring of the present economy.
Delegations of the National Union of South African Students and the African National Congress met in Harare from the 30th March to the 1st of April, 1986 . The delegations were composed of the president of Nusas and representatives of the Universities of Cape Town, Natal (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), Rhodes, Stellenbosch and Witwatersrand, and a representative of the South African Students' Press Union on the one hand, and two members of the National Executive Committee of the ANC, representatives of ANC Youth and Students on the other.
The meeting took place at the request of Nusas acting on the mandate of students at each of the university campuses, on the basis that there would be no solution to South Africa's problems without the participation of the ANC which is recognised by the majority of the South African people as their genuine representative .
The ANC appreciated the significance of this, and the democratic manner in which the decision to meet the ANC was taken. The meeting discussed a whole range of issues pertinent to the solution of the crisis in our country. The discussions were in the main guided by the questions and concerns posed and expressed by students at the campuses represented. The delegations agreed that apartheid is the central cause of conflict in our country and that the Pretoria government is incapable of resolving South Africa's problems. Apartheid cannot be reformed. As such, the creation of a united non-racial and democratic South Africa on the basis of one person, one vote lies in the hands of the democratic forces of our country.
The delegations reviewed the educational crisis and came to the conclusion that this crisis can only be resolved through establishment of a non-racial, non-militaristic and democratic educational system which will be realised through struggle. This forms part of the efforts to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for all South Africans, black and white.
The meeting expressed concern at the ongoing militarisation of our society, the use of brute force in a vain attempt to quell popular resistance, the continued occupation of Namibia and destabilisation of neighbouring countries by the apartheid state. In this respect, the call by Nusas and other democratic organisations for the withdrawal of troops from the townships and for an end to conscription was seen as an important contribution to the overall efforts of the democratic movement for a peaceful future.
Both organisations agreed that one of the major objectives of the moment is to secure the unconditional release of all political prisoners and detainees including Nelson Mandela.
The ANC outlined its strategy and tactics and explained the central role of armed struggle as a means of defending the people and advancing the struggle for the seizure of power by the democratic majority. The ANC further emphasised the need to mobilise all the people of South Africa for united mass political action against the apartheid regime.
The delegations agreed that the real interests of the majority of white South Africans do not lie in the system of racial domination and national oppression. Both were at one that white South Africans have an important role to play now in the endeavour to achieve a non-racial and democratic society. In this respect Nusas has an important contribution to make within its constituency and as part of the national democratic movement.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with a positive and productive interchange of ideas.
Delegations of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) and the African National Congress met in Lusaka on the 15th and 16th of April, 1986. The delegations were led by Archbishop Denis Hurley and Oliver Tambo, Presidents of the SACBC and the ANC respectively.
The two bodies met as a result of their common commitment to bring a speedy end to the evil system of apartheid and to transform South Africa into a united, democratic and non-racial country.
The delegations agreed that the meeting was especially necessary because of the persistent and escalating violence of the apartheid regime against the majority of the people of our country, those of Namibia and southern Africa as a whole. The Catholic delegation expressed its concern about the growing counter-violence of the exasperated victims of the system. The delegations agreed that the apartheid system was the cause of this situation and that peace in our region can only be achieved through the complete abolition of the system of white minority rule.
They recognised that apartheid cannot be reformed but must be ended in its entirety. Accordingly, they agreed that the Pretoria regime cannot be an agent for change. Rather, it is the principal obstacle to the emergence of a democratic government representative of all the people of South Africa.
The meeting agreed that democracy in South Africa cannot be achieved without effective action. The ANC delegation explained its position with regard to the armed struggle. The Catholic delegation pointed out that though it understood the reasons why the ANC resorted to force, it felt it could not identify with this aspect of ANC strategy. The delegations discussed ways in which each organisation could contribute even more effectively to bring an end to the apartheid system.
The SACBC recognised the fact that the ANC is playing an important role in this struggle and that it will occupy a similar position in a free South Africa. It therefore considers it vital that there should be continuing contact between the ANC and the SACBC. The SACBC also recognised that it is necessary for the Catholic Church to engage in specific actions to increase the pressure for genuine change in South Africa. Mere condemnation of the apartheid system is not enough.
The ANC welcomed the fact that the Catholic Church stands opposed to the apartheid system. It sees the Catholic Church and the religious community in general as an important force in the struggle against apartheid, for justice and peace. It respects the right of the church to determine its own strategy for change, but is convinced that a firm basis exists for common action by all those who are genuinely opposed to apartheid both to liquidate this system and together to shape the future South Africa.
The two delegations agreed that it was important further to intensify the campaign for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and detainees. They also agreed that the people of South Africa have a responsibility to express their opposition to Pretoria's campaign of aggression and destabilisation against the independent states of southern Africa.
The meeting also agreed that the Catholic Church has a responsibility to mobilise its white adherents not only to reject apartheid but also to act against it. In this regard, it is vital that the white population should recognise the fact that the black majority from experience knows the South African Defence Force and the South African Police as instruments of oppression and repression. The meeting accordingly recognised the importance of the campaign to end military conscription.
The delegation agreed that the international community has a responsibility to increase its own pressure for a speedy end to the apartheid system. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. It was inspired by the realisation that the attainment of democracy, justice and peace in South Africa is a matter of great urgency. It proceeded from the common understanding that there can be no neutrality in the struggle against racism and apartheid.
Moved by a common concern to see all the people of South Africa, both black and white, living together in peace and as equals, the SACBC and the ANC agreed that they would continue to maintain contact with each other.
During the weekend of 24th to 26th May, 1986, delegations of the National African Federated Chambers of Commerce (NAFCOC) and the African National Congress, led by their two Presidents, met in Lusaka, the capital of the Republic of Zambia.
Meeting in a cordial atmosphere, the two delegations discussed a wide range of issues of concern to all the people of South Africa. The two delegations agreed that an urgent task facing all our people is to find a solution to the crisis which has engulfed our country.
In this regard, the NAFCOC delegation explained that their organisation has, for many years, been involved in various efforts to encourage a peaceful resolution of the conflict which is now tearing our country apart. NAFCOC is committed to continuing these efforts. For that reason - and acting on the decisions and spirit of its national council, which were endorsed by its 21st annual conference - NAFCOC decided to send a delegation to meet the leadership of the ANC. Bound by its own decisions, NAFCOC will continue to act as a catalyst and will, as before, seek contact and dialogue with other people within the broad spectrum of the leaders of our country.
The NAFCOC delegation explained that the purpose of these efforts is to help create the situation when it will be possible for all genuine leaders of the people of South Africa to enter into dialogue aimed at a just and agreed resolution of the fundamental problems facing our country. The delegation further explained that organisations that are currently banned as well as leaders that are imprisoned necessarily have to be part of these discussions if the dialogue is to be meaningful.
The NAFCOC delegation also explained that, as an organisation of black business people, its members are affected by all the problems facing the black community in general. NAFCOC is therefore committed to do everything in its power to ensure that the black people of our country live in freedom and equality with our white compatriots.
The ANC expressed its appreciation for the initiative taken by NAFCOC to enter into dialogue with it and to discuss these vital issues. The ANC explained its own commitment to strive for a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa, and explained that it sees NAFCOC as playing an important role in the creation of such a society within the context of the decisions of its own national conference.
The delegations agreed that the meeting constituted a valuable experience which helped to clarify the respective contribution each organisation was making in the effort to create a peaceful, happy and prosperous society.
On the 12th and 13th of November 1986, delegations of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa and the African National Congress met in Lusaka, capital of the Republic of Zambia. The delegations were led by the Bishop of the Northern Diocese of ELCSA, SE Serote, and Alfred Nzo, Secretary General of the African National Congress.
The meeting was held at the request of the Northern Diocese of ELCSA, which was in Lusaka at the invitation of the Christian Council of Zambia. The discussions took place against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in South Africa, characterised by massive repression by the government against democratic forces on the one hand, and a determined struggle by the people on the other. The delegations were at one that the central cause of conflict in our country is the system of apartheid, and that its resolution lay in the creation of a united, nonracial and democratic South Africa.
Such a solution cannot be attained through reform, neither can it be realised without the participation of the ANC, which is recognised by the majority of South Africans as their genuine representative.
The ELCSA Northern Diocese outlined its platform and the role it is playing in the endeavour to achieve peace and justice in South Africa. As an institution representing a constituency relegated to destitution and untold suffering, ELCSA participates actively in the process to eradicate these evils.
In this regard, the ANC concurred with the view that the church as a whole has an important role to play in the resolution of the crises afflicting South Africa. The ANC further explained its policies on a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa.
On reviewing current developments within the country, the delegations noted the importance of the efforts to consolidate the unity of all democratic forces, the campaign to end the occupation of townships and villages by government troops and police, the need for a democratic resolution of the education crises, the efforts to secure the unconditional release of all political prisoners and detainees, an end to the detention, abuse and indoctrination of children, and united action for the lifting of the State of Emergency.
The delegations further agreed that South Africa is one and indivisible, and that any attempts to divide the people on ethnic or other grounds would fail inasmuch as they only compound the problems facing the country. The future lies in justice and democracy on the basis of one person, one vote. This will be achieved only at the instance of united action by all forces opposed to the system of apartheid.
Both sides agreed that the meeting constituted a valuable and historic experience.
They agreed to meet again if and when the need arises.
The ANC and NACTU met in Harare from May 2nd to May 3rd, 1988 to discuss matters of mutual concern, including the unity of the labour movement. The meeting was held in a calm and friendly atmosphere.
The NACTU delegation, led by Comrade James Mndaweni, President of NACTU, briefed the ANC on the intensification of the struggle against apartheid. The ANC delegation, led by Comrade Alfred Nzo, Secretary General of the ANC, briefed the NACTU delegation on the present situation in South Africa and the intensification of the armed struggle and importance of mass action in South Africa against apartheid.
The two organisations reviewed the repressive actions of the minority racist regime against the mass democratic movement and 18 activists, the legislative programme of the Botha government, including the Labour Relations Amendment Bill, the intended municipal elections of October 1988 and other issues of common concern.
In reviewing the situation in the Frontline States, the organisations appreciated the support and sacrifice of the people of the Frontline States against apartheid.
Both organisations recognised that Unity in Action is a prerequisite for the quick defeat of apartheid. To this end both organisations agreed that it was imperative for the labour movement inside the country to strive towards unity with the eventual objective of a single labour federation.
Both organisations reiterated their commitment to the creation of a united, democratic country, free of racism.
The African National Congress (ANC) had talks with representatives of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) and 52 other people from a wide cross-section of the Indian community of South Africa, from October 7th to 9th in Lusaka, Zambia. A further 40 people were to attend the talks, but were unable to do so because of transport difficulties.
The meeting was facilitated by the Indian High Commission in Zambia. This was one of the largest groups of people from within South Africa to have talks with the ANC. The ANC was represented by a large and very senior delegation of its national executive committee, led by Treasurer-General Thomas Nkobi.
The NIC and TIC delegations were led by Jerry Coovadia and Cassim Saloojee respectively. Many senior members of the two congresses, and other influential leaders in the community, were unable to attend because of passport difficulties and other restrictions.
The participants from the wider Indian community comprised businessmen, cultural workers, professionals, religious leaders, teachers, trade unionists, welfare persons, sports people, women, youth, students and other sectors. The ANC was very pleased to meet such a large and extensive delegation from the Indian community.
Historically, the NIC and TIC and the broader Indian community have had a very close relationship with the ANC - and at present the ANC has high regard for the two Indian congresses. It views them as an integral part of the wider liberation movement, and believes firmly that the Indian community has a vitally important role to play in the struggle for a non-racial democratic South Africa.
The participants from the Indian community were moved by the warm reception given to them by the ANC, and they found the discussions highly stimulating and enlightening.
Among the major issues that emerged from the talks were:
1. Role of the ANC
The participants from the community were convinced that the ANC is indispensable to the process of seeking a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis which faces our country. They therefore called for the unbanning of the ANC and other organisations, the release from detention of Nelson Mandela and all other political prisoners, and the lifting of the state of emergency. They urged the government to begin negotiations with the ANC, to create a peaceful, non-racial and democratic South Africa.
2. Armed struggle
The ANC explained that, in view of the complete intransigence of the South African government and the persistence of state repression, it has no choice but to escalate the armed struggle. However, it remains firmly opposed to armed attacks on 'soft targets,' and regrets the loss of civilian lives in these attacks. Whereas those present believe in peaceful forms of resistance to apartheid, they expressed their understanding of the reasons why the ANC was obliged to take up arms.
3. The ANC and Communism
It was understood that the ANC is a national liberation movement that includes all classes and strata of the oppressed people and democratically-minded Whites. It is not a communist organisation. As a democratic organisation, it includes all people who are committed to the goals set out in the Freedom Charter. This means that it also has members who are Communist.
4. Post-Apartheid Economy
It was generally agreed that there is a need for economic and political liberation. The ANC seeks to eliminate social inequality based on race. It reaffirmed its commitment to the Freedom Charter and explained its support for a mixed economy, which will include state, co-operative and private sectors.
5. Sanctions and Disinvestment
It was noted that the ANC campaigns for comprehensive and mandatory sanctions against apartheid South Africa.
It believes sanctions and disinvestment are important non-violent weapons in the struggle against apartheid and will serve to strengthen the capacity of the oppressed people to wage this struggle.
6. Cultural Boycott
The ANC supports the cultural boycott of South Africa. In discussions with the ANC it emerged that it is apartheid South Africa that has to be boycotted, and not the cultural expression of the oppressed people of South Africa. In this context, it was recognised that the cultural and religious needs of the Indian community might be affected by the boycott - and that there is a need for consultation with the democratic movement, so that the matter can be appropriately addressed.
7. Religion
The participants at the meeting were encouraged by the ANC's firm commitment to the fullest expression of freedom of religion. The participants from the Indian community agreed that all religions are fundamentally opposed to the apartheid system, and call upon the Indian community to give practical expression to this.
8. Education
The ANC and the participants from the Indian community are committed to a single, non-racial education system that will prepare people to play their full roles in a democratic and just South Africa.
9. October Municipal Elections
The ANC and participants from the Indian community are completely agreed that the October municipal elections are designed to perpetuate apartheid.
All present are firmly agreed that the Indian community is an integral part of the oppressed people of South Africa, and has a direct interest in the destruction of the apartheid system. They recognised the outstanding role played by the Indian community in the struggle for liberation in the past, and called on the community to reach even greater heights.
The Indian High Commissioner to Zambia reinforced these views. He strongly urged the Indian community to join with the African and other communities to eliminate apartheid. He explained that India was firmly opposed to apartheid and gave its fullest support to the ANC and the mass democratic movement. The participants from the Indian community and the ANC firmly committed themselves to effectively mobilising the Indian community in a struggle for a democratic, peaceful and non-racial South Africa.
On the 18th and 19th of October, 1988, the African National Congress met representatives of the National Soccer League and the Soccer Association of South Africa. The delegations reviewed the state of soccer, sport in general and other developments within South Africa. The delegations agreed that apartheid is the root cause of the problems afflicting South Africa, including in the field of sport. In this regard the ANC expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the NSL and SASA - within the few years of their existence - to set soccer on a non-racial footing in co-operation with the broad democratic movement.
Such co-operation and joint actions need to be further strengthened with the ultimate purpose of ridding our country of the scourge of apartheid and the creation of a free, non-racial and democratic South Africa. The delegations agreed that it is necessary within our country to unify soccer, strive for the establishment of a unitary, non-racial, controlling body and integrate soccer at the grassroots level.
The ANC put forward its perspective on all questions pertaining to the democratic struggle, including the sports front. SASA and the NSL expressed their recognition of the fact that the isolation of racist sport is an important element of the struggle to end apartheid. For this reason, they reaffirmed their opposition to rebel tours and called for a continuing moratorium on all tours. This campaign is complementary to the objective of supporting and strengthening democratic and non-racial organisations.
It was resolved that both organisations would, in co-ordination with other democratic forces, work out the mechanisms of ensuring that South African nonracial soccer finally occupies its rightful place in the world.
It was agreed to meet again as the need arises.
The participants unanimously agreed to the following Communiqué:
A conference to discuss the role of law in a society in transition was held in Harare, Zimbabwe from 31 January to 4 February 1989. The conference attracted thirty individual lawyers from South Africa, particularly from the Afrikaans-speaking community, members of the ANC Department of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, leaders of the ANC as well as Zimbabwean lawyers.
The conference was officially opened by the Zimbabwean Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa, who said that it would offer the opportunity for lawyers who are frequently involved in fundamental decision-making to confront, in advance, major problems facing South Africa, such as its transition from apartheid.
The participants agreed that South Africa was in the grip of a multi-faceted crisis, which extends to its legal and constitutional system. It was further agreed that the legal community has a responsibility to participate in bringing about an end to the system of apartheid, which is the fundamental cause of the crisis. The conference recognised that lawyers have an added responsibility to counter the use of the legal system, and in particular the security measures, in order to entrench apartheid.
The conference addressed a wide range of issues pertaining to the role of law before as well as after the beginning of the transition period from apartheid to post-apartheid South Africa. The high point of the conference was the consensus reached on the need for a new constitutional order, a justiciable bill of rights and an independent judiciary.
Recognising that the ANC represents a substantial constituency within South Africa, and must therefore essentially be included in the proceedings for change, the participants commended the ANC for putting forward for discussion its draft Constitutional Guidelines for a democratic South Africa. These Guidelines were indispensable in reaching the consensus reached.
Emphasis was put on the need for the creation of a united, democratic and nonracial state predicated upon a universal franchise and a multi-party system. The question of creation and equitable distribution of wealth as well as the non-racial re-distribution of land was a subject of intense discussion. Consensus was reached that there was a need to create conditions in which all South Africans would enjoy full and equal political, economic, social and cultural rights.
The conference stressed the urgency for a negotiated end to apartheid and recognised as an undeniable fact the stature and vital role of the ANC in this
process. The participants emphasised that the unbanning of the ANC and other political organisations and persons, the release of all political prisoners, the re~urn of all exiles and the simultaneous cessation of all violence by the state and all other parties involved, are essential in this regard.
The participants expressed their profound gratitude to the Institute for a Democratic Alternative for South Africa (Idasa), the Cold Comfort Farm Trust, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Faculty of Law of the University of Zimbabwe for facilitating the conference.
The ANC met with the International Campaign Against Apartheid Sport (ICAAS) and the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee (SANROC) at its headquarters in Lusaka on 23rd and 24th February, 1989. Present at the meeting were ICAAS's Chairman, Fekrou Kidane, and Sam Ramsamy, Executive Chairman of SANROC.
The main focus of the meeting was the international isolation of apartheid sport and how to assist the non-racial sports movement inside South Africa.
The meeting paid tribute to the various organisations inside South Africa for their commendable efforts to establish non-racial sport in the country. However, the meeting reaffirmed the policy agreed upon with the non-racial sports bodies inside South Africa that the creation of non-racial sports organisations does in no way, imply their immediate entry into international sports competitions.
The ANC was accordingly outraged by suggestions made by Dennis Brutus that it had given implicit approval for a change in the boycott policy. The ANC maintains contact with SANROC through its Executive Chairman, Sam Ramsamy, and with the non-racial sports movement inside South Africa on all matters relating to sport.
The meeting also recorded its gratitude to the many international organisations, governments, anti-apartheid movements and individuals who have contributed to the present isolation of apartheid sport. Appreciation was also extended to the International Olympic Committee for strengthening its stand against apartheid sport by establishing the commission, Apartheid and Olympism.
However, the meeting observed that there are countries which still maintain sports links with apartheid South Africa. It therefore examined various ways of applying pressure on these countries to end their collaboration with apartheid sport. The three organisations also met with the non-racial South African Amateur Athletics Board and discussed the further development and consolidation of nonracial sport in South Africa.
The ANC, ICAAS and SANROC agreed to maintain regular contact.
Our Conference has enabled the exchange of views and the exploration of common perspectives among South Africans committed to the shared objective of a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa. The significance of the Conference is underlined by the size, the breadth and the diversity of the Five Freedoms Forum delegation consisting of over 100 white South Africans. Throughout the three days of the Conference a spirit of openness and unity of purpose prevailed over whatever strategic or other differences we might have.
For the ANC delegation the Conference was an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the conditions and some of the fears prevailing within the white community. On the side of the Five Freedoms Forum delegation, the Conference increased the awareness of the imperative need for the unbanning of the ANC so that it is able to participate fully, as the important force that it is, in the resolution of our country's all-round crisis.
We believe that every effort will be made to work towards those conditions that will establish a climate for the political resolution of the conflict within our country. These conditions include:
The Conference emphasised the possibility of pursuing different strategies to achieve a non-racial democracy. The extra-parliamentary struggle as a major vehicle for meaningful change was underlined. While there was general agreement that the present parliament is not representative of all South Africans, there was recognition that the white progressive opposition can play a role in mobilising public opinion. To this end the Conference stressed the need for white parliamentary forces to interact and consult with the extra-parliamentary movement.
The Conference wishes to record its great sense of indebtedness to the contribution and warm hospitality of President Kenneth Kaunda, the government and people of Zambia.
The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) and the African National Congress (ANC) met on the 19th of August 1989. Arising from the detailed and serious deliberations between the two delegations, the meeting issued the following appeal to all traditional leaders of our country:
Dear Compatriots! Dear traditional leaders!
Our country, South Africa, is in the midst of severe crisis. The white minority government is neither prepared nor capable to resolve this crisis in the interest of all South Africa's people. Instead, it has resorted to more violence, more detentions and more sweet-sounding but meaningless words.
The future of our motherland lies in the hands of the people, the victims of oppression and dispossession, and the courageous fighters against this evil system. Among these multitudes are hundreds of patriotic chiefs: deposed, harassed and even killed, but forever unbowed. We salute these brave patriots, deserved heirs of the glorious tradition of no surrender shown by our forebears in the wars of resistance of past centuries.
Our traditional leaders feel very keenly the effects of the apartheid system. The very institution of chieftainship has been overturned and abused by the racist rulers. From leaders responsible and responsive to the people, you are being forced by the regime to become its paid agents. From being a force for unity and prosperity you are turned into perpetrators of division, poverty and want among the oppressed. The so-called homeland system, land deprivation, forced removals and the denial of basic political rights - all these and more are the anti-people policies that the white ruling clique forces the chiefs to implement on its behalf.
Nothing demonstrates the defilement of our traditions more glaringly than the deposition of traditional leaders who have taken a bold stand against apartheid and its by-product, the bantustan system.
In the name of our forebears, we cannot allow this to continue. In the name of freedom, justice and peace, traditional leaders must play their role in the fight against apartheid.
We call on all traditional leaders:
Dear compatriots! Dear traditional leaders!
You have an important role to play NOW in the struggle against apartheid. Your place is in the front ranks of the mass democratic offensive. Let us together shape the future South Africa in which justice, peace and prosperity will reign.