DOCSLIB.ORG

AG1977-A4-7-3-001-Jpeg.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
AG1977-A4-7-3-001-Jpeg.Pdf A 4. 7 - 3 P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 5/4/91 Dear Mr. Heyns, Thank you for your letters of 12/12/90 ana 22/3/91 with regard to the President’s Council’s investigation into an ethical code of conduct for South African political parties. Your reauest for participation was discussed at our National Executive meeting in March 1991. It was decided that the End Conscription Campaign would not Pe able to participate because we feel that tnis investigation falls outside our brief. We regard ourselves as a human rights group rather than a political party and we are only concerned with the issues of conscription and militarisation in South Africa. We appreciate the invitation and would be happy to participate in any other President’s Council investigation provided that it was directly linked to our issues. Yours sincerely, — , Nan Cross, ECC National Secretary. C o r n p a i j r t m 3 12 April 1991 The General Secretary Dear Comrades We hope that by now you have received the joint discussion paper on ’Building the Youth Front'. The paper is the work of the joint committee set up by the last Seminar on 1 March 1991 on the Youth Front. Part of the mandate of the committee was to convene a follow-up Seminar to discuss the process and programme of the Youth Front. Section B of the discussion paper deals with these issues and we suggest that the paper be used as a basis for the discussions. We would also like your organisation to give consideration to the issue of at what point we will be able no make decisions on the process and start it. The proposed date for the follow-up Seminar is: Date: 19 April 1991 Time: 12h00 - 15h00 Venue: ANC Youth League Board Room Agenda: 1. Programme and Process - building the Youth Front 2. Report on processes in different organisations. 3. Way Forward participation at the Seminar will be the same as the previous one, ie 5 per organisation. Please confirm your participation. Yours in struggle Joint Committee on Youth Front 0 SENT BY:ANC YOUTH LEAGUE ;12- 4-91 ; 12=07 SAYCO-* 011 8366931;# African National Congress Youth League 49 Jorrisen Street, Devonshire House 8th Floor Braamfontein ?0 Box 6259 Johannesburg, 2 COO Tei. (011) 403-3452 ' Fax. (011)403-2009 UISP m .w .,*, 9 APR 1391 DATE:. £ c c TO: I ATTENTION: FROM:. u e REF:_ RE: I Ou t Vl D | S G u S> NUMBER OF' PAGES:. M d u c U . 6 c v a Z-C : MESSAGE: r~itAd Cics»d.^ jQi^ ovv '^tcwrv> . ' j Q W e p v O p Q S i i ^ P v \ 0( Q U) ■ I A f v !«?«/ vvLxf- 4 A - { ^ U o c — ( U o o £ i u f ^ ° u ' P 0if>' £tv\d oXoo S u^cot C^ev'.tXix • W"\a-ur> q \s \ , S^c-kc^i S <=^ 1V,W ' ■ ' / ^'V'CfoK^ j'1 R e p o r t of Y o u t h Front. S e n i n a r : 1 M a r c h 1S1>I Religion as a Sector A g e n da Religion and the church is not. removed from te context of 1. The All Party Congress and the Patriotic Front society, and therefor the contradictions in s«iety manifest 2. Building the Youth Front, (panel) themselves in the church as well. It has its owr identifiable a'. Religious youth, and Alliances (YCS) set of relationships, practices and ideologies,itc reflective b. The Student Movement and Alliances (Musas/Sansool of broader society. c. Building the Youth League (AMCYL} 3. The Way Forward Religious institutions operate mainly (but not cclusively) on an ideological terrain. It shapes peoples prceptions of PRESENT: society and how they fit into society. It attests to provide ANC Youth League PNYS. NCFS, YCS, Sansco, Musas, ANC Youth its adherents with a eomprehensive set of symbols and League PWV region, Suca. practises which attemps to make sense of ti* total life process. Because religion is part of broader society, this is often co-opted inot. the service of dominant c*ss or social i. o b j e c t i v e s o f t h f r a t i o n a l s e m i n a r o h t h e y o o t h f r o h t group in order to bolster and perpetuate th<r control of society. It also often functions in a way tkt enables the reproduction, in symbolic f or i»> of the doinant power The AWC Youth League who convened the seminar outlined its relations which exist in society. It goes witha saying that objectives as follows: this alliance w'lth the power elite need not tc bo the case, the church interest can and do clash with the in»rests of the a. To begin the discussions amongst progressive youth dominant group, especially if it is against tk interests of organisations on the need, objectives and nature of the Youth the majority of society. Front b. to out of the seminar draft a joint discussion paper to be Contradictions in tfvo Church circulated within the structures of all participatory organisations. Contradictions and power relations in society .e reproduced in the church. So for example we also fini in the chuch undemocratic structures, differences between the 'oung and the old, failure to relate theology to the contex' in which it takes place, a liturgy and practise which is |-oduced by and 2. ami.DIHG THE YOUTH FflOMT controlled by an elite, but practised by the mss nannbership of the church. a. Religious Youth and Alliances :_______Young Christian S t u d e n t s This often causes contradictions for its mamltrs. So for example, a young churchgoer may in secular organisations I will use the word church, but not only in the context of the experience democratic structures and participate outside of Christian religion; this is a recognition of the fact that the church, but may have to inside the church sulftit to strict there is a temple for Hindus, mosoua for Muslins, synagogue control through the ecclesiastical hierarchy, d<>pite tho fact for Jews, etc. that the church proclaims a doctrine of justici, equality and the value of persons above systems. In Southkfnca 7 7 % of What we have in common, however, is that all of us strive for our people are religious, but the church >r years have God’s Kingdom meaning values like a ccmnnon humanity, justice, justified a system that actively violate the n;erests of the peace and sharing. majority of its members. © summit at this point -as to draw together the core formations of progressive youth so as to coordinate acttvites and strenthen organisation weaken by repression. A further The Church as a site of stj;uugle objective was the creation of a Youth Front which would unite the broadest possible groupings of youti around common In comparison to other sites of struggle like schools, perspectives artd activitea. Ihe aim of such a front was the factories, communities, the church has (only a relative extension of the influence of progressive forces to importance. However, tiven the fact that a large proportion unorganised and 'middle ground" youth. This front was never of our coemun 1 tios are members of tine churcH, iny movement for established due to the inability of the national and regional change will have to set tlie church as a site of struggle arid summits to advance to this point. A debate often occurod on for change. The tals of progressives ir the church is whether the priority wets to build the core forces in the Youtii therefor to maximise dissent from the cultural to the ideal of Summit or to set up the Youth Front. The Sunuiits spend a lot liberation. This is out contribution to tJW oerall struggle of time defining their roles and formulate programmes, the for liberation. most successful 1 one those around the defiance campaign in 1989 and June 16. The Summits however nev«r readied beyond c. Youth in the Church the REC'3 to local levee. It did however played an important role in setting up the provisional structures of the ANC Youth Firstly, it is our viev that it is not the duy of political L e a g u e . organisations to start lecruiting and mobilWirs in the church per se, but to make us* of already existing frogreasive youth This assessment needs to be borne in mind when we are to organisations in the church like A1 Jih^d, YCS, Jews for advance the Youth Front initiative today. Justices, Suca, etc. \outh in the church lav# an interest in promoting: non- raci laism aril democracy . b. The demands of the current period minimise submission and maximise libration hasten the devs Dpement of authentic Al'ican We are involved ir, a new era in the hi atom if our s t i u g 9le leadership in tlia church where important challenges face our movemert. We need to - promote a posit ve image of a transformed church adapt our traditional strategies and tactics to meet the acknowledge and deepen the liberation role of the challenges of a negotiations climate so us to ensure that the church. final thrust of struggle ushers in a true norvracial democracy It is very important for the ANC Youth League to keep dynamic in our country.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Zelda Gordon & Associates
    Zelda Gordon & Associates * j (Attorneys and Conveyancers) 574 Lansdowne Road Lansdowne 7780 P.O. Box 24351 *t? Lansdowne S Zintl 7780 OUR REF.:. Tel: (021) 761-8021/25 Telefax: (021) 761-8040 VOUR REF.: 18 Juna 1991 Attention: Nan Cross ECC National Office Telefax [Oil] 836 6931 Johannesburg > Dear Nan ECC POLICY ON CONSCRIPTION IN A POST APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA DRAFT DOCUMENT AS PREPARED BY CAPE TOWN END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN We transmit a copy of the Policy Document as drafted by Katherine Mathers, Francois Krige and myself in response to the earlier draft and subsequent discussion at the National Conference and within the Cape Town Branch. ; We apologise for the slf'ght delay as occassioned by extreme pressure of work on ail concerned. Please do not hesitate to contact Katherine to discuss any aspects of the document. Yours in the Struggle ZELDA GORDON S. ASSOCIATES per i Steven ZINTI enc / as detailed totalling 3 pages herewith Zelda Gordon JUN-19-’91 UIED 10:10 ID:Z GORDON AND ASSOC TEL NO: 8332 P02 ECC POLICY ON CONSCRIPTION IN A POST APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA. PREAMBLE The End Conscription Campaign rejects racial conscription as it inevitably results in racial polarisation, mi 1itirisation and social damage. The ECC believes that in a post apartheid South Africa the coercion and force that has characterised our nation must be abolished. This means that conscription, both military i\ and non militaty, should not exist. The ECC believes that military conscription in a post apartheid SA should not b*e j'dtl of the defence force manpower procurment v policy, this is based on the belief that: / a.
    [Show full text]
  • Objecting to Apartheid
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS) OBJECTING TO APARTHEID: THE HISTORY OF THE END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN By DAVID JONES Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS In the subject HISTORY At the UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR GARY MINKLEY JANUARY 2013 I, David Jones, student number 200603420, hereby declare that I am fully aware of the University of Fort Hare’s policy on plagiarism and I have taken every precaution to comply with the regulations. Signature…………………………………………………………… Abstract This dissertation explores the history of the End Conscription Campaign (ECC) and evaluates its contribution to the struggle against apartheid. The ECC mobilised white opposition to apartheid by focussing on the role of the military in perpetuating white rule. By identifying conscription as the price paid by white South Africans for their continued political dominance, the ECC discovered a point of resistance within apartheid discourse around which white opposition could converge. The ECC challenged the discursive constructs of apartheid on many levels, going beyond mere criticism to the active modeling of alternatives. It played an important role in countering the intense propaganda to which all white South Africans were subject to ensure their loyalty, and in revealing the true nature of the conflict in the country. It articulated the dis-ease experienced by many who were alienated by the dominant culture of conformity, sexism, racism and homophobia. By educating, challenging and empowering white citizens to question the role of the military and, increasingly, to resist conscription it weakened the apartheid state thus adding an important component to the many pressures brought to bear on it which, in their combination, resulted in its demise.
    [Show full text]
  • H^ LEPHONE-CONFEI,Ience: HELD 0N S«Turdfly 10 AUGUST
    fiTTN. CO S&, ' - „ M > ' -1--------- ----------Z 2 <3 6 j ! /aS x > 0 3/ * 3 cv i r G> b // 7 w o TB ? T 2 « « H^ LEPHONE- CONFEI,iENCE: HELD 0N s«TURDflY 10 AUGUST 1990 BETWEEN JOHANNESBURG, DURBAN & CAPE TOWN I 1. REGIONAL REPORTS 1 -1 DURBAN Mxke Graaf had a remand hearing cn IS August. The AG is still deciding whether to (withdraw charges. Trial date set for 2 October. Mike will be sending out a newsletter to all centres soon. Brendan Moran has been advised by his lawyers to ignore the August call-up he received! as it has no legal standing (his earlier call-up legally hojlds). National register <771) nojw falls under the auspices of ECC 1.2 CAPE TOWN The organisation has not mpt since 6 June. This meeting was DQorly At-tpnH»rl (13 Hwuplc.) ^fier pf.w., li iy nidny uf tne objectors on the local Hsjt., Had input from Alan Dodson on - -- (fV-rrent legal P°sitionj. The "Objector" was completed inally and fflQiled out to ell on the Jhb list as well as others. Johannesburg askedi for some more "Objectors". HI I ; • 1.3 JOHANNESBURG Doug Torr is out on bail pending his appeal which will probably be heard in about 6 months. Work is being done especially in the churches,to make people aware that the issue of CO is still around. A new pamphlet has been 1 prin ted. Press coverage around Doug.and Charlie has been good - ? need to improve press linki in other centres to see that they pick up on info put out by SAPA.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1 – Introduction and Research Methodology
    EMPOWERING ALTERNATIVES: A history of the Conscientious Objector Support Group’s challenge to military service in South Africa by Judith Patricia Connors submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M Com in the subject Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Supervisor: Professor G. Maré October 2007 2 To Nan Cross who has gone on her way leaving us a legacy of bright-eyed, sharp-minded, warm-hearted, fearless activism. 3 I declare that “Empowering alternatives: A history of the Conscientious Objector Support Group’s challenge to military service in South Africa” is my own work and that all the sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. 4 Acknowledgments I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to this study. To the members of the COSG who had the vision to fund a study like this; my sincere and humble appreciation for entrusting me with this task. It has been a privilege to get to know you and the work you were involved in. To my supervisor, Prof. Gerry Maré, whose commitment to ensuring that crucial parts of South Africa’s history do not get forgotten; thank you for striking the perfect balance between giving freedom on the one hand and urging the need for revision on the other; between challenge and praise. And to Prof. Geoff Harris who has developed and coordinated the Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies Programme at UKZN; I am extremely grateful to you for making a programme of this calibre accessible to us, and for asking me whether I would like to research this particular topic.
    [Show full text]
  • End Conscription Campaign 4Lt
    End Conscription Campaign 4lt ■/ ECC PRESS RELEASE 4 JANUARY 1991 JANUARY 1991 CALL-UP On 8 January 1991, yet another whites-only call-up into the SADF will begin. Despite the government’s supposed commitment to political change, it refuses even to discuss the replacing of the existing racist system of military conscription. Resistance to conscription continues to grow, with thousand of conscripts failing to report for camps and evading initial military service. While the existing system of conscription collapses, the government selectively prosecutes a few high-profile conscientious objectors, while most "draft dodgers" are left alone, in a hypocritical and opportunistic attempt to intimidate other would-be objectors. However, the great increase in the numbers of those who have refused publicly to perform military service in defence of apartheid proves the failure of this strategy. We say to President F W de Klerk: The retention of a racist, whites-only system of conscription is not acceptable. The refusal of the SADF and your government even to discuss the future of the defence force and the system of conscription is not acceptable. The continued persecution and selective prosecution of conscientious objectors is not acceptable. Your failure to take effective disciplinary steps against General Magnus Malan and senior SADF personnel responsible for the actions of the CCB and the obstruction of the Harms Commission is not acceptable. While such glaring discrepancies exist between your talk of reform and democracy on the one hand, and the continuation of racist and undemocratic practices on the other, we will continue to find your bona fides unacceptable.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Historical Papers Photograph Collections
    1 HISTORICAL PAPERS PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTIONS (Excluding CPSA) The collections include albums, scrapbooks, loose prints, negatives, slides, postcards, some posters, sketches and paintings, and images on glass or metal plates. Most of the items were received with collections of documents. A1 HOFMEYR, Jan Hendrik, 1894 – 1948 Gf 1-2. Photographs of Hofmeyr in his personal & professional life. Detailed list of photos in published inventory no. 13. Kd 1-8. Collection of postcards. These include: South African scenes/towns (early 1900s); six Boer Generals who signed the Peace Treaty, 31 May 1902; place where Dr Jameson surrendered; military hospital in a church - Anglo-Boer War; Nachmaal Camp; bottom of diamond mine at Jagersfontein; early stamps of the Transvaal; cartoons - Springboks vs England; neighbouring states - Rhodesia and German SWA; overseas postcards; miscellaneous - birthday and Xmas greetings. Photographs stored in filing cabinet; postcards stored in small acid-free box. A3 ANDERSSON, Charles John Notes, with coloured sketches/plates, of the birds of Damaraland. The notes formed the basis for his published work Notes on the Birds of Damaraland, London, 1872. Not removed from original collection. A13 BLANKENBERG, Sir Reginald Andrew Group photographs of leading South African and British political figures (1920 - 1924).Stored in the folio shelves. A17Fol BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE Photograph album entitled "The British Association meeting, South Africa 1905”. Includes photos taken by delegates on board ship; farm workers (Stellenbosch); Zulu “scenes” including rickshaws, wedding, huts, dances etc.; women workers; Chinese compound; mining scenes; miners; Zimbabwe scenes. Negatives in file. Album stored in poster cabinet. A22 COHEN, Louis Photographs and postcards of early Benoni.
    [Show full text]
  • Ivan Toms and Steven Beukes (CT) Andrew Warmback, Martin Birtwhistle, Brendan Moran (Dbn) Chris De Villiers and Nan Cross (Jhb) Mandy Taylor (National)
    1990. Present: Ivan Toms and Steven Beukes (CT) Andrew Warmback, Martin Birtwhistle, Brendan Moran (Dbn) Chris de Villiers and Nan Cross (Jhb) Mandy Taylor (National) 1 . Regional Reports Cape Town: COSG will probably meet once a month and a small executive will meet more often. ECC will assume most of the responsibility for this area in CT. Johannesburg: Press conference held when Saul released. Christmas events: Produced poster, sent card to VIP’s, sent letter to churches with Christmas prayer for release of objectors. International CO day art exhibition being planned. Durban: Successful Charles Bester meeting held. Inter alia, Judy and Ivan spoke. COSG/Umlazi Youth League peace rally held. COSG has grown over the last period. With ECC again being active, COSG will scale down its work but will continue to meet once a month. 2. Matters arising from previous minutes: 2.1 Van Loggerenberg Committee Draft copy handed out. Amendments to reach Mandy within the next week. 2.2 Media Issues Objector: Articles, photos, etc to be sent to CT by end of February. Next edition out by mid-March. At least next two editions to be produced by COSG. SA Outlook: R1.30 each. CT to send to each region. Jhb will send out i nternati onal1y . National Pamphlet: Jhb pamphlet has been produced. Some copies will be sent to CT and Dbn. T-Shi rts Durban has produced some for other regions. R12 each. 2.3 National Conference postponed. 2.4 Logo Suggestions to Mandy within two weeks. 2.5 Briefing of Released Leaders Jhb still has this responsibility.
    [Show full text]