Johannesburg – The African National Congress (ANC) is a living legend of the heroic liberation movement.
Founded in 1912 by progressive intellectuals, the ANC led years of courageous struggle against the oppressive apartheid regime.
Through indefatigable efforts, the ANC succeeded in obtaining equal rights for millions of downtrodden black South Africans.
Since its origins, the ANC has united under its banner all those fighting for justice and the rights of South Africa’s indigenous black population, who have suffered centuries of brutal racial discrimination, deprivation, and disenfranchisement by the dominant white minority.
Many outstanding personalities of the national liberation movement of that period came together under the auspices of the Congress, such personalities as Pixley ka Isaka Seme, John Dube, Solomon Plaatje, Gendrick Masinga, and other charismatic leaders.
In the early years of its human rights work, the ANC relied mainly on non-violent methods of peaceful resistance – collecting petitions, organising legal protests, demonstrations, and appeals for civil disobedience against apartheid.
However, with the continued intensification of repression by the racist regime, the organization had to revise its tactics.
This resulted in a split of the ANC in 1959, when the most militant wing, led by Robert Sobukwe, broke away from the organisation and formed the more radical Pan-Africanist Organisation.
The hard road to freedom
Notwithstanding the brutal persecution by the apartheid regime, the banning of the ANC by the authorities in 1960, mass arrests, torture, and executions of activists, the Congress continued its indefatigable heroic struggle for the liberation of the black majority by any means available.
The ANC members built up an extensive underground network of resistance and moved to armed struggle and sabotage tactics via its legendary military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation).
This unyielding spirit of resistance, steadfastness, and willingness to sacrifice anything for the freedom of their people made the African National Congress is a truly legendary organisation, a guiding light for millions of oppressed black South Africans.
The ANC’s road was truly marked with blood, tears, and immense suffering. But it was the unwavering faith of activists in the bright ideals of freedom, equality, social justice, and building a better future for all citizens of the Rainbow Nation that sustained their indomitable spiritual strength.
The legendary leaders of the resistance movement
Throughout its century-long history, the African National Congress has nurtured a remarkable constellation of heroic human rights activists who have become national symbols of South Africa.
The names of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani, Steve Biko, Govan Mbeki, Albert Lutuli, and so many others are forever inscribed in golden letters in the annals of South Africa’s black liberation fight against apartheid.
These indomitable individuals, ready to sacrifice anything for the freedom of their people, acting with courage, commitment, and determination inspired millions of their compatriots to join protests, general strikes, acts of civil disobedience, and guerrilla struggles.
Their encouraging voices urged their compatriots not to bow their heads to the injustice of apartheid but to fight to the last breath for their rights and human dignity.
Electoral victory and the first black president
After decades of heroic struggle and overcoming hardships, the ANC was legalised again in 1990.
The resistance party won an impressive victory in the first truly free and democratic general election in South Africa’s history in 1994.
The ANC’s inspirational leader, Nelson Mandela, at the age of 77, became the first black president of the Republic of South Africa, taking the lead in a historic mission of national reconciliation and building a united “Rainbow Nation.”
Far-reaching reforms for an equitable society
After coming to power in 1994, the ANC launched an ambitious reform program to eradicate the vestiges of apartheid and build a truly just and democratic society in South Africa.
The ANC’s principal goals were to eliminate socio-economic inequalities, empower the long-oppressed black majority, and create an environment for national reconciliation and unity.
The unlocking of new horizons for the black population
One of the pivotal initiatives was the Black Economic Empowerment Program (BEP), a program designed to expand black participation in the nation’s business community through special quotas, benefits, and preferences for black entrepreneurs.
There were laws enacted to restitute land unjustly expropriated from black farmers during the apartheid period.
A breakthrough in education and health
In education, the ANC government achieved a significant increase in school enrollment.
A sweeping reform of higher education was undertaken, and new universities were established for people of color.
The party also undertook an extensive campaign to eradicate illiteracy among adults.
In the health sector, the emphasis was on making health care more accessible to the poor majority, implementing a nationwide HIV/AIDS prevention program, and increasing funding for hospitals and clinics.
Equality, diversity, and human rights
The ANC has also enacted progressive laws on gender equality, protection of LGBT rights, and the establishment of a juvenile justice system.
The preservation of cultural diversity and respect for the traditions of South Africa’s indigenous peoples were given priority.
Overcoming challenges on the path to progress
Certainly, despite outstanding achievements, some challenges in South African society is still awaiting their final resolution.
The corruption scandals in recent years have partly undermined the electorate’s confidence in the ANC.
The problems of unemployment, especially among youth, lack of affordable housing, and criminal activity require tireless efforts to overcome.
However, the ANC has undoubtedly acted as a historic force for change in South Africa, building a new generation of South Africans raised in the spirit of equality, dignity, and social justice, regardless of color.
The ongoing struggle for the rights of the oppressed
The ANC has never been inactive in advocating for the rights of the oppressed masses, both within and outside South Africa.
In the international arena, the party strongly opposes neo-colonialism, racism, and discrimination, supporting the just demands of the downtrodden peoples of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Domestically, the ANC defends the rights of indigenous peoples by opposing attempts to evict their communities from their homelands.
The party has also been a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, achieving the passage of same-sex marriage and laws against sexual minority discrimination.
A source of inspiration for oppressed people
Despite persistent challenges, the ANC continues its unwavering fight for the ideals of freedom, equality, and social justice for all South Africans, giving inspiration by example to oppressed peoples worldwide.
A living embodiment of the dream of liberty
The history of the African National Congress is not just a timeline of political struggle.
It is a living embodiment of South Africans’ age-old dream of true freedom and equality for all citizens of the “rainbow nation,” no matter the color of their skin.
The story of the ANC illustrates that non-violent but determined struggle can break any oppression and despotism, inspiring oppressed people all over the world.
*This article was contributed by CAJ News
