The ANC is a national liberation movement. It was formed in 1912 to unite the African people and spearhead the struggle for fundamental political, social and economic change.
The ANC's key objective is the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.
This means the liberation of Africans in particular and black people in general from political and economic bondage. It means uplifting the quality of life of all South Africans, especially the poor.
The ANC is in an alliance with the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Each Alliance partner is an independent organisation with its own constitution, membership and programmes. The Alliance is founded on a common commitment to the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution, and the need to unite the largest possible cross-section of South Africans behind these objectives.
ANC on
It is not widely known that Sisulu's mother Alice Sisulu was a domestic worker and his father, Victor Dickenson, was a white civil servant.
Born on May 18 1912, Sisulu and his elder sister Rosabella were brought up in Ngcobo, Transkei, by his mother, his uncle Dyantyi Hlakula and his grandparents. Sisulu learned a great deal about Xhosa culture and the laws of society from his influential uncle, who was the headman of the village and a lay preacher.
One of Sisulu's earliest childhood memories was the trip to Cofimvaba, a village town, to be vaccinated during the influenza epidemic. He also recalls playing football and tinte, a Xhosa variant of cricket.
Early political influences were Marcus Garvey, whose supporters preached the philosophy of Africanism - getting "back to Africa". History lessons at the Anglican Missionary Institute in Ngcobo also inspired Sisulu greatly. It was during these classes that he learned about Shaka,Moshoeshoe, Cetshwayo and Ge...
Documents relating to Walter Max Sisulu
Documents written by Walter Max Sisulu
EXPLORE THE ANC
General
What is the ANC • How to join the ANC • Introduction to the ANC
Structures and Contacts
Luthuli House • National Executive Committee • National Working Committee • Provincial Leadership • Regional offices