VOLUME X NUMBER 10 SOUTHERN A RICA EC It

REVIE

Molefe Pheto Poetry for The Struggle Notes to Our Readers 9 8 a

This has been an eventful year in and for south To help readers see the patterns in the develop ern Africa. Everywhere the people are stating ing events we have changed our format this their demands-the right to control their lives, month. Instead of bringing you the latest news we their country, their resources and their future. have devoted most of our space to reviews of major Resistance has exploded in South Africa, involv 1977 happenings and trends in each of the coun ing workers, teachers, parents as well as students, tries we normally cover. and producing brutal retaliation from the Vorstei We have also tried to present some basic statis regime. tics for each area. Compiling even such scanty SWAPO has extended its operational area in facts proved frustratingly difficult. Information is Namibia, challenging the South African occupiers out of date, and often contradictory. We have done militarily as well as politically. our best to check accuracy; nevertheless we sug Despite internal problems the two Zimbabwe gest that readers regard these as a guide to general liberation movements, linked in the Patriotic orders of magnitude rather than accurate down to Front, have drawn thousands of new recruits, and the last digit. pose so serious a threat to the Salisbury govern Loyal readers will notice that the magazine is ment that Smith, who one year ago declared that shorter than usual. We did not have the monev to there would be no majority rule in Rhodesia for a print more pages. We hope next month will be thousand years, is now offering an unrestricted better, but we need your help. See page 20 for one vote to Africans as part of an 'internal settlement." way in which you can help ensure our survival and Smith has hedged his offer with serious restric growth-by becoming a sustainer. Urging your tions, and accompanied it by a massive attack on local school, city, union or college library to take guerrilla camps in Mozambique. He will try to out a subscription is another way of helping us concede as little as possible-but he is being reach new readers. forced to concede. These are exciting times-they demand more The power of the peoples' demand is being than a passive response from people who care heard in Washington and London as well as Pre about the future. So join us in supporting the toria and Salisbury. Hence the frenzied increase in liberation struggle in southern Africa, in opposing Western intervention, the scurrying to and fro of US intervention and in building a base of informed Anglo-American representatives, wearing the opinion in America. well-cut suits of the diplomatic corps, rather than We wish you all strength and joy in the coming army fatigues, but still seeking to protect non African interests, by finding a settlement formula year. that will short-circuit the struggle for real libera A luta continua, tion. The Editors

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Sustainerswill receive a portfolio of six city state zip I beautiful photographs of Angola, Mail to: Southern Africa, Noon 707, South Africa and Guinea-Bissau. 156Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010 SOUTHERN Contents AF RICA DECEMBER 1977 VOLUME X NUMBER 10 2 CARTER IN SOUTHERN AFRICA THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Our Collective: Barbara Barnes Carole Benglesdorf Wes Cohen Paddy Colligan Jennifer Davis Michael Davis Charlie Ebel Mimi 5 SPECIAL REPORT Edmunds Carolyn Fleuhr-Lobban Peggy IN MOZAMBIQUE Halsey Janet Hooper Paul Irish Tami 5 POLITICAL ELECTIONS Hultman Allen Isaacman Bill Johnston Marci Kerr Richard Knight Reed Kramer 7 YEAR IN REVIEW Richard Leonard Richard Lobban Edgar 7 UNITED NATIONS Lockwood Andy Marx Bill Minter Ruth Minter Susan Rogers Christine Root 8 ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY Karen Rothmyer Mike Shuster Janet Siskind Pat Smith Jinni Stroman John 10 SOUTH AFRICA Stroman Stephanie Urdang Roberta 12 ZIMBABWE Washington Jim Weikart Sybil Wong 13 MOZAMBIQUE 14 ANGOLA 16 NAMIBIA 17 BOTSWANA

Southern Africa is published monthly, 19 MOLEFE PHETO except for July-August, when bi-monthly, POETRY FOR THE STRUGGLE by the Southern Africa Committee, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York, NewYork 10010. 21 UPDATE Subscriptions: Individual (domestic and foreign)/$8.00; Institutional/$18.00; Air mail: Africa, Asia, Europe/$20.50; South and Central America/$17.50.

Southern Africa is available on microfilm through University Microfilm, Xerox Com pany, Ann Arbor, Mich. 68206, and is listed in the Alternative Press Index. SOURCES- INFORMATION BOXES 1. 1976 Statistical Yearbook, United Nations 2. 1974 Report on the World Social Situation, United Nations 3. World Tables 1976, World Bank 4. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 1977, Newspaper Enterprise Association for Dou bleday 5. The CBS News Almanac 1977, Hammond COVER: Photographs from Tempo, Almanac, Inc. United Nations 6. Washington Post, February 5, 1977 7. South Africa Fact Sheet, Africa Fund, 1977 8. Office of the UN Commissioner for Namibia

DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 1 Carter in Southern Africa The Shape of Things to Come

• .* The critical factor in African radical regimes threatening to western By Edgar Lockwood nation-building is leadership. In interests not only in those countries Judging by public tone, style and choosing countries for special em but, more importantly, in South Africa ideological emphasis alone, the casual phasis, we propose to make a major itself. observer of US foreign policy is im effort to help dynamic and progres pressed by the novelty of the Carter sive leaders who are reasonably The Carter Themes Administration's approach toward friendly. This summary of the Republican southern Africa. Kissinger had stressed Our revolutionary background years is intended to suggest that it is America's tangible interests, sought and democratic aspirations consti the threat to western interests that has alliances with ideological "enemies' to tute a basis for sympathy between now rescued Africa from "neglect." advance or at least to protect those ourselves and the Africans. The pursuit of American idealism, in interests, and operated a clever, mani Under "Objectives," we find: this context, should, then, be seen not pulative and secretive diplomacy with Gradual emergence or growth of a as an abstract philosophical preference calculated ambiguity. The Carter middle class capable of creating and but as an ideological weapon in a very Administration now seems once more managing a private enterprise sector real conflict in which the US acts to to espouse American ideals and prin in a mixed economy. protect very material benefits. It ciples, open diplomacy for announced, Encouragement, where appropri would be foolhardy to predict out clearly-stated objectives, and deci ate, of private enterprise economies. comes at this stage, but it is possible to sion-making by consent. But what is Gradual and orderly transfer of sketch out certain themes which seem really involved is a reversion to the power to the majority of the African to be emerging as characteristic of the active use of ideology and salesman populations during the next few Carter approach. ship to manage its political and eco years, with the fullest possible pro The Promotion of Capitalism nomic interests. It is of a piece with tection of minority rights. "helping our little brown brothers" in and Non-Violence Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Philip These high-sounding objectives were accompanied by the use of forces Perhaps the most brilliant political ines, making the world "safe for choice of Jimmy Carter's career to date democracy" and saving Vietnam from to secure American goals in the Congo. Furthermore, covert CIA operations, has been the selection of Andy Young communism. as Ambassador to the United Nations. A relevant precedent may be the buying of African "assets," assassina tion and mercenary recruitment were A man of charismatic charm, aptitude Kennedy-Johnson era. The recently and eloquence, Young is no mere declassified Africa: Guidelines for not thought inappropriate means to the promotion of leaders thought to be preacher. He is a living advertisement United States Policy and Operation that non-violent political struggle can (1963) establishes parallels of inten favorable and popular. But as the United States was drawn advance blacks in America into the tion, orientation, objectives and political elite. This gives him a special methods. deeper and deeper into the quagmire role in the developing world, where Under the section entitled "Basic of Vietnam, the Johnson Administra tion lost the missionary zeal of the his task is to create trust in American Approach," we find the following: concern and good intentions. Carter What we do-or fail to do--in Kennedy years; Africa became once again a 'neglected" area. As the Kis put it this way: Africa in the next year will have a [Third World nations] now look on profound effect for many years ... singer-Nixon era opened, Vietnam and the Middle East were the two crisis the United States as having at least The United States, as a country with one representative . . . who under no colonial heritage in Africa, has areas, and Washington chose to draw closer to the white regimesjudging stands their problems, who speaks grLat opportunities . . . We see their language.... ca as probably the greatest open that guerrilla war was futile and a crisis field of maneuver in the worldwide not immediately in the offing: 'The Young uses his own experience as competition between the [Com whites are here to stay." proof that America's recent past has munist] bloc and the non-Commun The Portuguese coup of April 25, equipped it to lead a strugge tor revo ist world. 1974, showed Kissinger that there was lutionarv ends. Thus at fhe mid-May ... We propose to build up cer indeed a crisis that needed manage United Nations conference on Zim tain areas of strength and of maxi ment. When Angolan decolonization babwe and Namibia in Maputo he took mum co-operation which can serve devolved into civil war, the National the offensive declaring that the US had as models to influence others in con Security Council's covert backing of apolicv that represented "something structive directions. [Nigeria and the FNLA and UNITA was a costlv o a revolution in the consciousness of Tunisia were identified as possible failure, yet also a lesson. Further the American people." We have known primary moderate 'bellweather' "Angolas' must be prevented. Kis those struggles [against racism, coloni countries. ] singer launched an all-out diplomatic alism, and imperialism] ourselves, and effort, with the full backing of the Con somehow we have been able to come EdgarLockwood is Executive Director gress, to settle the Rhodesian and through them." Namibian issues before the), devel In Young's view, boycotts to fight of the Washington Office on Africa. oped a momentum that would install racism ultimately succeeded because 2 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 Council to move South Africa a sur prising distance toward elections and withdrawal of its forces. The remaining disagreements seem to center on the size and nature of United Nations con trol over the political process leading to elections. This success is in part due to the brilliance of Don McHenry, No. 3 under Andy Young. In part it is due to South Africa's need to cut its losses and in part to SWAPO's willingness to compromise on points such as Walvis Bay, a compromise which some regard as dangerous. Neither the Patriotic Front nor SWAPO have rejected discussion of the western initiatives or even a com promise if essential demands are met. Aside from their own goals, they are under tremendous pressure from the front-line states, whose pragmatic in terests are different from those of lib eration movements. Angola would like Donald McHenry, leader of the US delegation of the Western powers talks on to be able to concentrate on UNITA Namibia, shakes hands with South Africa's Vorster. without having to deal with South Africa, a possibility that would be en they affected and drew in the multi Clearly, there are limitations on hanced by even a "moderate" solution national corporations. In Johannes what can be done by the West. The in Namibia. Mozambique's economy is burg, he encouraged South African post-Vietnam Congress has demon struggling against dependency on businessman to believe in their own strated that it does not favor the use of Sou th Afca, Rhodesian agression, power to overturn apartheid. US funds for covert military, guerrilla, and severe organizational and techni Young's apostleship for capitalism is orparamilitary activities. The degree cal problems. Support for the Zim based on a belief that it is so funda and nature of legitimacy accorded to babwe struggle is extraordinarily costly mental, so irreversible, so pervasive SWAPO in Namibia and the Patriotic in financial terms, in personal losses, and so powerful that it amounts to a law Front in Zimbabwe make it difficult for and in the destruction of infra-strue of nature, whose inevitability is also, the Western powers to support "inter ture. Zambia has similar problems. conveniently, beneficial: nal solutions' such as the Turhalle Tanzania is bone poor, dependent on ... The places where I see the naked Constitution or Ian Smith's various Western aid. Botswana is a hostage of being clothed, the places where I proposals, under which they would too the white states. Under such circum see the sick being healed are in obviously be opting for continued stances, what is surprising is the unity places where there happens to be a white rule via acceptance of a palpable and depth of commitment to liberation ee-market system. sham. The necessity emerges of insert among the front-line states and not ing a "neutral" force capable of claim their understandable prudence or Moderation in Zimbabwe and ing a type of legitimacy and power desire for early settlements. Namibia: Disarming the Militants which would substitute for militant The key problem for the US is pro white and guerrilla forces. moting a gradual transfer of power to Thus in regard to Zimbabwe, the The Protection and Preservation an African leadership favorable to Administration has worked with the of Private Enterprise Economies Western economic and political needs, British to devise a package complete The Rhodesian economy, partly while at the same time avoiding the with ready-made constitution, devel under the spur of sanctions, has be appearance of intervention in revolu opment fund and a security arrange come more diversified than it was tionary processes. ment to manage the transition to one before UDI. Small national industries The history of the struggle for free person, one-vote parliamentary elec have developed using retained earn dom in the Portuguese colonies sug tions by the end of 1978. Where the ings, but growth has been slow and gests that a prolonged period of guer Kissinger plan called for the present exports of minerals and tobacco have rilla struggle may be necessary to white regime and the nationalist remained key elements in what is still establish a unified political ideology movement to co-manage the political largely a dependent peripheral econo favorable to socialist development and transition, the present plan calls for a my. a common experience of cooperation temporary but total restoration of Brit To capitalize on Rhodesia's growth capable of overcoming regional, eth ish rule under a retired field marshall potential, Britain and the US have pro nic, and personal divisions. conveniently e uipped with dictato posed an international fund of $1-1.5 The same history suggests to the rial powers. Thelberation movements illion that would promote a heavy in Western powers that they must create are left out of the transition. A UN flow of foreign capital for private in a quick solution by devising processes force would be inserted between the vestment, retain existing managerial, that will delay or short-circuit the opposing armies, whose key units technical, and other skills and expand armed struggle, put it at a political dis would be demobilized. African access to "better" jobs and advantage, or transform it into pro In Namibia, the US has been able to "better" land. The proposed constitu cesses subject to Western manage use the collective pressure of the five tion guarantees the right of private ment. western members of the Security property, and forbids expropriation DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 3 unless there is "adequate" compensa At the same time Congress an publicly welcomed Vorster's assur tion. The fund is, in fact, designed to nounced its intent to fund the Zim ances that South Africa does not have benefit the interests of international babwe Development Fund if the pro and does not intend to explode nuclear capitalists who have been largely ex gress of negotiations warranted such a devices, despite US intelligence re cluded from Rhodesia's potentially step, which would mean an additional orts to the contrary. Vorster later profitable economy during the last $100 million or so per year for five enied that his statement was, in fact, ecade. years. In short, what we may be seeing a promise. The US has now rejected an The Namibian economy is not nearly in the next few years is security aid at a African call at the UN to end nuclear as industrialized or diversified as that level of $200 million to $250 million to collaboration, on the grounds that the of Rhodesia and is largely dependent create or support moderate govern US must retain a nuclear relationship on the economy of South Africa. West ments in the region during the period in order to have influence to urge the ern mining firms are, however, eager of crisis. South Africans to sign the Nonprolif to expand their exploitation of Nami The West also holds out the possi eration Treaty. bia's copper, zinc, uranium and other bility of "progress" with regard to Building a Black Middle Class minerals. The quiet Western reaction Africa and apartheid. Kissinger saw to the annexation of Walvis Bay sug moral lectures as doubly counterpro As a substitute for a redistribution of gests that South Africa's continued wealth in South Africa or US disen ductive. On the one hand, the Nation gagement, Ambassador Andy Young domination of the Namibian economy alists would harden their attitudes, is not contrary to Western interests. withdraw into their "laager" and be argues that South Africa's businessmen American spokesmen say that Nami need to draw blacks into the free uncooperative in dealing with Ameri market system by making them con bia will get Walvis Bay in the end. can business and political interests. On Perhaps. But meanwhile, the tern sumers. In addition to the traditional the other hand, the African states white "liberal" constituency the Ad tory's sole deepwater port constitutes a would be encouraged to demand sanc critical strangulation point. Further tions that the US would not support. ministration is now seeking to use more, consistent rumors indicate that the American black bourgeoisie to oil and gas have been discovered in the The Carter Administration's initial build support for such a strategy. The offshore waters of what is now a South approach was a ginger but visible Urban League, PUSH, the NAACP, African exclave. public posture against the South Afri the OIC and other black organizations can regime. In May Carter declared are being mobilized to support the that America was committed to ma program. State's Bureau of Cultural Carrots Instead of Sticks jority rule in all of southern Africa. At and Educational Affairs and AID are One time-honored US method of the same time, Mondale was telling expanding studies and programs in dealing with a crisis is to create client Vorster that while America had no road volving black Americans as consul states whose political inclinations are map or timetable, South Africa had to tants. Budding technicians, com reinforced by dependencies on ex move away from apartheid or suffer munity action specialists, professionals ternal aid. During the Kennedy-John deterioration of its relations with and other aspirants to middle-class son years, for example, the US put America. status will come to America from Africa some $350 million of its economic and Pretoria's response was to scream for "enrichment," to make contact with military aid into Zaire. When the crisis bloody murder, and to seek support consultants who can help them create eased, aid fell to relatively modest from American businessmen, who programs in southern Afica, or to get levels. But after the Angolan war, with were told that Carter was trying to pro education and skills, with an emphasis the Shaba rebellion and a mounting mote suicide for South Africa. This on "development" and technology. international debt, aid to Zaire is once attack of paranoia brought reassur The African-American Institute scho more rising. ances from the US, which indicated a larship programs will be greatly ex Similarly, as the crisis mounts in commitment to continued dialogue panded. Crossroads Africa is develop Zimbabwe and Namibia, the US is and no desire to punish or isolate South ing a network of contacts for African planning to spend unprecedented Africa. visitors. amounts of "political" money to under Despite the verbal condemnations, However, the banning of virtually write the states that border on Zim there has been little progress in practi every black organization in South babwe, Namibia, or South Africa. For cal extensions of US pressures on the Africa has recently driven even the the first time Congress is authorizing white-minority regimes. Repeal of the most moderate traditional American large programs of 'Security Support Byrd Amendment in March has not organizations of the black bourgeoisie ing Assistance" for southern Africa. been followed by any form of pressure to backing the Congressional Black Tis category of aid is designed to be on the multi-national oil corporations Caucus in demanding at least some used at the discretion of the President operating from South Africa or on modest forms of economic disengage to "promote economic or political South Africa itself to close off Rho ment. stability," and was first poured into desia's supply of petroleum. UN Indochina, and then the Middle East. Representative Young has adopted an Will It Work? In fiscal 1978 Congress has authorized aggessive posture against any form of History has a way of changing the following sums: substantive economic disengagement, human consciousness. To revert to Botswana $18 million and in the Security Council the United methods, objectives, and techniques Lesotho $20 States vetoed relatively moderate Afri of an earlier day may simply be to Swaziland $15.5 can resolutions calling for an end to ignore what has been learned in the Zambia $30 further investments and loans and interim. Ending colonialism in south Zaire $10 trade promotion. ern Africa by reviving the models of 15 Regional $21.5 Even the apparent US confrontation years ago is not a particularly promis (training, refugee aid, with South Africa over its muclear test ing approach. and AID studies) ing in August, 1977, appears to have The people of Africa know very well TOTAL $115 million served South Africa's interests. Carter that it was the liberal, morally idealis- 4 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 tic Kennedy Administration that inter the right to nationalize or expropriate can states by using strong-arm tactics. vened in Zaire and then massively, and resources. It is thus apparent that It recently assisted Nigeria and Gabon with unparalleled violence, in Viet offers of foreign aid simply do not to replace Benin and Libya on the nam. A number of the Carter Admini address issues that have emerged from Security Council, notv4thstanding stration's top policy executors-Secre post-colonial experience. strong OAU backing for Niger and tary of State Vance and Defense Secre Furthermore, when Africans exam despite opposition to Nigeria, which tary Brown are two--filled high posts ine the domestic record of the US, they ha already served on the Council. in the Vietnam years. Even those who must inevitably question Andy Young's Such tactics and the veto on economic opposed the war, such as State Depart advocacy of boycotts, black consumer restraints are a timely reminder of ment Policy Planner Anthony Lake, ism and nonviolence as a sufficient American determination to defend its were involved only in discrete dis nostrum for the ills of colonialism, rac tangible interests when push comes to agreements over details. ism, and imperialism. More than 14% shove. of the black Americans looking for work Conversely, liberation movements are unemployed-double the white The Future in Indochina and Africa have demon rate. In the cities, the figures for un If Zimbabwe or Namibia were to strated that they can be a major force in employed black youth average more become free soon, their economies transforming the world. Their vic than 40% and in areas such as New would not necessarily be socialist. On tories show that western technical York City, the rate is more than double the contrary, it is probable that the prowess and power can be overcome that figure. The domestic priorities of new states would retain many present y ideological awakening and the the Carter Administration so far do not arrangements while attempting to gain organization of popular, mass-based reflect the demands of even those a greater measure of control over min resistance. The victories of the libera blacks who are alleged to have picked eral resources, agricultural land and tion movements in Guinea-Bissau, Carter. productive facilities. And yet people, Angola, and Mozambique gave to the If the Carter Administration is aware having taken up arms, or even rocks, to people of Zimbabwe, Namibia, and of these contradictions, it is showing risk their own deaths in order to be South Africa a great resurgence of few signs of candor or determination in free, will not meekly surrender the hope, and hence awillingness to suffer dealing with them. Its spokesmen freedom, the camaraderie, the unity, and to sacrifice. seem indifferent, insensitive, or un and the vision that comes from persis At the same time, in other countries willing to confront the depth and tence in a growing struggle that seeks of Africa, the fruits of western-man reality of African determination to use profound transformation of an in aged decolonization have proven to be militant methods to win real change. uman system. hollow forms of majority rule. There is At the UN, Ambassador Young's Current US policy seems primarily a rising chorus of Third World protests charisma may be wearing a bit thin. aimed at restricting, as far as possible, against continued foreign domination The US has now shown its determina the depth of the transformation a over terms of trade, technology and tion to out-maneuver the militant Afri- chieved when majority rule comes. l

special Repori Political Elections In Mozambique

Barbara Barnes, a member of the Marien Ngouabi Communal Village is As each name was announced, the Southern Africa collective is currently one of several established to accomo question was asked, "Does anyone working as a teacher and musicologist date the displaced families. have anything to say against this per in Mozambique. She was recently in On this Sunday more than 1000 son?" vited to observe several election meet adult members of the community ings and reports on them as follows: voted to accept or reject the 35 candi Candidate Rejected On Sunday, November 5, Mozam dates put forward to serve in their local Armando Ndimande was one would bicans living in the Marien Ngouabi People's Assembly by FRELIMO, the be parliamentarian whose past caught Communal Village exercised the poli ruling political party. up with him this election day. He had tical right to vote for the first time in The election meeting began and been nominated because he was an their history. The election took place ended with songs and dances. It was a active member of the local political under trees and make-shift bamboo festive occasion-the women wearing organizing committee, the "grupo shelters on the grassy plains just out bright colored cloths; the men in their dynamazidor." After his name was side XaiXai in Gaza province. Massive best pants, and shoes if they had them. read, a villager asked to be allowed to floods had destroyed the homes and When it came time to decide to accept read a letter which described how livelihood of several hundred thousand or reject each nominee, however, the Ndimande had exploited the people in peasants in the area last winter. The mood quickly turned very serious. his capacity as foreman of a Portuguese DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 5 "The Assembly," he said, "is a means for the organization of power. We need organization of power so that it really is power. We need to discuss our problems to be able to solve them. We can only fight hunger, disease and ignorance if we are united and organ ized. Assemblies are the organs in which we combine our strengths to study and solve our own problems." He urged the people to carefully consider each candidate put forward. "The Party presents the candidates, but it is you who choose. You know their strengths and weaknesses. you can say 'this one yes, that one no.' And you must have complete confidence in those you elect." He also emphasized the importance of contact between the people and their deputies after election day. "Your deputies must be constantly in contact with you. They must consult the peo ple." Stressing the importance of the democratic process in which the peo Candidates for the elections being presented at a mass meeting ple are now participating, Matsinha spoke of the pre-colonial Mozambican banana plantation when Mozambique as of the end of October, according to past. "Even before the Portuguese was still a colony. Peasants in the area government statistics. ruled here, the people could not parti often grew corn on land which was not Women Candidates cipate in power." This area, he re being cultivated. It seems Ndimande minded the villagers, was part of the Carlota Massinga, a 32 year old kingdom of Gungunhana, who led a had the habit of taking the corn just as worker in a nearby cashew processing it reached full growth and selling it for war of resistance against the Portu factory, was one of the women candi guese colonialists at the end of the last his own profit. The peasants could not for the People's Assembly for the stop him because they had no political dates century. Gungunhana had an assembly Marien Ngouabi Communal Village. of sorts, more like a court, whose power or rights. Standing in the open holding her small Another man told how during the members were called "madolas." child, a cloth over its head to protect it "It was only the madodas he con same perid Ndimande had stolen from the sun, she too was forced to bananas from his mother's land. when sulted. He didn't consult the people. defend herself. An older woman ac And who chose the madodas?" she complained about it, he had beaten of having two husbands. her and assaulted her sexually. cused her The villagers replied in unison. "He Carlota explained her situation. In did." Given the chance to defend himself, hushed tones she told how her first Ndimande could only say that these husband had left her for another Such assemblies could not solve the activities had taken place long ago and but problems of the nation because the However, the woman. She had married again, would not happen again. her second husband was reluctant to people could not participate in them. voters in Marien Ngouabi Communal "For instance," Matsinha said, "Wom mood. take responsibility for the child from Village were not in a forgiving the first marriage. She did have a prob en are affected by the problems just as With disapproving gestures, they lem but only one husband, she said. much as men. But women could not raised their hands in a unanimous vote Her story was confirmed. A sympa articipate in the assembly of Gungun to reject him. thetic electorate voted her into office ana-not even Gungunhana's wife. After the meeting, a FRELIMO offi and then reprimanded the older Today the women wilI participate, all cial was asked how such an unscrupu woman for spreading false tales. the people will participate in power. lous individual could have been nomi All told, 34 of the 35 candidates were Those who will solve the problems are nated. He explained that at indepen accepted into the People's Assembly those who feel the problems." dence, many Mozambicans who had from this locality; 17 of them were collaborated with the Portuguese women. Elections are now taking place at the moved to different areas of the country grass roots level throughout Mozam in an effort to bury their past. Because Importance of Elections ique-in communal villages, small they had experience in authority roles, The people in the Patrice Lumumba towns, and other centers of popula they were often able to move into lead Communal Village, a few miles down tion. People's Assemblies will also ership positions. These elections, in the dirt road from the Ngouabi village soon be elected at the next higher whicVi candidates were confronted were also electing their representa levels, in the cities, and for each dis with direct political judgments by the tives that day. Mariano Matsinha, a trict and province. The election pro people, helped to expose such indivi member of the Standing Political Com cess will culminate in December with duals and remove them from power. mittee of FRELIMO and Minister of the election of a National People's Nationwide, 159 candidates out of Labor, came to their meeting and ex Assembly, the highest organ o the 3256 had been rejected by the voters plained the purpose of the elections. Mozambican state. El

6 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 OWYEAR IN REVIEW The United Nations

It is commonplace to observe tht the United Nations does very little about anything. As an organization it suffers from grave defects which effectively paralyze it. Its most significant defect, of course, is that it is dominated by the major powers, and particularly by the major Western powers, who control finances and most of the machinery. Yet in the case of southern African affairs this is a paradox. For the organi zation has accumulated obligations with respect to decolonization and the elimination of apartheid which are quite unique. A whole series of Gen eral Assembly and Security Council resolutions, which find their origin in the Charter, have forced the organiza tion into a much more activist stand on many issues than most diplomats and international civil servants would like to see. As events in southern Africa have pressed in on the UN one could sense the discomfort and apprehen sion among the old guard that they might actually have to do their duty and abandon the game of rhetoric for Young casts his veto: showing the real direction of US policy which they are paid so handsomely. Line Breached his appointment. He was popular and spired by interested parties, would not During the General Assembly of active. And despite some serious oppo capitulate to Western pressure to 1977 the defense lines of Western sition he was successful in winning the accept elections in the middle of a war diplomacy at the UN were seriously Carter Administration a period of and under South African supervision breached for the first time. The line grace. After some wrangles about a and control. held in some places. On the issue of consensus draft resolution on South As the sham of the Namibia negotia South Africa, however, the smug and Africa in the Security Council the Afri tions became apparent, events in scurrying gentlemen from Foggy Bot can Group at the UN agreed to pitch South Africa upset the traditional equi tom, the Quai d'Orsay and the Foreign camp and wait. In return for their for librium at the UN. The arrests and Office found themselves routed. bearance the Western powers agreed bannings of October 19 immediately When South Africa was discussed in to fly off to South Africa to read Mr. put the Western powers on the defen the Security Council in March the Vorster the Emily Post version of the sive. They had produced nothing, and three African members introduced riot act. Vorster was told that time was the Africans retiised to wait any longer four resolutions in an effort to force the running out, that he had to give up his for the Carter Administration to pro UN off dead center. These resolutions monstrous schemes for Namibia and duce a miracle. were aimed essentially at imposing a that he had better clean up his own The question of South Africa was mandatory arms embargo and taking premises. therefore brought immediately before the first step towards economic sanc the Security Council. The African tions. They invoked Chapter VII of the Namibian Failure Group wanted Benin, Libya and Charter and declared South Africa a However, nothing happened. The Mauritius, the three African members threat to international peace and secu situation in South Africa itself grew of the Council, to press for a manda rity. In the previous autumn, during worse. And the two sets of bilateral tory arms embargo and for the first the debate on Namibia, the three negotiations undertaken by the West stage of economic sanctions. Draft Western permanent members of the ern powers, the "Gang of Five," on resolutions were prepared along the Council had used a triple veto to pre Namibia produced nothing but a pre lines of the four introduced in March. vent a mandatory arms embargo being dictable failure. South Africa refused The United Kingdom and France, ordered against South Africa. They to withdraw its troops from Namibia, however, were alarmed at the pros were not anxious to be pressed into a annexed Walvis Bay and refused to dis pect of such resolutions being passed. repetition of that vote in March. cuss the problem of police and para They dragged their feet. At the same The standard bearer of the new military forces seriously. It was clear time the Carter Administration was United States Administration, in the that South Africa intended to stay in under intense pressure from the Black person of Ambassador Andrew Young, Namibia. And it was clear as well that Caucus and many groups in the coun was sent over the top fairly soon after SWAPO, despite insistent rumors in- try to take a stand against South Africa. DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 7 Limited Arms Embargo sion, was passed. The remaining three, importance which put everything else The result, predictably, was a public involving mandatory economic and in the shadow. The General Assembly relations stunt, or an attempted public military sanctions were vetoed. The debate on Namibia was fairly inconclu relations stunt. For a variety of rea hand of Andrew Young in the air sive, mainly because the Western sons, partly because they were in dis pointed the real direction of United owers had gone to great trouble to agreement, the Western powers did States policy at this time. eep their negotiations with South not want a mandatory arms embargo. Conscious of the headlines the next Africa secret. Thus it was difficult for They certainly did not want economic morning, Western diplomats quickly delegates to engage the real issues in sanctions. Neither, however, did they sent Canada and West Germany into the debate. Those who did found their want to be put in the position, in the the line with an amended resolution efforts met by angry outbursts from new circumstances of crisis in South for a mandatory arms embargo. Having Western delegates. Africa, of vetoing the African resolu failed at attempts to bluff or force the The Security Council debate on tions. They therefore offered a com African countries into backing off from Rhodesia was confined to a fairly nar promise, a six-month arms embargo a vote, they sought to avoid the oppro row issue. David Owen, the British which did not invoke Chapter VII of brium of being responsible for another Foreign Secretary, came to the UN to the Charter. This was entirely cynical, veto. The African members, however, ask support for the appointment of a for such an embargo would have been knew full well what was happening and Special Representative of the Secre meaningless. The time it takes to move informed everybody that they re tary-General to join Field Marshall government machinery alone would quired instructions from their govern Lord Carver in Rhodesia. A number of ave made it impossible to implement. ments. The Western powers were thus delegations expressed the view that When President Carter went on tele left standing exposed for a while. the Anglo-American plan would never work, that it was unacceptable anyway vision to speak of the need for an arms Compromise Accepted embargo against South Africa his and that there was no point in the representatives at the United Nations On the first of November a compro Secretary General involving his repre were actually offering worthless paper. mise resolution was agreed upon and sentatives in a mission impossible. But passed. It called for a mandatory arms the resolution calling for the appoint The Africans rejected this ploy as an embargo under Chapter VII of the ment was passed, almost as a matter of insulting exhibit of bad judgement and Charter. Although it still refrained politeness. The subsequent collapse of stupidity. This inspired Western from clearly identifying South Africa as the Anglo-American scheme and the diplomats with considerable anger. a threat to peace the passage of this announcement of an internal settle They regarded Africa's logic as anoh er resolution marked a considerable vic ment by Smith have shown how incon tiresome manifestation of imperti tory for Africa and for the principles sequential long hours of debate and nence. upon which the United Nations is sup Council can posed to be founded. It marked a seri Caperwork in the Security The African members, however, ous reversal for the major Western For all that, however, a mandatory pressed their resolutions. And another powers in their efforts to provide a arms embargo has been passed, and triple veto was actually cast three diplomatic screen for South Africa. the United Nations has moved one times. The first resolution, condemn The passage of the mandatory arms step further; it could be a very impor ing South Africa's policies of repres- embargo was an event of considerable tant step further. 11

YEAR IN REVIEW Organization of African Unity

The role of the Organizationof Afri port in Zimbabwe and Namibia has led can Unity in trying to bring about Western countries to become more majority rule in Nambia, Zimbabwe concerned about the over-all situation and South Africa has been increasing. in Southern Africa. They have been Ambassador Dramane Ouattara, the propelled to emphasize more concrete OAU Ambassador to the United Na measures or steps in order to reach tions, talked to Southern Africa about more effective solutions to the con this aspect of the work of his organiza flicts. Diplomatic actions were initi tion over the past year. ated by the OAU both at the level of the member states and by the African group at the UN. SA: What do you feel is the most satis SA: How does the OALU stand on nego factory achievement of the OAU on tiations based on a) the recent Anglo Ambassador Outtara (right) talks with Southern Africa in 1977? American proposals on Rhodesia and Ambassador Young at UN meeting in Outtara: The intensification of the lib b) "'ContactGroup" negotiations on Maputo eration struggle that we strongly sup- Namibia? 8 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 Outtara: As we stated in the Lusaka Manifesto, we want negotiations where and when negotiation is pos sible. We favor negotiation on Zim babwe based on the recent proposals. OAU Resolutions If Smith exploits it, and if it is being used to win time, then we will have The Council of Ministers met in inevitable and decisive means for nothing to do with it. But as there are Lome, Togo, in February and in the liberation of Zimbabwe; some possible points for negotiation, Libreville, Gabon, in June. We Pledges increased material, diplo we want to see if it can work. In fact, it reprint excerpts from some of the matic and financial assistance to was the OAU who had requested UK important southern Africa resolu the continuous armed liberation representation. In the meanwhile, the tions: struggle in Zimbabwe; Deter liberation struggle must continue. The CM/Res. 537 mined to do everything possible to negotiations will not be used as an alibi Resolution on Namibia bring down the rebel regime of Ian to get the liberation movements to lay Reaffirms OAU support for Smith and to expedite the advent down their arms. If we discover there SWAPO as the sole authentic of independence by establishing a is no serious intention on Smith's part, representative of the people of majority Government in Zim then we will reject these negotiations. Namibia . . . Calls on Member babwe... We continue to support the libera States of the OAU to deny recogni tion movement. It is unfair to ask them tion to any government installed CM/Res. 551 to stop the struggle for a while. We will in Namibia either through the Resolution on Namibia continue to support this struggle until Turnhalle tribal conference or Further reaffirming that SWAPO we get positive results. through any other means which is the sole and authentic represen The negotiations on Namibia are are not in conformity with the tative of the Namibian people... long overdue. If the move had started a relevant resolutions of the United Reaffirms that any agreement few years ago it might have worked. Nations and the OAU... negotiated to lead Namibia to Now it is too late. Maybe it is better too CM/Res. 538 genuine independence must be late than never. If it fails, it will be due based on the withdrawal of all the to the ambiguous and ambivalent pol Resolution on South Africa Proclaims that the racist regime of military and paramilitary forces of icy of the US government. However, South Africa from Namibia to insofar as there is a genuine and sin South Africa is illegitimate and has no right to represent the people of allow for the creation of normal cere Carterpolicy, we will not close political atmosphere; uncondi our door, in fact, we will give our bless South Africa; Reaffirms the legiti tional release of all political prison ings to some extent to this negotiation. macy of the armed struggle to the overthrow of the apartheidregime ers, and the return to the territory of all the Namibians in exile; that SA: To further pursue this point, Mr. any interim authority to be formed Ambassador, since the US government CM/Res. 550 in the territory before the attain does not accept SWAPO as the sole Resolution on Zimbabwe ment of its full independence be of representativeof the Namibian people, Reaffirms its stand that the armed the United Nations Council for how does OAU deal with the resulting liberation struggle is a legitimate, Namibia... dilemma.? Outtara: Well, the US position must be viewed with that of the South Afri can government. The US recognizes ernment has declared that it is self SA: How serious is the division within sufficient in arms production, hence the OAU between "moderate" and SWAPO but they also recognize other "radical"governments? political groups. The OAU does not the embargo will not affect the South African military build-up. We ac recognize other groups as long as they Outtara: Really there is no division. are under the control of South Africa. cepted the Security Council arms embargo resolution as a political gain On the issue of Rhodesia, Namibia and We know that the US insists on a free apartheid, there is especially no differ election where all groups participate. -it contains a moral sanction. The next step will be economic sanctions. ence among OAU members. Angola, The OAU will accept conditions for an yes, but that is past history, and even election if 1) South Africa withdraws its We will not relent on this-we will push for it again at the next meeting. then the problem was resolved within troops and 2) takes steps to ensure that a short period. African countries are all the elections are organized and super Under Resolution #533 passed at the OAU Council of Ministers at developing countries and we face simi vised by the UN. SWAPO and other lar economic problems. It is true that groups will take part in this election, Libreville we agreed on an oil em bargo, binding at the OAU level. How some are more sensitive or accomodat i.e., SWAPO will accept the participa ing to non-African countries, especi tion of other political groups as long as ever, there are oil suppliers which are not members of OAU, such as Vene ally to the superpowers. But in the end they are not controlled by the South the OAU division does not exist. Even African government. zuela, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and others. We are sending a mission to them to during the debate on Western Sahara plead for an enforcement of the em only 9 out of 49 members were in dis SA: If the arms embargo does not bargo. agreement. Angola and Western Sa hara were exceptions-and, in com work, will OAU push for other sanc SA: What do you see as the main ob tions, such as economic or oil sanc stacle to an oil embargo? parison to agreements among OAU tions? members, these are minimal. Outtara: Mainly Iran and some West Outtara: We know the arms embargo ern countries who may not want to go SA: What liberation movements are will not work. The South African gov- along with it. supported by the OAU? DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 9 Outtara: The Patriotic Front in Zim what they have now. We will not relent SA: One final question. To put it babwe and SWAPO in Namibia. In on South Africa until apartheid is bluntly, how does the OAU 'hang" South Africa we want to do away with ended and the government is ruled by together? apartheid. The two political parties majority. It may take a long time but Outtara: We "hang" together because ANC and PAC are no longer in an we will not be deterred by South African countries are first and foremost antagonistic position-each needs to Africa's military build-up or even by Africanist and nationalist and we have fight for survival. They all agree on the their nuclear development. Their experienced a history of colonialism. same objective which is to eliminate nuclear armament will not be utilized. We are "hanging" together for these apartheid and bring about a majority It will be a guerrilla warfare. There is reasons: 1) nationalism, 2) colonial his rule government. There is no basic dif no need for the OAU to march troops tory, and 3) clear consciousness of ference between them-only that one into South Africa. Given the political being a black man, and African man gets its support from the Soviet Union education within the country, urban men who have been victims too long. and the other from China. They have guerrilla warfare will intensify and so It is time to speak out, to assume our become more seasoned and will not let will our struggle. Time is against South self dignity. The OAU is a proper outside forces interefere. Their aim is Africa. When oppressed people are frame to project our dignity. Even to free South Africa from racism and put in jail they become more politically though we have crises and disagree apartheid. conscious. The children born after ments, the Organization must survive. The OAU's commitment remains Soweto will carry this struggle. It took Every little contribution to the world that of total liberation of Zimbabwe Vietnam 20 years to gain their inde has to be made by the group. Indivi and Namibia by 1978 either through a pendence. It was the younger genera dual countries have no voice and could peaceful or a violent solution. If peace tion that brought the final victory. So it be under the influence of super ful means do not work then we support will be the young in South Africa, those powers. So we must and will work to armed struggle. Eventually we will after Soweto, who will bring about a gether within the framework of the compel the whites to accept less than final victory. OAU. Ii

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Area: 472,359 sq. mi. Population: 26.1 million (1976) African 18.6 million White 4.3 million Capitals:Cape Town (legislative) Pretoria (administrative) Head of State: President Nicolaas Diederichs Head of Government: Prime Minister Balthazar Johannes Vorster GNP: $31.89 billion (1976) National currency: Rand (0.87 per US $1) Politicalstatus: white minority-controlled Republic, no black franchise Illiteracy: none (white); 30-50% (other)

The South African government In a way, the episode dramatized Resistance launched a last-ditch effort at the the experience of South Africa over the Resistance and repression. A year beginning of November to crack the past year and a half. A nation long boycott that has shut down all the and a half after the first uprising in polarized racially by the white min Soweto, the school boycott is more schools in Soweto, other black town ority's conscious design is now being ships and even several "tribal home powerful than ever. Soweto's second torn apart, as the population is split ary school students have been joined lands." It called in air power. A plane between the twin poles of resistance dumped by others all across the country and by thousands of leaflets over and repression. The airdrop has be their younger Soweto, warning parents that brothers and sisters in their come the government's primary means the primary schools. Latest estimates children would fail the year if they did of communicating with the most popu not show up for examinations. place the total number of boycotters at lous city within its borders. Having upwards of 300,000. jailed virtually all of Soweto's com "Are you going to -allow dropouts munity leaders and shut down the two and intimidators to ruin your The school boycott has been the child's newspapers read by residents of the most prolonged, the most visible and future?" the leaflets asked. All but a township, the government has elimi handful of students probably the most massive expression answered by stay nated just about every other medium of resistance. But it has not been the ing home. except the truncheon and the gun. only one. During the past year, squat- 10 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 In the South Africa section of the November magazine we printed lists of organizations and people banned, and people believed detained. Unfortunately the cap Persons Believed tions on two sections were incorrectly reversed; we reprint the corrected lists below, and apologize for the Detained In Prisons error. Veli Kraal Persons Served With Sylvester Maklaphela, SASO Vuyisile Maleleni, BPC; Medupe Writers Association 5-Year Banning Orders Nosibima Pityana, social worker; wife of Nyameko Barney Pityana, former president, SASO Rev. Dr. Beyers Naude, director, CI Nomsa Williams Rev. Theo Kotze, CI director, Cape Town Mpunelelo Qepe, student Rev. David Russell, Cape Town, under charges of pro Mackenzie Sloti, teacher ducing and distributing banned documents and of Bonile Tuluma, BPC chairman, East London blocking demolition of an African squatter settlement Mxolisi Mvovo, BPC vice president, eastern Cape; at Modderdam already banned Rev. Brian Brown, CI Sydney Moletsane, BPC Cedric Mayson, editor, CI journal Pro Veritate Skenjana Roje, SASO executive Peter Randall, CI Diliza Mji, past president, SASO Donald Woods, editor, East London Daily Dispatch Norman Dubizane, medical student

ters in the shantytowns outside Cape Bombings, arson and other forms of victed of participating in a vast con town battled both the laws and the sabotage have provided increasingly spiracy by the outlawed African Na bulldozers used to drive them from common reminders that South Africa tional Congress. And the effort to their homes. is a state at war with its people. decapitate the resistance to white In mid-year more than a dozen minority rule was placed in a glaring organizations answered the call of the spotlight by the death of Stephen Biko Black People's Convention and met to Repression and the subsequent inquest. put together a coordinated campaign The government response has been Through it all, the watchword of the against "separate development.' predictable . . .and far from subtle. government appeared to be intransi Divide, decapitate and conquer. gence. In the face of mounting inter Having celebrated the first anniver national outrage and pressure Pretoria sary of the "independence" of the kept issuing assurances that South Transkei (which so far South Africa Africa could stand alone militarily and alone has recognized), the government hinting that a nuclear arsenal was not pressed ahead with plans to usher far off. To the cheers of a white elector Bophuthatswana into the company of ate in which opposition had all but "free" bantustans on December 6. evaporated as election day neared Paralleling the "homeland" scheme for Vorster uttered promises of unflinch fragmenting people along "tribal" ing determination and denunciations lines, the government also proposed of international .interference. constitutional reforms offering mini Repression and resistance-these mal political participation to the "col are the common themes in South ored' and Asian populations. Africa today. A year and a half after the These ideological attempts to frac first uprising in Soweto, national black ture the solidarity of black conscious resistance is more powerful than ever, ness were accompanied by a full scale and although government action has attack on the identifiable leadership of probably done severe damage to the black consciousness movement organizational structures, it appears to and other organized forms of resis have had little effect on popular mili tance. tancy. Literally hundreds of black trade The critical test in the coming period union leaders, community activists will be the ability of the black popula and students were banned or detained, tion to find methods of organization culminating in the crackdown of Octo that can survive state repression in ber 19, in which 50 people were de order to mobilize sufficient force to tained and 18 organizations outlawed. destroy it. Whatever the difficulties Dozens more were jailed after a series that lie ahead, the indicators make it of carefully staged trials, highlighted unlikely that the coming year will be a Mourners pass Stephen Biko's coffin by two in which 18 persons were con- quiet one inside South Africa. 0l DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 11 %YEAR IN REVIEW ZIMBABWE (SOUTHERN RHODESIA) Area: 150,803 sq. mi. Population:9,2000,000 (1977 est.) Capital: Salisbury Head of State: President John J. Wrathall Zimbabwe Head of Government: Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith GNP: $3.03 billion (1974 est.) 1977 was a year full of sound and fury for the British and Americans trying to find a formula for a Zimbabwe indepen National currency: Rhodesian dollar (0.65 per US $1) dence settlement; although ultimately both the State De Politicalstatus: British colony; white minority declared partment and Foreign Office efforts seemed to add up to a illegal unilateral independence November 11, 1965 total of close to nothing. Illiteracy: none among non-Africans; Africans 70% For the liberation forces, it was a time of agonizing effort-a year of constantly increasing fighting against the forces of Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith; of negotiation on the so-called quickly spread t]he impression that all "mandate" from Rhodesia's dwindling Anglo-American initiative; and of in- his attention w as turned inward white population of 270,000, Smith ternal talks on the all-important sub- toward an "inter-nal" settlement with dissolved his parliament and held elec ject of unity, military and political, pliant, pro-Salist bury Africans. tions August 31. He won by an over within the Patriotic Front alliance. Internal Settlem ent whelming majority (ofwhite votes) and The year opened as the Geneva con used the result to argue defiantly that ference instituted by outgoing Secre- The books hadI scarcely been closed he had a mandate to do whatever he tary of State Henry Kissinger was on the earlier o onference in Geneva wanted in relation to the Anglo-Ameri grinding slowly to a halt. Adjourning in when Smith laun ched a series of minor can proposal. December of 1976 and scheduled to racial reforms an d began plans for full Such elections, however, do not win reconvene January 17, that conference scale negotiation s with such groups as wars of liberation or save settler states. never again got off the ground. The ZUPO and Bish op Abel Muzorewa's And Salisbury's economic and military problematic issues for both sides at United African/I 'ational Council. fortunes, along with the white popula Geneva were similar to those later in These efforts have continued, and tion itself, have been greatly reduced the year, when another conference was Muzorewa has le ft various doors open, over the past year. Economic pressure attempted by the heirs to Kissinger thus becoming o ne of the likely candi has come from an emigration rate and the late British foreign secretary, dates for a role iin either Smith's inter among whites that held at a steady Anthony Crosland: the composition of nal settlement or in a Smith-negotiated 1,000 a month through 1977; and from the army, the control of the police and government inst ituted through Wash the military's need for every available the courts, and the role of the white ington and Lond on. body to fight a liberation war that grew administration in the transition. But moves tow yard an internal settle considerably in the same period. Salis Smith's rejection of the Geneva plan ment have never been smooth ones in bury extended mandatory active duty came January 25. The stage was then Salisbury. To w ard off far-right criti to all men, 38 to 50, shortly after the set for another act in the play, the most cism and provide himself with another Geneva conference collapsed; service recent Anglo-American proposals, spearheaded by Foreign Secretary David Owen and Washington's UN representative, Andrew Young. The proposals envisaged yet another conference, but by the year's end it had not materialized. After the British American proposals were made public in August and September, the Front presented a detailed, piece-by-piece response to the package, rejecting key points without discounting the possi V bility of negotiations. In this the Front apparently acted partially out of pres sure from the front-line presidents Machel of Mozambique, Nyerere of Tanzania, Neto of Angola, Kaunda of .' Zambia, and Khama of Botswana. Thus t by late November, neither Washing ton, London, nor the Patriotic Front had admitted that negotiations around the latest proposals had totally col lapsed-although it seemed clear that no one was talking seriously. Smith was again the first to admit as Moll/Zimbabwe Review much. And again the minority leader Zimbabwe guerrillas 12 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 tours have been extended to three of mercenaries from the US and other als in September was issued simul months per year; nevertheless, the Western countries cannot ultimately taneously as a joint statement in Ma minority s forces have been stretched be separated from the West's Rho puto and Lusaka, headquarters for to their limit. Defense expenditure desian policy as a whole. ZANU and ZAPU respectively. estimates tabled in the Rhodesia Par Lower- and middle-level talks on Zimbabweans have also been leav liament on June 30 revealed that some unity have continued throughout the 32% of the government's expenditure ing their country in droves. Observers year. It will come, ZANU and ZAPU was going to pay for the war. report that entire grades have been representatives have told Southern One indication of the manpower shut down in the African schools as a Africa, in two stages: military unity for shortage has been the presence of for result of mass absences. By the hun the training and command of ZIPA eign mercenaries in the Rhodesian dreds, students, joined by Zimbab forces; and political unity, to provide wean farm laborers and oters, have security forces this year. Hardly had crossed either into Botswana or Mo the ideological direction of the Zim the new year dawned when this new, babwean revolution. unofficial element of the West's post zambique in transit to liberation move ment military training camps. But progress has been slow. For Vietname style of intervention-wit every two steps forward this year, nessed most vividly in Angola-reared Patriotic Front there seems always to have been a step its ugly head in Rhodesia. January A major focus of liberation activity backward, despite crucial encourage press reports put the number of for during the year came from the Patri ment-at times, pressure-from the eign mercenaries already operating in otic Front, the working alliance of front-line presidents. Unity in the Rhodesia's 10,000-man security force ZAPU and ZANU. The Front made its Patriotic Front's alliance remains the at roughly 1,000. As Southern Africa's first public appearance at Kissinger's decisive factor in determining the story in the January/February issue in Geneva conference. Later the Front's timetable of Zimbabwe's liberation. It dicated, Rhodesia's enlistment and use response to the Owen-Young propos- is the event to watch for in 1978. M

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC **YEAR IN REVIEW OF MOZAMBIQUE Area: 308,641 sq. mi. Population:9,200,000 (1975 est.) Capital: Maputo Mozambique Head of State and Government: President Samora Moises Machel Mozambique was subjected to almost continuous attack GNP: $2.6 billion (1973 est.) by the Rhodesian army and air force in 1977, and was forced National currency: Escudo (30 per US $1) to divert much of its hard-pressed human and economic Independence: June 25, 1975 resources to military self-defense. Attacks became so severe Illiteracy: 80-90% in some western border areas that people were forced to leave their homes. The government has evacuated families in some areas, moving them into more secure sectors, and in some cases inte new communal babwe. Most oft he people killed in the under-development inherited from grating them into the hundreds of years of Portuguese colo villages being developed throughout more than 150 Sr nith army attacks have the countryside. Explained one FRE- been Zimbabwe an refugees, many of nialism, Mozambique has taken some d children, as well as significant steps along its chosen path LIMO official: "instead of leaving the them women an towards building socialism. The pro people to continue every day moving Mozambican civ ilians. fromomes onae,one place wefl to another, tbteowt- seeking the notedA United a "systen Nati ons' fact-finding team cess of consolidating national indepen natic pattern" to the dence and expanding the revolution on safest lace, we felt it better to with- attacks. Penetra the basis of a non-capitalist organiza draw em to ones where they could provinces and ho ting Gaza and Tete ming in repeatedly on tion of the economy now embraces the live and produce in peace." h, -A- t. ,f l . ;naih ;-,,A_ entire population. Escalating Attacks ing forces have numbered more than The most dramatic expression of this The Rhodesian regime has escalated 1000 at a time, are supported by jet mass mobilization is reflected in cur its attacks in the last year, clearly aim tlanes and heavy artillery, and have rent voting for Mozambique's Peoples ing many of them at targets designed to destroyed Mozambican villages, air Assembly, a five-tier structure seen as hurt Mozambique's ability to develop fields, health and educational facili the repository of supreme power in the a viable self-sufficient economy. Offi ties, precious cattle and transport and nation. cial target of the Rhodesian incursions communication links. There has been The voting, Mozambique's first ever is always the so-called "guerrilla base"; an increasing tendency to fly assault general elections, began September it is true that Mozambique has pro troops in and out by helicopter. 25--13th anniversary of the launching vided bases for Zimbabwean guer More than 1500 people have been of the armed struggle by FRELIMO. rillas; but as President Machel pointed killed in these attacks, including sev The beginning of the generad elec out in a recent interview with South eral hundred civilian Mozambicans. tions coincided with ceremonies in the ern Africa, these are transit camps, for Yet in spite of this tremendous extra provincial capitals, in which the first fighters on their way back to Zim- burden, added to the legacy of acute membership cards in a reconstituted DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 13 more than part of the productive ma chinery but also begin to share in deciding important issues in the fac tory. An important step in the fight against illiteracy was taken late in the year with the graduation of a group of over 100 people who had been speci ally trained to begin running adult literacy teacher-training courses. Floods At times Mozambicans found them selves having to contend with more than just man-made problems. In Feb ruary a hurricane swept through south ern Mozambique, causing the worst flooding the area has seen in 22 years, and more than $3.5 million in dam ages. Some 100,000 families were left homeless and 50 persons died. Flood damage-from the three rivers in the region-the Limpopo, the Umbeluzi, and the Incomati-has en tailed substantial food shortages this year, along with loss of livestock and Allen/Pictoral Parade the entire export citrus crop, an impor Mozambican soldiers view ruins of Navonde School near Rhodesian border, destroyed tant source of foreign exchange. in raid by Smith's troops The government responded by aid ing flood victims to reorganize them selves, in accordance with national FRELIMO were handed over to out Constantly stressed in the Party, objectives, into 17 new communal vil standing militants. Card number one documents was the theme that the role lages on higher ground in the Limpopo was presented to President Machel. of the Party under socialism is not to valley. February FRELIMO Congress supplant the people "because it is the There are obviously many problems people, organized, the broad working This re-organization of FRELIMO to be solved, not the least of which is masses, who make the revolution. Mozambique's continuing economic as a Marxist-Leninist vanguard organi The central task of the party consisted zation followed on decisions taken at "precisely in uniting, organizing, edu dependency on South Africa, another the third FRELIMO congress, held in colonial legacy. cating and leading the masses so that Yet despite the problems, the February. That Congress, the first they may make the revolution." since independence, confirmed FRE Mozambican government has been LIMO's longtime commitment to the Increasing Production able to work closely with the Mozam construction of a socialist state. Strate Serious efforts were made during bican people in ways that can and do gy and division of tasks were defined, the year to begin work on organizing to promote a better life and a humane economic plans discussed, priorities improve material conditions for the society. One year-end indicator of such established. Stress was laid on the people; in the countryside communal progress-as of November 1, under need to increase productivity and also villages continued to grow, many har the new law relating to health, most on the organization of more effective vesting their first crops. Production medical care will be delivered free of means of workers control and partici councils were set up in many factory charge, and on the basis of universal pation in decision making. plants, so that workers could become access. F

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA YEAR IN REVIEW Area: 481,351 sq. mi. Population: 6,300,000 (1975 est.) Capital: Luanda Head of State and Angola Government: President Agostinho Neto GNP: $2.8 billion (1973 est.) National currency: Kwanza (27 per US $1) Angola's second year of independence was an uneasy one. President Agostinho Neto announced to the world in Febru Independence: November 11, 1975 ary that his government had discovered a Western plot to Illiteracy: 85% invade the country from neighboring Zaire, code named Operation Cobra 77. Immediately thereafter a rebellion in Zaire's mineral-rich Shaba province, brought more threats

14 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 of outside interference to MPLA's a company linked with South Africa's revolutionary rule. Anglo-American Corporation. How Throughout the year, dissension ever, President Neto is reported to continued to split the MPLA. The have recently told workers in diamond country is still suffering the effects of producing Lunda province that 70% of the attempted overthrow of the Neto Diamang s machinery is out of action government on May 27. The subse because of incompetence or sabotage. quent revelations that many important military and political leaders had been Production of sugar, timber, tex and steel has been com drawn into the plot have cut even tiles, plywood and most large further the already slender ranks of pletely nationalized, top-notch MPLA militants. plantations and ranches abandoned by These key events all occurred the Portuguese have been confiscated. is almost against a backdrop of continued harass Angola's coffee production are ment by UNITA guerrillas and un completely under state control, as flagging South African attacks on the other key cash crops such as cotton, southern border with Namibia. The sisal, and tobacoo. second year of independence has been Gulf Oil has been granted a further one of almost year-long crisis for the year's lease on the Cabinda oil fields, MPLA. and oil sales continue to account for the major part of Angola's export earnings Attacking the Splitters Afrique-Asie and the government's revenue. It is not surprising then that the tone President Agostinho Neto Despite UNITA attacks the Ben of President Neto's independence day guela line has continued to function remarks on November 11 marked a ously. "They think they will re-estab this year, operating as far as the border departure from his generally concilia lish their subordination to capitalism. with Zaire; there is still not traffic with tory attitude toward divisions among They are paid or unpaid informers, Zaire. the people of Angola. "The second year individuals with a highly dangerous of independence served to test our class attitude forcing them into certain Health and Education capacity to detect our enemies," he ositions because of pride and in self A successful literacy program has told thousands of people's militia efense. members in Luanda's May Day seen the enrollment of a million and a half children in primary school-three Square. *In this third year all of us, the "It is from them that the factionalists gained support. It is here we find the times the figure during the colonial whole Angolan people, are going to act Some 70,000 adults have firmly against those who persist in try strong-hold of subversion and intelli period. earned to read and write through pro ing to destroy our unity or our regime." gent sabotage. The petty bourgeoisie wants power and is thirsty for it." grams in workplaces and villages. Referring to the abortive coup With the MPLA expected to hold its Wide activity in public health attempt, Neto said, "Recent experi first congress before the end of the although still judged insufficient by ence has confirmed the need for close year or soon thereafter, when it will Ministry of Health Officials-is be links between the party, the mass decide upon the formation of a Marx ginning to reach more villagers in the organizations, the administration, and ist-Leninist vanguard party, Neto con countryside. Mass vaccinations were all sectors in the country in order to cluded, "It is clear that the class strug launched this year beginning with the avoid deviations." Neto acknowledged gle in our country has brought the dis record-breaking children's polio vacci that some of the weak political struc comfiture of the petty bourgeoisie nations in which over one million tures the MPLA had created were whose attempts to establish forms of youngsters received polio vaccine na responsible for allowing the plotters to oppression and exploitation of the tionwide. Seventeen schools for train get as far as they did. working classes are visible though ing health care workers have been subtle. established. There were four under The President went on to criticize Clearly President Neto's indepen Portuguese rule. some MPLA militants in a more thor dence day speech was sharply political, ough-going fashion. He said that the focusing on the severe structural prob Construction and reconstruction is "incompetence" and "lack of courage" lems the second year of independence moving forward. Many of the almost of some militants "sometimes obliges has left with the MPLA. Economi 200 bridges destroyed during the war us to accept colonial methods which cally, the country is also seriously are now operative. The payroll of the are actually completely unacceptable. strained, with many staples rationed Ministry of Building and Housing has Instead of teaching, learning, and and difficult to obtain. But achieve increased ten-fold since March 1976. cooperating, it seems as if some former ments in the economic sphere have According to one report, of 640 unfin settlers and even some comrades anxi been significant. ished building sites abandoned by the ously and actively want Angola's neo Portuguese, 572 have been completed. colonialization." The Economy Thus while the revolutionary gov The coup and its serious aftermath The old Portuguese currency was ernment in Luanda has endured seem to have brought a tone to Neto's replaced by the Angolan k-,anza. strenuous attacks on its political power, speeches not present in the past. For Nationalizations have continued it is slowly building the economic and the first time, Neto warned against "a throughout the country. The diamond social foundations that should provide moldering petty bourgeoisie -a de industry has been partially national security for the political changes that parture from the national unity line ized-including 61% of the holdings of Angola s people will face during the that Neto has always pressed for previ- the largest single producer, Diamang, third year of Independence. D DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 15 %YEAR IN REVIEW NAMIBIA Area: 317,827 sq. mi. Population:1,200,000(1976 est.) African 1,100,000 Namibia White 100,000 Capital:Windhoek Western diplomats have labelled the year now ending as Nationalcurrency: Rand (0.87 per US $1) one of breakthrough in achieving a 'solution' to the long Politicalstatus: UN trust territory illegally occupied by dispute over independence for the International Territory of South Africa Namibia. Illiteracy: about 90% Reports of great and imminent change are bruited about, but 'change' looks suspiciously like the same old thing with only a new and poorly disguised face. In March, the South African-spon- its military wing, the People's Libera trol investments and the rich resources sored Turnhalle conference came up tion Army of Nanibia. Both world of the region. with its 'final concept' for an 'interim wide and interna I pressures upon Pre Nine months later they are still con government' for an 'independent toria and its nil ing elite in Namibia ducting what they insist are 'not nego South West Africa.' The 150-odd care- have been such that Pretoria recog tiations' involving Prime Minister Bal fully selected representatives from the nized the need f r a face-lifting opera thazar Vorster's South African regime, country's 11 'ethnic' groups as deter- tion to perpetraite an appearance of the front line African states-Angola, mined by Pretoria had labored over a independence. Hence the Turnhalle Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Mo period of 18 months. There were scheme. zambique-and the core of Namibian countless committee meetings, on resistance, SWAPO. Growing African again, off-again plenary sessions in the Gang of Five demands at the UN for economic and refurbished German empire drill hall But Pretoria was too ham-handed military sanctions against South Africa in Namibia's capital city of Windhoek, and its ploy tran sparent so the West and intensified warfare by PLAN much traveling to and from Pretoria to was forced to s eek some alternative against the 50,000-man South African get orders, and occasional trips by cer- "solution." Duriing the course of a Defense Force in the occupied Terri tain delegates to the United States, tense Security Council conclave in tory gave an urgency to the matter. West Germany, Britain and other New York in Ma rch, the five Western The decaying strength of Ian Smith's places in search of friends and backers. powers of that body-the United illegal Rhodesian regime in Zimbabwe After all this, these fathers of a New states, Britain, France, West Ger and widening domestic upheaval in Namibia uttered not a manifesto but a many and Canad a- undertook to enter South Africa itself lent a desperate air petition craving the establishment of the scene with a series of contacts with to the situation. The newer version of an interim government-addressed to the Pretoria re gime and Pretoria's American-style shuttle diplomacy the 'Government of the Republic of most hated Jamibian opponent, dominated the entire enterprise and a South Africa.' SWAPO. The aptly named 'Gang of US cost-efficient plan of action went gear, with enormous pres United Nations Role Five,' were con cerned over the bal into high knows that the ance of power ic southern Africa and sures exerted on SWAPO to accede to Every Namibian t their ability to con- a settlement scheme. South African regime illegally occu- sought to protec pies Namibia in defiance of the lawful authority, the United Nations. The UN and its many constituent entities the General Assembly, the Security Council, its specially-created admini strative body, the Council for Nami bia-have been wrestling for over three decades with this unique respon sibility inherited from the League of Nations. Security Council resolution 385 of January 1976 had drawn the final tough line in demanding that South Africa commit itself to withdrawal so that the UN could enter the Territory and conduct free nation-wide elections under the supervision and control of the world body. Fraudulent Scheme Inside Namibia the people's resis tance to minority, foreign rule has reached a degree of political sophisti cation and intensity matched by a decade of armed struggle by the South SWAPO West Africa People's Organization and SWAPO guerrillas inside Namibia

16 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 Dealings with Pretoria were touted control, with SWAPO still insisting laws are still in effect, though some as hard-line, but Vorster and his peo upon the United Nations governing restrictions of the more blatant and ple have over the years developed a the vital transition period leading onerous kind-like the Mixed Marri way of handling those who would have toward unfettered elections and the ages Act and some segregation en a say in how its satrapy was run. In subsequent declaration of a State of forcements in major centers-have rapid succession, South Africa ap Namibia. SWAPO continues its battle been voided. South African courts con pointed an administrator general in against the South African army and air tinue to mete out that peculiar brand of Namibia, to consolidate Pretoria's hold force in northern and central Namibia retribution which passes for justice in on the Territory and then seized Nami while enjoying country-wide support the land. Late in May, a Namibian man bia's only seaport, Walvis Bay, thus through its political organization. was hanged by order of the South Afri effectively strangling the fledgling South Africa maintains its occupation can State President. Four men were nation of Namibia. forces, and supplies, trains and pro sentenced to prison under Pretoria's vides sanctuary for guerrillas of the Terrorism Act. Another Namibian, UNITA movement attempting to de SWAPO official Victor Nkandi, is cur Staging Elections stabilize the People's Republic of rently on trial in Windhoek, accused A burst of press releases announced Angola just above the Namibian fron both under the Terrorism Act and of the disbanding of Turnhalle as an inci tier. being party to a murder of a South pient interim government. Instead African-approved chief. Economic Turnhalle became a political coalition Tightening Control forces are realigning in preparation for under the leadership of Chief Clemens In addition, with an eye to the the expected change in front office Kapuuo, the man all along considered future, Pretoria has appointed one of command. to be Pretoria's choice for first presi its top major generals to head a South Beneath it all nothing has really dent of South West Africa/Namibia. West African Defense Force (as dis changed. The same powers will re National Party 'moderate' Dirk Mudge tinct from the SA Defense Force). This main. The setting up of a South West led a walkout from the recalcitrant army is being rapidly put together of Africa/Namibia 'government'-after associate organization of South Africa's battalions from the varying 'ethnic' properly managed elections, would ruling National Party to form the white groups. put in place a multi-racial 'moderate' Republican Party, which associated The entire South African emplaced regime which both South Africa and with the Turnhalle coalition, to pre administrative structure, including the West could live with and to which serve a multi-racial appearance. magistrates, secret police, civil ser they could rally against the still strug The stage is set for elections early in vants, the whole apparatus of occupa gling people's liberation movement of 1978, with South Africa still firmly in tion, remains intact. South African Namibia. El

'YEAR IN REVIEW BOTSWANA Area: 224,764 sq. mi. Population:700,000 (1975 est.) Capital:Gaborone Botswana Head of State and Government: Sir Seretse Khama GNP: $170.1 million (1974 est.) Tossed between the still powerful, though shaken, white regimes of southern Africa and the rising tide of African lib National currency: Pula (0.87 per US $1) eration, Botswana, landlocked andpoor, is struggling to keep Independence: September 30, 1966 afloat. This year Botswana began diverting funds from eco Illiteracy: 67% nomic development to strengthening its defense capability and to prepare itself to withstand the economic shock of a break with Rhodesia or South Africa. According to a special UN mission citizens and damaging property. The $16.3 million in capital expenditure which visited Botswana in February, number of documented violations and will take an estimated $3.4 million its geographical location would force it appears to be up from the 26 incidents in recurrent annual funds. Military en to spend upwards of $50 million almost reported in 1976. Rural residents campments are planned for the border immediately for unbudgeted security, report that in some areas along the area to better ensure the safety of refugee, and emergency measures. By border it is no longer possible to carry Botswana citizens and perhaps to keep October an international campaign to out normal agricultural work. The Zimbabwean freedom fighters from raise funds for Botswana so it would apparent Rhodesian intention is to using Botswana territory. not have to divert development funds create the same kind of no-go area on Refugees had succeeded in raising only about the Botswana side as they have on their half the targeted amount. own. For years Botswana has served as haven for those fleeing the political and Rhodesian Attacks The Rhodesian regime's terrorism economic oppression of apartheid. Tension in the Botswana-Rhodesia was also directed against the refugees With the increasing level of armed border area remains very high. The in Botswana. The small military force struggle in Zimbabwe and repression Rhodesian forces make constant incur which Botswana has established to deal in South Africa, the refugee problem sions into Botswana, killing Botswana with these security threats has cost has reached serious proportions. Bot DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 17 Botswana's international shipping and generates a large portion of the gov ernment's annual income. The govern ment has begun to plan for the emer gency situation which would result if Rhodesian Railways no longer oper ated the line. The cost of alternate operating arrangements are now esti mated by Botswana's Canadian consul tants at $47 million. An all-weather road from Kazungula at the tiny Zambia-Botswana border to Nata was completed in January. How ever, with the modest level of trade between Botswana and Zambia it is not expected to have great economic signi ficance so long as the railroad con tinues to serve as Botswana's main link with foreign markets. Nuclear Threat Two further developments in South Africa have been of concern to Bo UNHCR tswana this year, the reports that South Zimbabwe refugees in camp in Botswana Africa has plans and the capacity to develop nuclear weapons has all of swana, with its small population of has perceived continued refuge e poli- Africa worried. The rumors that nu 700,000, finds itself host to about 4000 tical activism as a potential so urce of clear tests would be carried out in the refugees at a time. During January and trouble domestically as well as an ir- Kalahari desert have particularly dis February 1977, 400 people were arriv tant to relations with the rep ressive turbed Botswana which, along with ing per week. Many stay only for a regimes the refugees have fled. Efforts Namibia, shares the Kalahari with short period, waiting for the chance to to connect Botswana with under- South Africa. move on. Those who remain behind ground armed struggle groups are now Bantustan Threat must depend on the $30 a month sti a feature of political trials in South The existence of the Bophutswana pend from humanitarian agencies since Africa. bantustan, scheduled for indepen Botswana can offer refugees few edu Economic Problems dence in December, which is located cational or economic opportunities. High unemployment, drougi t, and on the Botswana border could prove a The Botswana government does not source of difficulty, similar to the allow political refugees to engage in continued poor returns on a cosstly in- new vestment, the copper/nickel c(omplex problems Lesotho has had with regard political activities while in the country. Botswana has made it Political content was banned from a at Selebi-Pikwe, have added to Bo- to the Transkei. tswana's economic problems during clear that it regards the bantustans as a Soweto commemoration program in for the people Gaberone in June. The government the year. Because Botswana' s eco- negative development of South Africa who are being deprived nomy is closely tied to South Africa- of any remnants of rights by the grant 80% of its imports including imuch f its food, come from its southern neigh- ing of "bogus" independence. The bor-it is relatively unprotecte d from coming period is likely to see new ten the effects of South Africa ec(onomic sions developing in this area. F policy. For instance, when South Africa cut out price subsidies on its staple foods, the increased co st was passed on to the Botswana consu mer as well. In response, Botswana re valued BOOKSTORE the pula by 5%, a conservative amount DISTRIBUTORS designed to help the poorer ccitizens without upsetting the big farn ners or New York City hurting Botswana s internation al posi Delhi Distributors tion. South African plans to cut I)ack on employment of foreign contract work c/o NRS Books ers in mining will directly affeect Bo 1181 Amsterdam Ave. tswana workers, as 25% of the active New York, N.Y. 10027 male population of Botswan a now works in South Africa. Washington, D.C. - Baltimore In the past Botswana has counited on Liberation Information the continued operation and us e of the Distribution Co. 394-mile section of the Mafekin8g-'Bula 1622 New Jersey Ave. N.W. way o rail line which connects RIiodesia Washington, D.C. 20001 and South Africa and passes t hrough Botswana. The line carries nhost of

18 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 Molefe Pheto Poetry for The Struggle Molefe Pheto

Molefe Pheto, South African poet, writer, actor, journal studied for four years. He returned to South Africa in 1971 ist, and musician, was born 42 years ago in Alexandra Town and became the music, education and cultural activities ship, a black ghetto nine miles north of Johannesburg. Since director for the African Music and Drama Association, a 1953 he has written about the artist's part in political strug black cultural learning center. He helped to found the gles for freedom. Mihloti, a black theater, a black artists' organization and a He has read his poems at the black university in South black writers' organization, in addition to working as an actor Africa, at black high schools, in black churches and ghettos, and director. in Nigeria during the FESTAC, and recently in various cities On March 5, 1975, Molefe Pheto was detained by the in the USA. He has refused to read or to allow any plays he South African Security Police under the deadly "terrorism directs to be performed before white audiences in South clause." He spent 281 days in prison, 271 of them in solitary Africa. confinement. The spirit that he shares in this poetry, how In 1966 Pheto was awarded a music scholarship at the ever, could not be confined. Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he All poems copyright ( 1977 by Molefe Pheto

I CAME BACK.

No God, Its not the same. Four walls and the keys The Black child is. rattle into steel doors His her face. into grill gates His her pearly teeth. into four dirty walls His her knotted kinky hair. dirty stenchy grey blankets. His her "not you elder!" And eternal toilet. and the games they play are different. God. Am I back. Now three jumps, To the Black child back to back, forever at play in the streets side to side, and to touch his Amazon-like Three this way. crop of hair as though viewed from the sky. No, three that way. But what had I done. God, what's going on. Black child tell me. Please. I was away "only" ten months. God. I want to relove Three this way, this child for ten months in retrospect, into squares like remote control twenty four hours 281 days that reminds me dark months of brutality. of the electric button How many kisses of love to the day that switched the steel door I would have smothered into my oblivion like I have seen other only this time fathers do. three or two Black children played And torture Black child. a new game. I loved you through it all. God. I came back. Days I gave up. God. I'm back. My living grave 2nd after detention. 2:30 p.m. my death.

DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 19 24.

Do you know what love is Whiteman? THERE IS NO SUN IN HERE You took me whilst my baby slept. There is no Sun in here, And she's as beautiful as yours Only the rain outside, incessant. loves as yours There is no shade in here, but you took me, A mist, grey, blue-black took love Through meshed wire-windows... when you had yours. There is no nothing in here Except my breathing Whiteman, Which I and the two unblinking Do you know Policemen on the ceiling What love is? Of cell 201 can hear. When I saw them April 1975 my Phello and Gakearesepe sleeping the day when you released me, White man, dear God, You owe me for life ten months of love to my daughters, And also you have taught me to hate. 4th after detention. 3:30 a.m.

WHEN THEY COME.

When they come for me Composure from peace Out in the long black I wonder many times like a quiet morning... hollow distance who the victor is. inner strength strengthens my face and beard brightened a weak me in a richness Blasts of bangs I stand tall as on dead doors a proud Black man Nigerian oil. in the middle of the night for even as I might die unconcentrated torch lights Its with them that I am winning of fear my memory remains they are winning from those who have for they alone know I am incarcerated come for me how they committed me in a victory nights without sleep to my death, of ideas. are now ended for me me stone cold because at last Calabar was years ago strong strengthened there's now a new dawn they have come because I am right. and I with victory for me know my fate. At interrogation I know because they took me I looked the man but forgot the mask. Brave talk of fears straight in the eyes 3-3-1977 emanates from hoarse throats But who BLUSHED To Malebane, who 'jumped" as the house-search progresses who blushed I ask to his death from the tenth papers, any sort, strewn around for I know it was not me. floor during "interrogation." I watch, they watch we watch but who's scared.

20 SOUTHERN AFRICA/DECEMBER 1977 Reform Party) has now become the sists that any settlement must involve official opposition. The New Republic the guerrilla armies, on the one hand, Party, successor to the United Party, and the formal colonial authority, won only 10 seats-28 fewer than the Great Britain, on the othow. United Party held three years ago. Carnegie Mellon Bomb Blasts in South Africa Threatens Rhodesians Bomb blasts early this month dam L m aged a police station and several cars Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon Uni parked outside a suburban train station versity threatened early this month to in the vicinity of Johannesburg, South expel eight young members of Rho Africa. desia's civil service who are enrolled in Namibia Talks Stalled The incidents, in which no one was a public management course at the injured, came two weeks after a pow institution. Negotiations over indepenndence for erful explosion damaged at least eleven The eight, who came on a project the South African-controlle I territory shops in the luxury Carleton Centre financed by American corporations of Namibia have reached an impasse, shopping and office complex in down with the approval of the State Depart with the SWAPO liberati on move- town Johannesburg. Some 19 people ment and the Rhodesian regime, ment refusing to talk furthher unless were injured at that time, none seri stirred controversy when they claimed there is a breakthrough. ously. they had been misled about the "non The settlment discussiorns, which No group has claimed responsibility political" nature of the program. In a involve SWAPO, South African au- for the bombings. statement to the press the students thorities, and five major Western said that, contrary to their original con powers, are stalled on th(e issue of Zimbabwe Guerrilla ception of the program, the Carnegie' South African military prese nce in the Mellon course was intended to "create territory during the interi im period Leaders Stand Firm a nucleus of pro-Western puppets to before independence. Amidst rumors that the Patriotic stand in the way as a stumbling block SWAPO wants the withdrawal of Front might be nearing a split, co against the authentic cause of the South African forces plus a maximum leaders Robert Mugabe of ZANU and people's revolution in Zimbabwe." of United Nations involv ement in Joshua Nkomo of ZAPU met in Ma As a result of this protest Carnegie arranging elections. But So uth Africa puto, Mozambique, early this month Mellon has threatened to expel them maintains that unless its troops are and together rejected the two most and has already demanded that they present, SWAPO militants ,avill terror- recent settlement initiatives for Zim leave their university housing by ize the population into voti ng for the babwe. December 23. organization's"We candidates. Nkomo and Mugabe declared they haven't made any significant would not travel to London to pursue Rhodesian Raids headway on the troop viithdrawal any further talks with Britain until Hit Mozambique issue," says an American diplomat Foreign Secretary David Owen is will close to the talks. "South Africa hasn't ing to proceed without the okay of Rhodesia's security forces claim to agreed to reduce troop stre ngth to a Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith. have killed more than 1200 Zimbabwe level we think acceptable -either in And the Front's leaders reiterated guerrillas in raids on camps in the absolute terms or in relati on to the their total rejection of the "internal Manica and Tete provinces of Mozam United Nations presence." settlement" now pursued by Smith bique in late November and early Inside Namibia, meanwh ile, South and moderate nationalists. December. African administrator Judge Marthin- Talks on the internal settlement got The attacks were the largest since hus T. Steyn is getting wide publicity off the ground following Smith's No the August 1976 raid on the Nyazonia for scrapping segregation layis, includ- vember 24 announcement that his gov refugee camp, after which the Rho ing the ated passbook syst em which ernment was willing to consider uni desians claimed to have killed 300 controlled Africans' movem ents. versal suffrage as a basis for a settle guerrillas. Subsequent reports from The campaign to clamp down on ment, providing sufficient guarantees Mozamhique revealed that the Nya SWAPO continues, however , as police could be provided to ensure whites' zonia facility was a refugee camp, and arrested several of the m ovement's confidence in the new government. that over 800 of its occupants had been leaders in early December . Most of Bishop Muzorewa, Ndabaningi Sithole killed. the officials were released fter ques- and Chief Jeremiah Chirau are the Reporters who visited the site of one tioning, but Ben Bernados, vho heads three major participants in the current of the recent attacks said they found a the Windhoek branch of th e SWAPO round of negotiations in Salisbury. devastated guerrilla camp 12 miles Youth League, was still in deetention at The Patriotic Front, which con north of Chimoio, some 55 miles inside press time. siders the Salisbury talks invalid, in- Mozambique. The camp had been used by the Zimbabwe African Na National Party Rides tional Union (ZANU) as a guerrilla South African Landslid|e transit facility. UPDATE is written by Africa Some of the bodies found in the In South Africa's bigges t election camp were those of guerrillas, but the landslide News Service, which also pub majority in over sixty yearss, the Na lishes a weekly digest available to of the 100 killed were women tional Party was returned to power and children, including a class of 20 with 134 parliamentary individuals for $28 per year. seats against 30 P.O. young girls between the ages of 10 and for the entire opposition. Address correspondence to 14. A clinic, school, storage depot and With 17 seats, the Progresssive Fed Box 3851, Durham, NC 27702. repair facilities were located in the eral Party (formerly the P rogressive camp. DECEMBER 1977/SOUTHERN AFRICA 21 N am r SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Addres L Individuals (Domestic and Foreign) $8.00 per year Institutions (Domestic and Foreign) $18.00 per year -I Introductory 7 month offer $4.00 ONew ERenewal Airmail: Africa, Asia, Europe $20.50 Change of Address______South & Central America $17.50 (enclose label)______3 month trial $1.00

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