BLACK WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA

and the case of WINNIE MANDELA Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition Introduction

Throughout the world women sl pression and discrimination . We are status jobs . We are traditionally respo keeping house, whether we want to lack of public childcare facilities, po on publicly funded abortion, weakly ABOUT THIS PAMPHLET and unsafe streets keep us from effE equal human beings. This pamphlet was collectively written by the Winnie Mandela Here Black women suffer the woi Solidarity Coalition as a basic introduction to the struggle for Liber- sion — as Black people and as worn ation in South Africa . We have chosen the life of Winnie Mandela Africa are oppressed by the system of to highlight her particular courage as well as that of countless but Black South African women cart named and unnamed women political prisoners in South pression. Africa—whose only `crime' was to advocate for political, human and economic rights under an unjust and inhuman system . We Winnie Mandela is a Black South , hope to inspire women in the United States and elsewhere to unite all black South African women suffer and act in solidarity and support of their sisters in South Africa who, women who have led the fight agains with their people, struggle today for basic human rights. them . Like women in this country against them—like Joan Little, An others—she has been constantly peg she is opposing. We write about Winnie Mandela not only because we can identify wi Cover picture: people, but because the system which system which oppresses us. Winnie Mandela looking through the gate of her house where she is a prisoner. To understand the life of Winnie stand the context in which she lives must start with a description of aparth(

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RED SUN PRESS 172 Introduction

Throughout the world women suffer and struggle against op- pression and discrimination . We are given the worst paid, lowest status jobs . We are traditionally responsible for raising children and keeping house, whether we want to or not . In the United States, lack of public childcare facilities, poor social services, restrictions on publicly funded abortion, weakly enforced affirmative action, and unsafe streets keep us from effectively asserting ourselves as equal human beings. vely written by the Winnie Mandela Here Black women suffer the worst discrimination and oppres- troduction to the struggle for Liber- sion — as Black people and as women . All Black people in South chosen the life of Winnie Mandela Africa are oppressed by the system of apartheid that operates there, urage as well as that of countless but Black South African women carry the greatest burden of op- en political prisoners in South pression. Is to advocate for political, human unjust and inhuman system . We Winnie Mandela is a Black South African woman who suffers as kilted States and elsewhere to unite all black South African women suffer, and she is also one of many t of their sisters in South Africa who, women who have led the fight against the system which oppresses y for basic human rights. them . Like women in this country who fight the discrimination against them—like Joan Little, Angela Davis, Ella Ellison and others—she has been constantly persecuted by the government she is opposing. We write about Winnie Mandela and women in South Africa not only because we can identify with them as women or Black people, but because the system which oppresses them is part of the system which oppresses us. ,h the gate of her house where she To understand the life of Winnie Mandela we have to under- stand the context in which she lives and struggles . Therefore, we must start with a description of apartheid.

uced, but please credit us.

3hics en from Magubane 's South lid for by a grant from the Women marched on Pretoria to protest the pass laws, 1955.

1

The System of Apartheid as THE LAND IS SEIZED yal SEF 1~T IN lug BEST rtitam i The land known as South Africa was originally populated by ~oNr YoU ' several African peoples. It was first colonized by the Dutch (now called Afrikaners) in the mid-1600's . The English soon followed and together with the Afrikaners conquered the African peoples living there . The discovery of diamonds and gold brought massive white immigration into the country . As Europeans moved inland, they seized land from the Africans, who fought back in long, bitter wars to keep their land . Because the whites had guns, the Africans were eventually defeated . In much the same way as Native Americans in this country were forced onto reservations over time, Africans have been increasingly restricted to specially created reserves . Many oppressive laws, designed to control and restrict the African maj- ority, were passed to form the system of apartheid .

WHAT IS APARTHEID? Apartheid (pronounced `apart-h the system set up by the white minoril to control and exploit the Black po South Africans protect their power an South Africans are divided by lav gories : White, African, Asian and Col and white ancestry) . People in each gi arate communities. They are not all signated for another race without a s are over 70% of the population, Afric LAND 13% of the land . Like Indian reservat tionally the least productive : infert AFRI„CA"4 AREAS 037o of /a-4 cv~t ) These scattered reserves are divided it q WHITE AREAS called Bantustans . Each homeland is f (877 oFland a ced) group . The white government is clairr POPULATION these `homelands', in reality depriving `white' South Africa. MI AFRICAN 18 .6 Million =WHITE .3 The African people in South Afric own land . They are not allowed to he COLORED 2 .9 (Mxed BJacK (re) jobs either in government or in priva INDIAN 0.7 Africans do not even earn the minim. TOTAL 26 . l tence. Separate and vastly inferior faci schools, transportation, stores, and h 4? extreme poverty, malnutrition, seve SOUTH AFRICA : LAND POPULATION and poor education . White South Afi the highest standards of living in thew

2

Apart heid ?o(3 sE THAT as IN Y h Africa was originally populated by tx*'r/OU't as first colonized by the Dutch (now 1600's. The English soon followed and :onquered the African peoples living )nds and gold brought massive white y. As Europeans moved inland, they , who fought back in long, bitter wars le whites had guns, the Africans were the same way as Native Americans in reservations over time, Africans have to specially created reserves . Many control and restrict the African maj- a system of apartheid.

WHAT IS APARTHEID? Apartheid (pronounced `apart-hate ') means separateness . It is the system set up by the white minority government of South Africa to control and exploit the Black population . It is the way white South Africans protect their power and privilege. South Africans are divided by law into four official `race' cate- gories : White, African, Asian and Coloured (people of mixed Black and white ancestry). People in each group are forced to live in sep- arate communities. They are not allowed to enter any area de- signated for another race without a special permit . Although they are over 70% of the population, Africans have been allocated only - LAND 13% of the land . Like Indian reservations here, this land is inten- tionally the least productive : infertile, and with little industry. .1 AFRtCAI'J AREAS (%370 of /a,' a.e.t.) These scattered reserves are divided into 9 `tribal homelands', often =WHITE AREAS called Bantustans . Each homeland is for people of the same ethnic (87% of /and area) group. The white government is claiming to give independence to POPULATION these `homelands', in reality depriving all Africans of citizenship in MI AFRICAN 18-G `white' South Africa. /h on =WHITE y ,3 The African people in South Africa are not allowed to vote or to own land . They are not allowed to hold managerial or supervisory COLORED 2 .9 (Mxed 8/R,c., ( wh , re) jobs either in government or in private business . About 80% of all INDIAN 0,7 Africans do not even earn the minimum wage necessary for subsis- TOTAL 26 .1 tence. Separate and vastly inferior facilities are provided for Blacks: schools, transportation, stores, and hospitals . Africans suffer from extreme poverty, malnutrition, severely inadequate health care, LAND 1 POPULATION and poor education . White South Africans, however, have one of the highest standards of living in the world.

3 REPRESSION AND IMPRISONMENT interrogation . All the security laws a activity can be considered a crime a The South African government needs strict controls backed by imprisoned . Steven Biko, a non-viol a brutal and powerful police force and army in order to maintain Luther King, was arrested under the I the system of apartheid . There are countless repressive laws, as a result of police brutality and tortur enacted to keep tight control over all aspects of people's lives. Black people are denied basic human rights and freedoms . They are not free to live where they choose . They cannot join recognized labor unions, and do not have the right to strike. MIGRANT LABOR Although all Africans are assigner half of them actually live in the rurz Africa needs their labor . Black people a plentiful supply of cheap labor whip South Africa one of the richest nations provides huge profits for U .S. and oth doing business in South Africa. All Africans are migrant workers, long as they are needed in the workf( who come here from Mexico and e done they are no longer welcome . CI the unemployed (regarded by whites forcibly removed to rural reserves, ev in the same place for two or three forced removals destroys family life b) and children from living together. All Black people over 16 must carry passbooks at all times . Pass- books are special identification papers which show to what area an individual is restricted . They are the key to the maintenance of apar- theid . Passbooks are used to control residence, movement, and work. Blacks cannot move, travel, or change jobs without the appropriate stamp in their passbooks . They live under constant fear of police harassment, arrest, and imprisonment . Three out of every four Black people have been arrested at least once in their lives for violations of Pass Laws. People who try to fight the system of apartheid are imprisoned, killed, or banned . Banning is a special restriction used by the South African government. It is applied to individuals, organizations, and publications . Banned individuals are restricted to a very small area: one neighborhood or town . They cannot meet with more than two people at a time, speak in public, teach, write for publication, or be quoted by the press . Banned organizations or publications cannot legally exist in South Africa. There are over 20,000 banned publi- cations. All newspapers, books, movies, etc ., are strictly censored. All Black political parties are banned. Under the Internal Security Act and the Terrorism Act, people can be held for indefinite periods of time, without a charge, for Woman waits for transportation. She cause her land is wanted for some oth 4 MENT interrogation . All the security laws are so vague that almost any activity can be considered a crime and any person arrested and iment needs strict controls backed by imprisoned . Steven Biko, a non-violent Black leader like Martin force and army in order to maintain Luther King, was arrested under the Internal Security Act . He died sere are countless repressive laws, as a result of police brutality and torture on September 12, 1977. DI over all aspects of people's lives. human rights and freedoms . They are hoose. They cannot join recognized MIGRANT LABOR the right to strike. Although all Africans are assigned to a `homeland', only about half of them actually live in the rural reserves since white South Africa needs their labor . Black people are regarded as no more than a plentiful supply of cheap labor which is necessary to keep white South Africa one of the richest nations in the world . This system also provides huge profits for U .S. and other multinational corporations doing business in South Africa. All Africans are migrant workers, staying in white areas only as long as they are needed in the workforce. Like temporary workers who come here from Mexico and elsewhere, once their work is done they are no longer welcome. Children, the old, the sick, and the unemployed (regarded by whites as `useless appendages') are forcibly removed to rural reserves, even if their families have lived in the same place for two or three generations. This system of forced removals destroys family life by preventing husbands, wives, and children from living together. ust carry passbooks at all times . Pass- n papers which show to what area an e the key to the maintenance of apar- control residence, movement, and travel, or change jobs without the ;books . They live under constant fear nd imprisonment . Three out of every Irrested at least once in their lives for

system of apartheid are imprisoned, I special restriction used by the South ied to individuals, organizations, and as are restricted to a very small area: hey cannot meet with more than two ic, teach, write for publication, or be organizations or publications cannot [-here are over 20,000 banned publi- :s, movies, etc., are strictly censored. anned. ty Act and the Terrorism Act, people !Hods of time, without a charge, for Woman waits for transportation . She has been forced to move be- cause her land is wanted for some other purpose.

5 In the reserves, those who can, ge The Life of Black Women take jobs in industry, in the mines, of worker is generally a man, who leave IN THE RESERVES reserve—not because he wants to, 131 "Widowhood—a life of void and loneliness ; a period does not allow `useless appendages' t Thus, both South African employer of tension, unbalance, and strenuous adjustment . And what can it be to those thousands of African ations can keep wages down and profi women—those adolescent girls married before they reach paying men a wage only just sufficier womanhood, thrown into a life of responsibility before forcing the rest of the family to rely c they have completely passed from childhood to adult- serves . With the family in the reserve hood; those young women in the prime of early woman- the South African government can s hood left to face life alone, burdened with the task of build- providing basic social, health, educati, ing a home and rearing a family; those young women The burden of survival and of rz doomed to nurse alone their sick babies, weep alone for workers falls on the women . Separat( their dead babies, dress and bury alone their corpses? What to scratch out a living from the poor lai can it mean to those young brides whose purpose has been to have land. They must also care for snatched away, overnight, leaving them bewildered and who have no legal place in South Afr lost, leaving them with a thirst and hunger that cannot be women become isolated and loner stilled? family members who become caught And yet this is the daily lot of tens of thousands of in town - a struggle that can lead to African women whose husbands are torn away from them the breakup of families . Often these to go and work in the cities, mines, and farms—husbands severe emotional anguish. who because of the migratory labor system cannot take their wives with them and because of the starvation wages IN THE URBAN AREAS they receive, are forced to remain in the work centers for long periods—strangers in a strange land—but equally Faced with this situation, some v\ strangers at home to their wives and children ." their husbands or other loved ones Phyllis Ntantala, "The Oppression of Women in South Often, women are traveling illegally Africa. " not allow such visits, or will allow or For example, more than 20,000 wive! month contracts left their `tribal horn camp called Crossroads . They wante who worked in Capetown . I n Septemi night to try to bulldoze the camp . Wh man was killed . Women, including pr and 300 people were arrested. Women also go to `white' town forced to leave their children behind woman, who may be too old or overly ing women find jobs as servants liv ` madam 's ' backyard . They typically we allowed to have overnight visitors, e' band or child . For such work, African month.

Woman watching her baby.

6 In the reserves, those who can, get passes for work and leave to k Women take jobs in industry, in the mines, or on white-owned farms . The worker is generally a man, who leaves his wife and children in the reserve—not because he wants to, but because the apartheid law of void and loneliness; a period does not allow `useless appendages' to live in `white' South Africa. Thus, both South African employers and multinational corpor- and strenuous adjustment. And those thousands of African ations can keep wages down and profits high by separating families, It girls married before they reach paying men a wage only just sufficient for their own upkeep, and `o a life of responsibility before forcing the rest of the family to rely on meager farming in the re- . With the family in the reserve, an `independent' country, assed from childhood to adult- serves en in the prime of early woman- the South African government can shrug off the responsibility of burdened with the task of build- providing basic social, health, education, and sanitation services. a family; those young women The burden of survival and of raising the next generation of their sick babies, weep alone for workers falls on the women . Separated from their men, they have Id bury alone their corpses? What to scratch out a living from the poor land — if they are lucky enough g brides whose purpose has been to have land . They must also care for the old and the sick — those 4, leaving them bewildered and who have no legal place in South African society . In this situation, thirst and hunger that cannot be women become isolated and lonely . They are uncertain about family members who become caught up in the struggle for survival 'ally lot of tens of thousands of in town - a struggle that can lead to alcoholism, prostitution, and isbands are torn away from them the breakup of families . Often these women in the reserves suffer ies, mines, and farms—husbands severe emotional anguish. .ratory labor system cannot take because of the starvation wages IN THE URBAN AREAS o remain in the work centers for in a strange land—but equally Faced with this situation, some women will go to town to find wives and children." their husbands or other loved ones who are on labor contracts. )ppression of Women in South Often, women are traveling illegally because the government will Africa. " not allow such visits, or will allow only extremely restricted visits. For example, more than 20,000 wives and children of men on 11 month contracts left their `tribal homelands' to settle in a squatter camp called Crossroads . They wanted to be near their husbands who worked in Capetown . In September, 1978, the police arrived at night to try to bulldoze the camp . When the squatters resisted, one man was killed . Women, including pregnant women, were beaten, and 300 people were arrested. Women also go to `white' towns to look for work . They are forced to leave their children behind, often in the care of another woman, who may be too old or overburdened to cope . Most work- ing women find jobs as servants living in tiny quarters in their `madam's' backyard . They typically work 60-hour weeks and are not allowed to have overnight visitors, even if the visitor is their hus- band or child . For such work, African women receive around $50 a month .

7 Black Resistance tc

Black resistance began with the take over the country . The African r land and cattle, but their weapons cc European guns. In 1912 the African 1 established to unite all Africans to r settler state. At first the ANC organizf tance, but as repression increased, the militant mass action . The Pan Africani$ in 1959. Both organizations were bz Sharpeville Massacre, when police nstration against the pass laws . The turning point in the history of the resi able to operate legally inside South / took up armed struggle from neighbo The Black Consciousness Moven- the late 1960 's and early 70 's. The BC mood and heightened militancy . Una People's Convention (BPC), which ha worker, parent and student groups tance. In Soweto in 1976 students too Women cooking outside their houses in Soweto. imposition of Afrikaans as the languag spread to other Black townships . T African, Indian and Coloured commu If women can't find other kinds of work, they desperately try to urban/rural lines . Led by students, the make ends meet by doing white people's laundry (without the help of any machines) or by brewing and selling traditional beer, which is illegal . A small percentage of women find slightly better paying ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERATIO jobs in industry, hospitals, or as clerical workers . As Africans they face legal and enforced wage and job discrimination ; as African Black women in South Africa are f women, they also receive the lowest wages. sion of being Black and female . One B itical struggle in South Africa, has cor Many women, like men, are forced to live in single-sex hostels between national liberation and won for the period of their contracts . These `hostels' are like concen- equality : tration camps — bleak, cramped, cold, guarded, and isolated from "In different parts of the woi outside contact. Even the few women who are allowed to live with manding equal recognition with n their families in the Black townships have a very insecure position. rejecting a home-shackled exist( A woman has no right to rent a house in her own name . If her hus- everyone else in the world—wh( band dies, she is likely to get evicted — even if she is working and jecting the home-centered life, can pay rent . Only if she has a son, she may escape eviction by regis- even that. .. tering the house in his name. But what have our men don( Thus apartheid means not only inequality and separation of this double load of oppressi Black from white, but also separation of Black men and women Admittedly, in many spheres of s workers from each other and their families. less to please us and give us our ri

8 Black Resistance to Apartheid

Black resistance began with the earliest attempts of whites to take over the country . The African peoples tried to defend their land and cattle, but their weapons could not match the power of European guns . In 1912 the African National Congress (ANC) was established to unite all Africans to resist the power of the white settler state. At first the ANC organized peaceful protest and resis- tance, but as repression increased, they realized the need for more militant mass action . The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) was formed in 1959. Both organizations were banned in 1960 following the Sharpeville Massacre, when police fired on a peaceful demo- nstration against the pass laws . The Sharpeville Massacre was a turning point in the history of the resistance movement. No longer able to operate legally inside South Africa, Liberation Movements took up armed struggle from neighboring Black-ruled countries. The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) developed during the late 1960's and early 70's . The BCM has created a new defiant mood and heightened militancy . Under the umbrella of the Black People's Convention (BPC), which has since been banned, church, worker, parent and student groups organized protest and resis- tance. In Soweto in 1976 students took to the streets to protest the houses in Soweto. imposition of Afrikaans as the language of study . The uprisings soon spread to other Black townships . These uprisings encompassed African, Indian and Coloured communities ; they crossed tribal and kinds of work, they desperately try to urban/rural lines . Led by students, they also involved workers. e people's laundry (without the help g and selling traditional beer, which )f women find slightly better paying ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE as clerical workers . As Africans they and job discrimination ; as African Black women in South Africa are faced with the double oppres- Dwest wages. sion of being Black and female . One Black woman, active in the pol- itical struggle in South Africa, has commented on the relationship re forced to live in single-sex hostels between national liberation and women's struggle for dignity and cts. These `hostels' are like concen- equality : ed, cold, guarded, and isolated from "ln different parts of the world today women are de- women who are allowed to live with manding equal recognition with men in all walks of life and (ships have a very insecure position. rejecting a home-shackled existence . But we are behind house in her own name. If her hus- everyone else in the world—where other women are re- victed — even if she is working and jecting the home-centered life, our women are denied on, she may escape eviction by regis- even that. .. But what have our men done to reduce the impact of )t only inequality and separation of this double load of oppression on their women? paration of Black men and women Admittedly, in many spheres of social life they are power- ieir families . less to please us and give us our rights. They cannot, for in-

9 In Vietnam, Mozambique, and world, women have played a major ro liberation . In South Africa throughot apartheid Black women have also bees In 1913 women successfully resiste In 1943 women took part in a be midwinter Black workers from a Blau burg walked 18 miles to and from worl fares. In 1949 there was a spectacular which women were active, to protest t

Women at a demonstration against pass laws in Soweto. stance. give us a better quality education ; they could not save us from crime and violence ; they could not give us greater justice and greater dignity„better homes and better social institutions ; they are powerless and they could not Women took part in the bus boys give us decision-making positions ; they themselves have none. Were our women to launch a frontal attack on men and join hands with all the women of the world at this stage, THE PASS LAW CAMPAIGN would they attain their liberation? If they did, would it not In 1955 African women were told be the same oppression as that of their men? Do our passes . By law men had already been women really want to share the dismal position of their restricted and controlled their moven men—do we want to be equal to such abysmal humil- laws involved for men, women refus iation? Certainly not . We are then left with one option The Pass Law Campaign was led by t' only, and that is to fight side by side with our men for our Women's League as well as the F National Liberation . This all-encompassing oppression of Women, African women across t the white man has got to go first; the dignity of our men has protested against passes . The first maj n got to be regained; our national heritage and our self- 1955 when 20,000 women marched to determination has got to be restored to us . Our right to in Pretoria, the capital . They said, "Str choose who is to govern us and what social system to create when you have touched a woman ." is paramount . Therefore, our first struggle for liberation is our National Liberation . " Near the small town of Zeerus Woman's Conference on Women in South Africa, Women refused to accept passbooks, Botswana, 1976 In reprisal, the police raided their he

10 In Vietnam, Mozambique, and Angola and throughout the world, women have played a major role in the struggles for national liberation . In South Africa throughout the history of resistance to apartheid Black women have also been very active in the struggle. In 1913 women successfully resisted having to carry passes. In 1943 women took part in a boycott of buses . For 9 days in midwinter Black workers from a Black township outside Johannes- burg walked 18 miles to and from work to protest an increase in bus fares. i In 1949 there was a spectacular national work stoppage, in which women were active, to protest the system of apartheid.

iinst pass laws in Soweto. aality education; they could not iolence; they could not give us dignity„better homes and better .e powerless and they could not Women took part in the bus boycott and walked to work. Dositions; they themselves have launch a frontal attack on men women of the world at this stage, THE PASS LAW CAMPAIGN Aration? If they did, would it not In 1955 African women were told that they would have to carry as that of their men? Do our passes . By law men had already been forced to carry passes which ire the dismal position of their restricted and controlled their movements . Knowing what the pass equal to such abysmal humil- laws involved for men, women refused to be subjected to them. are then left with one option The Pass Law Campaign was led by the ANC . Through the ANC's de by side with our men for our Women's League as well as the Federation of South African all-encompassing oppression of Women, African women across the country organized and ) first; the dignity of our men has 1 protested against passes . The first major demonstration occurred in national heritage and our self- 1955 when 20,000 women marched to the Prime Minister . Strijdom, be restored to us. Our right to in Pretoria, the capital. They said, "Strijdom, you have struck a rock and what social system to create when you have touched a woman ." Dur first struggle for liberation is Near the small town of Zeerust, the struggle was intense. n Women in South Africa, Women refused to accept passbooks, or, if forced to, burned them. Botswana, 1976 In reprisal, the police raided their homes, burned their property,

11 beat, shot and arrested them . It was a prolonged struggle but The Life of Winnie II women were eventually forced to accept the passes because with- out them they could not travel, work, or register the birth of their children.

The militancy of African women has continued to the present. During the Soweto uprising young women along with young men organized, protested and were jailed . Older women were active in forming the Black Parents Association to show solidarity with Black youth and act as an umbrella for other Black organizations focused on education and community affairs . The number of women being imprisoned and leaving to join military training programs of the liberation movements shows that the level of their participation in the current struggles of South Africa is high.

WOMEN POLITICAL PRISONERS Women have not escaped arrest, interrogation, solitary confinement, or torture . Dependents of arrested women are often left stranded, or in the care of those too young or old to cope. "In one home, the young woman was arrested last year; her small children, aged 2, 3, and 4, remained in the custody of their grandmother. The old woman had to care Winnie Mandela with her daughterZi for her own five children and three grandchildren . Then the worst happened. The old woman was arrested. All her children and the three grandchildren were stranded ; the 17-year old daughter had to take charge of the family without money ... " Winnie Mandela is a leading I women activists. Her life stands as an South African newspaper, in For Their Triumphs and Their persecution that the South African rei Tears. who refuse to bow to its tyranny and The list of over 300 women, detained without trial, banned, continues to oppose that regime . Win exiled, held under house arrest, imprisoned and otherwise coned and her movements have been detained or charged with political offenses is too long to include though she has never been convict here. technical violations of her banning or, have been very brief, but they have she We highlight the life of Winnie Mandela as an example of the conviction. contribution of women toward the struggle for the liberation of South Africa. Nomzamo Winnie Mandela was k rural area . Moving to Johannesburg, s science and became a social worker. In 1958 she married Nelson Mar Later that year she participated alo African women in a demonstration a pregnant at the time, Mrs . Mandela wi two weeks in jail.

12 1 . It was a prolonged struggle but The Life of Winnie Mandela i to accept the passes because with- I, work, or register the birth of their

'omen has continued to the present. Jung women along with young men jailed. Older women were active in )ciation to show solidarity with Black )r other Black organizations focused affairs. The number of women being in military training programs of the hat the level of their participation in kfrica is high.

RS aed arrest, interrogation, solitary ndents of arrested women are often lose too young or old to cope. Dung woman was arrested last ged 2, 3, and 4, remained in the her. The old woman had to care Winnie Mandela with her daughter Zindzi. and three grandchildren . Then old woman was arrested. All her andchildren were stranded; the 1 to take charge of the family Winnie Mandela is a leading light among South African women activists . Her life stands as an example both of the ruthless in For Their Triumphs and Their persecution that the South African regime brings down on people who refuse to bow to its tyranny and of the undaunted spirit that n, detained without trial, banned, continues to oppose that regime. Winnie Mandela has been impri- irrest, imprisoned and otherwise soned and her movements have been restricted time and again, al- tical offenses is too long to include though she has never been convicted of any crime except for technical violations of her banning orders. Her moments of liberty have been very brief, but they have shown her to be steadfast in her innie Mandela as an example of the conviction. d the struggle for the liberation of Nomzamo Winnie Mandela was born in 1934 and grew up in a rural area . Moving to Johannesburg, she earned a diploma in social science and became a social worker. In 1958 she married Nelson Mandela, a leader of the ANC. Later that year she participated along with hundreds of other African women in a demonstration against passbooks . Although pregnant at the time, Mrs . Mandela was arrested and had to spend two weeks in jail.

13 In 1960 the ANC was banned and Nelson Mandela went under- arrested three times in the next few ye ground . He was arrested a year later and has remained in prison her banning orders with charges such ever since . He is serving a life sentence at the infamous Robben her sisters who came to help her when Island Prison. Family and friends of Winnie Ma BANNED connection with visits made to her or her. Her sister, Nomyamise MadikizE On January 28, 1963, Winnie Mandela was served with a two- finement and threatened with 10 yea year banning order . This meant that she could not leave the Jo- testify against her. hannesburg area, attend meetings, or communicate with other banned persons . Special permission was required for her to visit her BLACK PRIDE AND UNITY husband. Winnie Mandela was free from Two years later, a stricter five-year banning order was issued. 1976—her one period of liberty sinc Now Winnie Mandela could not leave the Orlando area of Soweto. ageously for South African liberation She was not allowed to enter any school or publishing house . She revolt of June, 1976, she was active lost her job as a social worker. Black Parents Association (BPA) . In a In 1966 Mrs. Mandela was granted permission to visit her hus- BPA Winnie Mandela called for black band on Robben Island with the condition that she travel by train to the oppressors. Cape Town . Finding the train full, she took a plane instead so that "It is only when all black grot she could reach her husband before the permit expired . As a with one voice that we shall be a result, she was charged with violating her banning order and sen- will decide its own destiny. This is tenced to 14 months imprisonment, all but 4 days suspended . This is shall maintain our oneness . We l just one example of the arbitrary and inhuman rules imposed by the aspirations are dear to us. We an apartheid regime. rule; it is our right, we shall have it that the road before us is uphill, POLITICAL PRISONERS TORTURED bitter end for justice ... In May 1969, Winnie Mandela was arrested along with 40 others under the Internal Security Act . She spent the next 491 days in detention, most of it in solitary confinement, although she was not charged with any crime . Two of the detainees, a Moslem leader and a trade union leader, died during interrogation in prison. In October, 1969, Winnie Mandela and 21 other African de- tainees were charged with furthering the activities of the ANC . Mrs. Mandela stated that she had been cruelly interrogated for five days and five nights despite a heart condition . Other detainees testified that they had been tortured. The court acquitted all the accused in February, 1930. However, they were immediately re-detained under the Terrorism Act, which empowers the police to hold people indefinitely. Nationwide protests greeted this act . In June of that year, Winnie Mandela and 19 others were charged under the Terrorism Act. They were acquitted once again in September. Only two weeks later, Mrs . Mandela was again banned for 5 years and placed under house arrest from 6 p .m. to 6 a.m . on week- Young women take part in Soweto upris days and from 2 p.m. to 6 a .m. on weekends and holidays . She was

14 ed and Nelson Mandela went under- arrested three times in the next few years and convicted of violating ar later and has remained in prison sentence at the infamous Robben her banning orders with charges such as receiving visits from one of her sisters who came to help her when she was sick. Family and friends of Winnie Mandela have been harassed in connection with visits made to her or for refusing to speak against her. Her sister, Nomyamise Madikizela, was held in solitary con- nie Mandela was served with a two- finement and threatened with 10 years in prison if she refused to 3r-It that she could not leave the Jo- testify against her. etings, or communicate with other ission was required for her to visit her BLACK PRIDE AND UNITY

Winnie Mandela was free from September; 1975 to August, five-year banning order was issued. 1976—her one period of liberty since 1962 . She spoke out cour- of leave the Orlando area of Soweto. ageously for South African liberation at that time any school or publishing house . She . After the Soweto revolt of June, 1976, she was active in founding and leading the Black Parents Association (BPA) . In a speech at the founding of the granted permission to visit her hus- BPA Winnie Mandela called for black pride and black unity against le condition that she travel by train to the oppressors. full, she took a plane instead so that "It is only when all black groups join hands and speak d before the permit expired . As a with one voice that we shall be a bargaining force which iolating her banning order and sen- will decide its own destiny . This is the only way in which we nent,all but 4 days suspended . This is shall maintain our oneness . We know what we want, our ry and inhuman rules imposed by the aspirations are dear to us. We are not asking for majority rule; it is our right, we shall have it at any cost . We are aware that the road before us is uphill, but we shall fight to the URED bitter end for justice ... andela was arrested along with 40 rity Act . She spent the next 491 days tary confinement, although she was vo of the detainees, a Moslem leader during interrogation in prison. Mandela and 21 other African de- hering the activities of the ANC . Mrs. een cruelly interrogated for five days condition . Other detainees testified

the accused in February, 1930. ely re-detained under the Terrorism )olice to hold people indefinitely. his act. In June of that year, Winnie charged under the Terrorism Act. n in September. .s. Mandela was again banned for 5 I arrest from 6 p .m . to 6 a .m. on week- Young women take part in Soweto uprisings . on weekends and holidays . She was

15 Let us leave this meeting with the spirit of rebirth, of Apartheid and the U purification from the humiliation of domination . If you are to free yourselves, you must break the chains of oppression yourselves . Only then can we express our dignity; only WHAT DOES WINNIE MANDELA HAV when we have liberated ourselves can we cooperate with We in the United States are connE other groups . Any acceptance of humiliation, indignity, or lives and struggles of Winnie Mandeb . We have to think of our- insult is acceptance of inferiority Africa. Corporations benefit from rac selves as men and women . As one quotation goes, `Once South Africa alike . Employers encoural the mind is free, the body will soon be free .' - to divide workers and keep wages lo , United States are denied equal access BANISHED TO BRANDFORT Africa mirrors a more extreme ven injustices found in our own country. Winnie Mandela was arrested again in August, 1936, under the preventive detention clause of the Internal Security Act, used by the government to stifle unrest by removing the leadership . She remained in prison for four months but was never charged . After her release in December, she was served with a five-year banning order. Justice Minister Kruger then decided that `it was better to have her out of Soweto at the present time .' She believes she was chosen as a scapegoat for the Soweto uprising . In May, 1977, she was arrested and driven 200 miles to the small town of Brandfort . She lives there with her teenage daughter, Zindzi, the youngest of her 4 children, far from friends and relatives, restricted to meeting with no more than one person at a time . The people of the town are afraid to talk to her . She is unable to find work and has to live on a

small pension . She is constantly watched by the police. DisorientalionUC Bi While in Brandfort, in 1977, Winnie Mandela was charged with CAPITALIST NATIONS PROP UP SOU' the ` crime' of having taken part in a conversation about a chicken in We live in a country which (alon; the presence of two other people, and with unlawfully receiving visitors — who came to see her daughter . The courtroom over- Great Britain, France, West Germany flowed with supporters at her trial . She received international atten- makes it possible for the South Afri( tion and support as well . She was given a six months' suspended These nations provide South Africa wi . sentence . Police had to disperse a spontaneous demonstration of the maintenance of apartheid . They support on the day the sentence was pronounced. African mineral wealth — gold, dia supply technological know-how, mi nology. For example, computers pr STAY AND FIGHT graphic equipment from Polaroid ena The South African government has stated that it would not stop ment to implement its system of pass Winnie Mandela from leaving for exile . However, she is dedicated factured by General Motors are used to remaining in her country and fighting for change . As she said, `If within South Africa . Banks give direr anyone should leave, it is not me, it 's the settler government .' government and to companies ope United States, United Kingdom, F Western nations allow South Afric economically by routinely vetoing calling for an economic boycott of Sot.

16 ing with the spirit of rebirth, of Apartheid and the United States filiation of domination . If you are ;t break the chains of oppression 1 we express our dignity; only WHAT DOES WINNIE MANDELA HAVE TO DO WITH US? urselves can we cooperate with We in the United States are connected in very real ways to the nce of humiliation, indignity, or lives and struggles of Winnie Mandela and other women in South riority. We have to think of our- Africa. Corporations benefit from racism in the United States and As one quotation goes, `Once South Africa alike . Employers encourage and use racism and sexism vill soon be free. — to divide workers and keep wages low . Blacks and women in the United States are denied equal access to education and jobs . South Africa mirrors a more extreme version of many of the same injustices found in our own country. rested again in August, 1936, under se of the Internal Security Act, used rest by removing the leadership . She Months but was never charged . After was served with a five-year banning n decided that ` it was better to have It time .' She believes she was chosen to uprising. In May, 1977, she was to the small town of Brandfort . She ughter, Zindzi, the youngest of her 4 relatives, restricted to meeting with a time . The people of the town are ble to find work and has to live on a watched by the police. DisorientationUC Berkeley Disorientation Fall 1977 7, Winnie Mandela was charged with CAPITALIST NATIONS PROP UP SOUTH AFRICA t in a conversation about a chicken in ople, and with unlawfully receiving We live in a country which (along with other nations such as ter daughter. The courtroom over- Great Britain, France, West Germany, Israel, Canada, and Japan) rial . She received international atten- makes it possible for the South African white regime to survive. was given a six months' suspended These nations provide South Africa with support that is essential for rse a spontaneous demonstration of the maintenance of apartheid . They provide markets for South . They :e was pronounced. African mineral wealth — gold, diamonds, and uranium supply technological know-how, military aid, and nuclear tech- nology . For example, computers provided by IBM and photo- graphic equipment from Polaroid enable the South African govern- ment has stated that it would not stop ment to implement its system of pass laws . Military vehicles manu- for exile . However, she is dedicated factured by General Motors are used to put down Black resistance Id fighting for change. As she said, `If within South Africa . Banks give direct loans to the South African ne, it's the settler government .' government and to companies operating in South Africa . The United States, United Kingdom, France and other powerful Western nations allow South Africa to survive politically and economically by routinely vetoing United Nations resolutions calling for an economic boycott of South Africa.

17 UNITED STATES INVESTMENT IN APARTHEID The United States has had investments in South Africa since long before World War II . Now the United States has $1 .8 billion worth of direct investment in South Africa . While over 400 United States firms have interests in South Africa, the 13 largest account for over three quarters of total United States direct investment there. The 13 play an important role in the United States economy, as they do in South Africa . They are Caterpillar, Chrysler, Firestone, Ford, General Electric, General Motors, Goodyear, IBM, ITT, 3M, Mobile, Texaco and Standard Oil of California and Union Carbide . United States companies also have an unknown amount of indirect invest- ment in South Africa through European firms. United States banks have approved at least $3 billion in loans to South Africa in the last 6 years . At the same time, they refuse loans to city and state governments, forcing them to cut back on social services . For example, the First National Bank of Boston has ad- mitted to $28 million in loans to South Africa, including at least $14 million directly to the South African government . It has also given loans to the Foxboro Corporation of Massachusetts, enabling it to supply South Africa with nuclear technology . The same banks are being reviewed by the United States Department of Labor for dis- crimination against women and minorities . It also provides loans to

Massachusetts businesses which decide to relocate overseas where - u..L64AL © t8 i.NS labor is cheaper and there are no unions . It denies mortgages in low income areas of Boston and Massachusetts . This is only one of many United States banks with such practices. Foreign companies enforce apart) and benefit from the cheap labor apart corporations have been making enorrr ments in South Africa—higher than Many corporations claim that they cal theid from within by introducing refoi of these attempts have had any imp stated that the only way for corporatio withdraw completely.

UNITED STATES INTERVENTION IN SC United States interests in South basis for United States policy toward again, in Southeast Asia, Chile, Angola, we have seen that the United States wi or secretely to protect its business int ment in South Africa brings us danger volved once again on the wrong side dom .

18 IN APARTHEID d investments in South Africa since )w the United States has $1 .8 billion South Africa . While over 400 United )uth Africa, the 13 largest account for nited States direct investment there. n the United States economy, as they :aterpillar, Chrysler, Firestone, Ford, ors, Goodyear, IBM, ITT, 3M, Mobile, alifornia and Union Carbide . United unknown amount of indirect invest- European firms. approved at least $3 billion in loans to At the same time, they refuse loans forcing them to cut back on social rst National Bank of Boston has ad- :o South Africa, including at least $14 \frican government. It has also given Ition of Massachusetts, enabling it to tear technology . The same banks are i States Department of Labor for dis- Id minorities . It also provides loans to ch decide to relocate overseas where no unions . It denies mortgages in low assachusetts. This is only one of many practices . Foreign companies enforce apartheid in their daily operations and benefit from the cheap labor apartheid provides . Multinational corporations have been making enormous profits from their invest- ments in South Africa—higher than anywhere else in the world. Many corporations claim that they can change the system of apar- theid from within by introducing reforms inside their plants . None of these attempts have had any impact, and Black leaders have stated that the only way for corporations to weaken the system is to withdraw completely.

UNITED STATES INTERVENTION IN SOUTH AFRICA A DANGER United States interests in South Africa provide the material basis for United States policy toward Southern Africa . Again and again, in Southeast Asia, Chile, Angola, and elsewhere in the world, we have seen that the United States will act militarily either openly or secretely to protect its business interests . United States invest- ment in South Africa brings us dangerously close to becoming in- volved once again on the wrong side of a people's fight for free- dom .

19 IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT What Can We Do just as international capitalist support is crucial in maintaining in the United States? the racist South African regime, international support for the libera- tion struggle in South Africa can make an important difference. In Join anti-apartheid groups and support the words of Winnie Mandela: 1. The Winnie Mandela Solida can tell you from my own personal experience over 2. Local campaigns against ban the past 15 years, when I was confined and restricted, that I 3. Campaigns to get universitik got my inspiration from the very knowledge that one is not companies doing business ii alone. The knowledge that the struggle is an international 4. Liberation support groups. struggle for the dignity of man and that you are part of this family of man—this alone sustains you . In our particular Have your local organizations (school, struggle these outside groups have a tremendous psycho- etc.) pass resolutions condemning apart logical effect on the masses, on us as individuals just that porate support of South Africa, and den knowledge alone that we belong to a family of man in a drawal of all support for South Africa. society where we have been completely rejected by a min- ority. " Write letters to your representatives am United States support for South Africa. Already our campaigns in the United States and the progress of the liberation struggles are having an impact on United States in- Be informed and inform others (see re p vestment in South Africa . United States banks and corporations, pamphlet). Rent a film or invite a speakn fearful of losing credibility here and of the consequences of a mass on South Africa to your organization, ch uprising in South Africa, are beginning to ease themselves out of South Africa . More and more universities and organizations, like unions, are divesting from corporations involved in South Africa. But we have to keep the pressure up, for the corporations' deci- sions are not based on morality, but on their profits. Readings and Sourcc

For Their Triumphs and for Their Tear tional Defense and Aid, 1975. An accoun STo ot, FJ'',NK,1\16, 70 pages. t A-Pil kil Mrs. Winnie Mandela : Profile in Coural U .v- o-Tlte of United Nations Center Against Apart U IcTbR4 T _J dela's political life. Feb. 1978. 12 pages M y South Africa and U .S. Multi-national Cc Seidman . Lawrence Hill and Co . 1978. A tical economy of Southern Africa . 240 pa Southern Africa, Black America: Sam( Sales. Black Liberation Press . 1977. 72 paE Window on Soweto Joyce Sikakane. Inte 1977. A personal account of life in the BI pages. Time Longer Than Rope Edward Row Press. 1964. A history of the Black peopl South Africa . 470 pages. The Fight for Freedom in South Afric cpf workers in the U.S.) Boston Organizing ( IONAL SUPPORT What Can We Do alist support is crucial in maintaining in the United States? e, international support for the libera- :an make an important difference . In Join anti-apartheid groups and support their activities: 1. The Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition fly own personal experience over 2. Local campaigns against bank loans to South Africa vas confined and restricted, that I 3. Campaigns to get universities to divest stocks in e very knowledge that one is not companies doing business in South Africa. at the struggle is an international 4. Liberation support groups. man and that you are part of this ne sustains you . In our particular Have your local organizations (school, union, church . social club, oups have a tremendous psycho- etc.) pass resolutions condemning apartheid and united States cor- ;es, on us as individuals just that porate support of South Africa, and demanding United States with- e belong to a family of man in a drawal of all support for South Africa. en completely rejected by a min- Write letters to your representatives and senators, urging an end to United States support for South Africa. the United States and the progress of wing an impact on United States in- Be informed and inform others (see reading list at the end of this iited States banks and corporations, pamphlet). Rent a film or invite a speaker from a local organization re and of the consequences of a mass on South Africa to your organization, church, or community. beginning to ease themselves out of universities and organizations, like 1rporations involved in South Africa. ;sure up, for the corporations' deci- )1, but on their profits . Readings and Sources

For Their Triumphs and for Their Tears Hilda Bernstein . Interna- tional Defense and Aid,1975 . An account of women in South Africa. 70 pages. Mrs. Winnie Mandela : Profile in Courage and Defiance Document of United Nations Center Against Apartheid . Details Winnie Man- dela 's political life. Feb . 1978. 12 pages. South Africa and U.S. Multi-national Corporations . Ann and Neva Seidman . Lawrence Hill and Co . 1978. An introduction to the poli- tical economy of Southern Africa . 240 pages. Southern Africa, Black America : Same Struggle, Same Fight Bill Sales. Black Liberation Press. 1977. 72 pages. Window on Soweto Joyce Sikakane . International Defense and Aid. 1977. A personal account of life in the Black township of Soweto . 70 pages. Time Longer Than Rope Edward Roux . University of Wisconsin Press . 1964. A history of the Black people's struggle for freedom in South Africa . 470 pages. The Fight for Freedom in South Africa (and what it means for workers in the U .S.) Boston Organizing Committee . 1979. 40 pages .

21 Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition

The Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition came together in 1977 in Boston . It arose in response to interest generated by a forum on Repression in South Africa, held by the Third World Women's Organization. The goals of the Coalition are to build a campaign to free Winnie Mandela and other women political prisoners in South Africa; and to educate, organize, and involve individual women and women's organizations in support of South African liberation. The Coalition seeks a diverse and broad-based membership of women and representatives of women's organizations with local, national, and international affiliations. Activities of the Coalition to date have included educational programs and production and dissemination of leaflets and a poster. In addition, on International Women 's Day, March 8, 1978, the Coalition held a press conference at the First National Bank of Boston. This action demonstrated our solidarity with Winnie Man- dela and other women political prisoners throughout the world, and our support for South African liberation, and for United States corporate withdrawal from South Africa .