Publications

Umrabulo was a word used to inspire political discussion and debate on Robben Island. This concept was revived in 1996 when the ANC published the first edition of Umrabulo. The journal's mission is to encourage debate and rigorous discussions at all levels of the movement.

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Umrabulo welcomes contributions from readers. Contributions may be in response to previous articles or may raise new issues. Contributions may be sent to the address below.

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To subscribe to Umrabulo, complete and return the subscription form www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/pubs/umrabulo/. Subscribers receive Umrabulo quarterly by ordinary post. This service is available to both South African and international subscribers.

Editorial Collective
Joel Netshitenzhe, Pallo Jordan, Fébé Potgieter, Naph Manana, Mandla Nkomfe, Mduduzi Mbada, Michael Sachs, Donovan Cloete, Spongy Moodley, Steyn Speed

Contact Information
Address: Umrabulo, PO Box 61884, Marshalltown, 2107, South Africa
Telephone: 086 717 7077
Fax: 086 633 1437
e-mail: umrabulo@anc.org.za

The contents and views expressed in Umrabulo do not necessarily reflect the policies of the ANC or the views of the editorial collective.

Editorial

Unity. Renewal. Action

While many outside the ANC have seen the period after the Polokwane Conference in December last year as a time of uncertainty, for those inside the movement it has provided a clear direction on the tasks and programmes for the next five years. It has provided clarity on the ANC's policy, its leadership, and its programme of action.

The members of the ANC have spoken. The task now is to implement the decisions that they have taken. We must undertake this work at the same time as we tackle some of the problems that manifested themselves in the run-up to Polokwane.

In his contribution in this edition, ANC President Jacob Zuma speaks about the divisive practices that accompanied the democratic contestation for leadership positions. While an important and necessary component of the internal life of the ANC, the manner in which some people conducted themselves contributed to a climate of mistrust. He warns against allowing divergent views on the choice of candidates to solidify into permanent camps that become engaged in a factional struggle.

Whatever people's views about policy or leadership or other matters, the challenge now is for all members and leaders to work together to implement the decisions of Polokwane. Throughout its 96 years, the ANC has weathered the most violent and dangerous of storms because it has managed to maintain its unity and coherence, and because it has always adhered to democratic internal practices. Hence the call for unity.

Polokwane also highlighted developments within the movement over the last few years that undermine its capacity to effectively prosecute the National Democratic Revolution. It pointed to an erosion of the values and character of the ANC. In far too many instances, the principles of selfless and service are being overshadowed by the pursuit of power, influence and material advancement.

In the absence of a clear political programme, branch activities are being reduced to mere administrative units, sometimes only convening to discuss nominations for conferences. Political education, ideological debate, and membership recruitment suffer. Hence the call for organisational renewal. One of the most important lessons of political struggle is that the best way to build unity is through action. The most effective way to renew the political values and democratic practices of an organisation is through engaging its members in a political programme of action.

The ANC has such a programme. It was developed in Polokwane, and has specific tasks for all members, including those deployed in government.

At the core of that programme is the eradication of poverty and the creation of decent jobs. There are specific programmes that government is expected to undertake. The resolutions of Polokwane envisage a state that is suitably resourced and equipped to play a greater role in stimulating economic growth and ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared among the people.

But this is not merely about waiting for the state to deliver. Neither the members of the ANC nor the people themselves can afford to be mere bystanders as public representatives and civil servants go about their work.

The people must be active agents of their own liberation, mobilised to direct, reinforce and complement the programmes of government. They must be organised to develop their own initiatives at a local level.

This is where ANC branches come in. At the centre of the programme of each ANC branch should be the mobilisation of the community to improve the quality of life of all residents. This should extend from the establishment of street committees to make our homes and streets safer to the development of community vegetable gardens that can improve food security. It should include campaigns to ensure all children attend school and that schools are properly equipped for effective learning and teaching. It should include campaigns around healthy lifestyles, access to quality health care, and awareness around the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

The ANC emerged from Polokwane stronger and more united, and with a renewed sense of purpose. The challenge now is to translate that energy into action that advances the struggle for a better life for all.

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Editorial

Unity. Renewal. Action