ANC TODAY VOICE OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

17–23 July 2020 Conversations with the President

THE WAR AGAINST COVID-19

AST SUNDAY, I ad- But now, the surge in infections concern us most is that a quarter dressed the nation on the that we had been advised by our of those who died passed away in state of the coronavirus medical experts would come, has the last week. pandemic in our country. arrived. More than a quarter of a LWhat follows is an edited version million South Africans have been Like the massive cold fronts that of that address: infected with coronavirus, and we sweep into our country from the know that many more infections South Atlantic at this time of year, Our nation is confronted by the have gone undetected. We are there are few parts of the coun- gravest crisis in the history of our now recording over 12,000 new try that will remain untouched by democracy. For more than 120 cases every day. the coronavirus. The coronavirus days, we have succeeded in de- storm is far fiercer and more de- laying the spread of a virus that Since the start of the outbreak in structive than any we have known is causing devastation across the March, at least 4,079 people have before. It is stretching our resourc- globe. died from COVID-19. What should es and our resolve to their limits.

TRIBUTE TO THE Dear Mr President RE-IMAGINING THE LIVING MEMORIES A HOMAGE TO RE-OPENING OF OF THE LATE CDE MADIBA, AN SCHOOLS ZINDZI MANDELA 6 ODE TO ZINDZI 10 15 2 ANC Today CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT

The surge of infections that our ex- and cost lives. This may be a dis- in tiny particles in the air in places perts and scientists predicted over ease that is caused by a virus, but that are crowded, closed or have three months ago has now arrived. it is spread by human conduct and poor air circulation. For this reason It started in the Western Cape and behaviour. we must immediately improve the is now underway in the Eastern indoor environment of public plac- Cape and Gauteng. Through our own actions – as indi- es where the risk of infection is viduals, as families, as communi- greatest. Yet, while infections rise expo- ties – we can and we must change nentially, it is important to note the course of this pandemic in our Our decision to declare a na- that our case fatality rate of 1.5% country. We need to wear a cloth tion-wide lockdown prevented a is among the lowest in the world. mask that covers our nose and massive early surge of infections This is compared to a global aver- mouth whenever we leave home. when our health services were age case fatality rate of 4.4%. We We must continue to regularly less prepared, which would have owe the relatively low number of wash our hands with soap and wa- resulted in a far greater loss of deaths in our country to the expe- ter or sanitiser. We must continue lives. rience and dedication of our health to clean and sanitise all surfaces in professionals and the urgent mea- all public spaces. Most important- In the time that we had, we have sures we have taken to build the ly, we must keep a safe distance taken important measures to capacity of our health system. – of at least 2 metres – from other strengthen our health response. people. We have conducted more than two Even as most of our people have million coronavirus tests and com- taken action to prevent the spread There is now emerging evidence munity health workers have done of the virus, there are others who that the virus may also be carried more than 20 million screenings. have not. There are some among us who ignore the regulations that have been passed to combat the disease. In the midst of such a pandemic, getting into a taxi without a face mask, gathering to meet friends, attending parties or even visiting family, can too easily spread the virus 3 ANC Today CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT

We have made available al- other equipment for those who will sure being put on hospitals, includ- most 28,000 hospital beds for need critical care, including by di- ing trauma and ICU units, due to COVID-19 patients and have con- verting the supply of oxygen from motor vehicle accidents, violence structed functional field hospitals other purposes. We are deploying and related trauma. We have across the country. We now have digital technologies to strengthen therefore decided that in order to over 37,000 quarantine beds in the identification, tracing and iso- conserve hospital capacity, the private and public facilities across lation of contacts, and to provide sale, dispensing and distribution the country, ready to isolate those support to those who test positive. of alcohol will be suspended with who cannot do so at home. immediate effect. As we now approach the peak of We have procured and delivered infections, we need to take extra As an additional measure to re- millions of items of personal pro- precautions and tighten existing duce the pressure on hospitals, a tective equipment to hospitals, measures to slow down the rate of curfew will be put in place between clinics and schools across the transmission. the hours of 9pm and 4am. country to protect our frontline workers. We have recruited and Regulations on the wearing of We are taking these measures continue to recruit additional nurs- masks will be strengthened. Em- fully aware that they impose un- es, doctors and emergency health ployers, shop owners and man- welcome restrictions on people’s personnel. agers, public transport operators, lives. They are, however, neces- and managers and owners of any sary to see us through the peak of We continue to make progress in other public building are now legal- the disease. our efforts to deal with COVID-19, ly obliged to ensure that anyone but our greatest challenge still lies entering their premises or vehicle There is no way that we can avoid ahead. Across all provinces, we must be wearing a mask. the coronavirus storm. But we can are working to further increase the limit the damage that it can cause number of general ward and crit- Taxis undertaking local trips will to our lives. As a nation, we have ical beds available for COVID-19 now be permitted to increase their come together to support each oth- patients. capacity to 100%, while long dis- er, to provide comfort to those who tance taxis will not be allowed to are ill and to promote acceptance Ward capacity is being freed up in exceed 70% occupancy, on con- of people living with the virus. a number of hospitals by delaying dition that new risk mitigation pro- non-urgent care, the conversion of tocols related to masks, vehicle Now, more than ever, we are re- some areas of hospitals into addi- sanitising and open windows are sponsible for the lives of those tional ward space and the erection followed. around us. or expansion of field hospitals. There is now clear evidence that We will weather this storm. We will We are working to increase sup- the resumption of alcohol sales restore our country to health and plies of oxygen, ventilators and has resulted in substantial pres- to prosperity. We shall overcome. 4 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS FOR THE SAKE OF THE FREEDOM OF HER CHILDREN

ANC Secretary General Elias Sekgobelo Magashule’s message of support on behalf of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) to the National Congress of Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi: Saturday, 11 July 2020

N THE occasion of the Pre- your National Congress, to convey sidium of the National Con- our heartfelt condolences to the many gress of the Revolutionary people of the African continent and Party (Chama Cha Mapin- the world, who have lost loved ones Oduzi), we expressed, on behalf of the during this period. We also wish those NEC of the ANC, our warm greetings who are receiving treatment in hospi- to all of you gathered here. We con- tals throughout the world a speedy vey our warm gratitude and felicita- recovery. tions to Chama Cha Mapinduzi and the entirety of the heroic and peace From the early ages of our civiliza- loving people of the great nation of tion, Mother Nature has imposed its the United Republic of Tanzania. influence in many ways on the devel- opment of human society. This has The people of Tanzania, confided shaped us to be who we are, and bol- President at a Ban- The relationship between the stered our determination to triumph quet in honour of Julius Mwalimu over adversity. Even today, as we are Nyerere in October 1997, gave un- ANC, Chama Cha Mapinduzi confronted by this disastrous pan- stinting support to the liberation of demic, we are confident that through . They gave recognition and other liberation solidarity and friendship, through of the most practical kind to the prin- brotherhood and internationalism, we ciple that our freedom and theirs were movements in the continent shall overcome and together we shall interdependent. emerge from this deadly tempest with and the world was born out our hopes intact.

The ANC and the people of our coun-

try will forever cherish the outstand- of our common struggle Therefore our determination as the

ing contribution of your great nation people of the continent, and the whole ‘ to our own struggle against the mon- against oppression‘ and of progressive humanity, is what must strous and abominable bring us together to conquer the regime. Your incredible feat of soli- exploitation. COVID-19 pandemic and all its ad- darity over the years of our struggle verse consequences. The outbreak against colonial domination, have of the pandemic has necessitated indeed built indestructible bonds of the people of the world in general, friendship and comradeship between the history of the existence of human and the progressive movement of the our two nations. society. The devastating coronavirus world in particular, to join hands and pandemic has come to threaten the to work together more than ever be- Your National Congress is taking very existence of human society. fore. This has indeed imbued us with place at a crucial time when the world a new sense of solidarity to achieve is faced by the outbreak of one of the We wish to take this opportunity, from the common aspirations of the people most unprecedented calamities in this rare platform of the presidium of of the world. 5 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS

CCM supporters at an elections rally

As the pandemic continues to rav- the African continent, has the required It was that son of Africa, Nelson Man- age our societies, we need to share natural resources to realise this noble dela, whose life we celebrate this both our human and material support objective. month who, in not so many words ex- to save the lives of our people. There pressed our gratitude for the brotherly is nothing that can defeat this deadly We must continue to strengthen our assistance and solidarity we received pandemic but our unity and solidari- party-to-party relations, and also our from you and other African countries. ty in purpose. Our foremost task re- existing historical relations with other At the Organisation of African Uni- mains the struggle against neo-co- liberation movements in the region, ty (OAU) Summit in Tunisia in June lonialism. Our immediate task is our the African continent, and the world. 1994 he declared: struggle against disease, poverty and The relationship between the ANC, “Africa shed her blood and sur- underdevelopment. This is what must Chama Cha Mapinduzi and other lib- rendered the lives of her children remain the strategic focus of our na- eration movements in the continent so that all her children could be tional liberations movement in our re- and the world was born out of our free. She gave of her limited wealth gion, the continent and the world. common struggle against oppres- and resources so that all of Africa sion and exploitation. The neo-colo- should be liberated. She opened Of importance is that this strategic nial enemy is constantly rearing its her heart of hospitality and her objective can only be achieved if we treacherous head to undermine – and head so full of wise counsel, so that work together in solidarity and inter- ultimately destroy – the role of our lib- we should emerge victorious. A mil- nationalism. We are confident that eration movements in the region and lion times, she put her hand to the your National Congress will be a plat- on the African continent. The only way plough that has now dug up the en- form to analyse the balance of forces we can defeat it is through unity and crusted burden of oppression that in the context of the current realities of cohesion. had accumulated for centuries.” the world, and also to provide robust solutions to the pertinent questions of Our experience throughout the years Again on behalf of the National Ex- how we can together continue to work is that unity and cohesion of our ecutive Committee of the African Na- to achieve the strategic objectives of movements and our people, is indeed tional Congress, we wish you robust our liberation. the only weapon to defeat the enemy and fruitful deliberations during this of our revolution. In referring to the Congress, and we are indeed confi- We need to consolidate our critical enemy, we refer to those who are dent that you will emerge out of this efforts of regional integration in order opposed to our agenda for the funda- Presidium more united than ever be- to accelerate the important work of mental transformation and economic fore. The future of Chama Cha Map- improving the living conditions of our empowerment of our societies, and all induzi Party is the future of this great people. Our region, and the whole of our people on the African continent. nation of Tanzania. 6 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF COMRADE ZINDZI MANDELA

Tribute by ANC Secretary General Elias Sekgobelo Magashule to the LIVING MEMORIES OF THE LATE CDE ZINDZI MANDELA

HERE ARE times deed every single South that bring you to African who lost their a recollection and lives during this very dif- re-assessment ficult time in our country. Tof all that brought you Our heartfelt sympathy to this point in one’s life. and condolences go out Such a moment came for to the families and loved us on Monday morning, ones of each and every the 13th of July, when we one of them. woke up to the sad news that our dearest comrade, In doing so, we also Zindziswa (Zindzi) Man- commit ourselves to dela, had passed on. This honor their lives and is truly a time for honest memories by intensify- introspection, contempla- ing our efforts to fight tion, and rededication to the COVID-19 pandem- our liberation struggle. ic, and to do everything possible to save lives. We deliver this tribute in We once again call on the context of the huge all our South African challenges that we, as the compatriots to diligently African National Congress observe the lockdown (ANC), and indeed our regulations, and to fully whole nation, are faced with in the demic. In remembering the life of cooperate with the government and midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. comrade Zindzi and her huge con- law enforcement agencies, to keep The Mandela family announced that tribution to our liberation struggle, it the curve of infections as low as pos- comrade Zindzi had tested positive to is very important that we must also sible. COVID-19. They did so intentionally commemorate the lives and contri- in order to heighten awareness of the butions of all our comrades who have More than anything else, the deadly serious nature of COVID-19 succumbed to the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 pandemic calls for unity infections, and also to de-stigmatize of action and solidarity – especially in any infections. We are deeply grate- Like her Father and Mother, comrade reaching out to the poor in our nation ful for the dedicated comradeship and Zindzi always insisted that she was and throughout the world who are the leadership that the Mandela family part of the ANC collective. Thus, it is hardest hit by this cruel disease. Man- continues to display to all of us. correct that we today launch a virtual dela Day – with its crucial message of memorial platform to commemorate unity, solidarity and internationalism Comrade Zindzi is one of several of all our ANC comrades, as well as dis- – speaks with singular clarity to the our leaders, and comrades, in the tinguished leaders in all walks of life world-wide challenge that we are all ANC whom we have lost to the pan- of our South African society, and in- faced with. On tomor- 7 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS row, we make a clarion call to all of Yes, comrade Zindzi was her Moth- those – in our country and throughout er’s daughter in looks, fiery in spirit, the world – to assist with all the re- and an unwavering commitment, sources at their disposal to help the but she never stood in the shadow less privileged and poor who are the of comrade Winnie; she was always hardest hit, and are suffering most. In her own person. That is how comrade the words of uTata Madiba we say: Winnie brought her daughters up, to “It is in your hands”, to reach out with be strong and independent. magnanimity and compassion. We know that is what Madiba would have All of these memories and many more expected of you. came flooding through one’s mind. Some like raging waves breaking on In specifically paying tribute to com- the shores of our pain – scattered with rade Zindzi, memories flood back of the broken rocks of so many revolu- having met her as a young woman, tionary sacrificed lives – that we have together with her Mom, comrade Win- lost such a committed comrade far nie Madikizela Mandela, come flood- too early in her life. Other memories ing in. Her vibrancy, and love for life, are like soothing rivers of clear qui- defined by her larger than life charac- Comrade Zindzi was her et flowing water, nurturing the deep ter as a young woman; her infectious roots of the huge tree with its thick laughter, her playfulness, but also her Mother’s daughter in looks, trunk and wide spreading branches sharp tongue. The twinkle in her eyes, of our revolutionary Liberation Move- that in a moment turned into a spark fiery in spirit, and an ment and struggle – like a centuries that could light a raging fire of anger old baobab tree standing strong, and and outrage against any injustice that unwavering commitment, silhouetted, in our sweeping South Af- she was confronted with. rican landscape.

but she never stood in the These were very same flames of rag- We remember the incredible strength

ing anger against the oppression and shadow of comrade Winnie; of comrade Zindzi, when – her young injustices of apartheid that we had so voice trembling with indignation – she ‘ often seen in the eyes of comrade she was always‘ her own read the statement of her Father, Winnie. More than anything, com- President Nelson Mandela, rejecting rade Zindzi was her Mother’s daugh- person. the treacherous offer of PW Botha to ter – strong and unwavering in their denounce the armed struggle in re- commitment to the struggle for the turn for his freedom: “Only free men freedom of our people, and in the can negotiate. Prisoners cannot enter very best of ways stubborn and single in the back of a police truck, leaving into contracts ... My father says, I can- minded in their pursuit of justice. her and her older sister, Zenani, alone not and will not give any undertaking behind in their home in Vilakazi Street at a time when I and you the peo- Comrade Zindzi was fiercely pro- in Orlando West, not knowing who ple are not free”. When she had fin- tective of comrade Winnie. Nothing would take care of them. ished reading the letter, she defiantly touched her more than, and brought We remember how as a young stu- punched the air with her clenched fist, the raging lioness that was always and shouted “Amandla!”. just under the surface present in her, dent activist, with a rucksack on our quicker to the fore than when her be- back, we went to visit comrade Win- That image is ingrained in our minds, loved Mother was attacked, abused, nie in . We remember how we and the minds of millions of South and treated unfairly. literally sat at her feet, and got taught Africans. It had become part of the so much about our struggle from her. revolutionary history, and psyche, of From her earliest childhood, when Comrade Zindzi was always around, our nation. In the midst of the hardest, she was still a little toddler, and could amplifying what her Mom was saying, and most difficult years of our liber- hardly walk and talk, comrade Zindzi and sharing with us as young student ation struggle, all of us found solace had experienced apartheid security activists our revolutionary commit- and strength in the incredible strength policemen coming into their home, ment. She was a young revolutionary of comrade Zindzi. assaulting her Mom, arresting and in her own right, with her own strongly handcuffing her, and taking her away held views. However, none of that extraordinary 8 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS

strength must ever make us to forget Winnie and her two beloved daugh- the pain, and deep wounds, that the The bonds of mutual love ters, in the midst of all these painful apartheid regime inflicted so cruelly challenges of our struggle, are truly and sadistically on Cde Winnie Man- and care that were forged legendary, and stand as a towering dela and her daughters. Throughout triumph of the human spirit over ad- comrades Zindzi and Zenani’s child- between comrade Winnie versity and evil. That salient example hood and young lives, they had to of love also talks to us today, in the deal with the enforced absence of and her two beloved midst of the current crises that we their father, who was for 26 years in- are faced with – made worse by the carcerated by the apartheid regime. daughters, in the midst of coronavirus pandemic – to nurture our families, and to take care of our As vulnerable young girl-children they children. often had to fend for themselves, with all these painful challenges comrade Winnie being for long peri- They suffered for us, were tortured ods detained in solitary confinement, of our struggle, are truly and separated, so that now we as or banished. They were never able families in our liberated country can to have a normal childhood, and the legendary, and stand as be together. The love of Nelson Man- most basic dignity, respect and hu- dela for his children reaching out in

manity of a normal family life. The a towering triumph of the his prison letters to them from be- deprivation, pain, and humiliation that hind the high walls of , ‘ were inflicted on them – and which human spirit over‘ adversity and the love of the mother to her two they took for all our sake – were, and daughters, are all great gifts and leg- remain, unsurpassed and left deep and evil. acy examples that they have shared wounds and scars. with us, and for which all of us should be hugely grateful, and must always We recall the terrible humiliating iso- try to emulate. lation Comrade Winnie suffered when We recall how the evil security police she was banished to Brandford in the threatened the people of Branford This tribute to comrade Zindzi will not Free State. We often visited comrade and tried to scare them from having be complete without us recognizing Winnie there, and while we were al- any contact with comrade Winnie. It her courage and long years of dedi- ways encouraged by her unwavering was only through comrade Winnie’s cated work in the underground work commitment and formidable strength humanity and the love for all her peo- of the ANC, and specifically Umkhon- in the face of so much adversity, we ple, and how she reached out to that to we Sizwe (MK). Like her Mother, also often left with our hearts heavy community, that she won them over. comrade Zindzi, was a member of and crying for her pain, and cruelty MK. Comrade Winnie commanded subjected on her by the racist Apart- The bonds of mutual love and care many of us. Comrade Zindzi was heid regime. that were forged between comrade many a time part of the military oper- 9 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS ations of MK. We have the fondest of More than anyone else, comrade to our people. At times her strong memories of having worked together Zindzi stood tall and defended her committed radical voice was strident, with our dear sister in the same un- beloved Mother against these on- and caused some among us discom- derground unit. slaughts. She was truly a bulwark of fort, but we must indeed be deeply deep daughterly love and unwavering grateful that she kept on reminding us One of the closest person who was commitment. Comrade Zindzi often, of our true duty as a Liberation Move- at the heart of both Cdes Winnie and and in no uncertain terms, shared her ment. Zindzi was the late General Secretary anger and pain with us about the in- of the South African Communist Party justices that had been inflicted on her For the example of comrade Zindzi’s and the Chief of Staff of our glorious family, and especially on her Mother. life we, as the ANC, can never be liberation army grateful enough. Right to end, also as Cde Chris Hani. This was a relation- With the passing of comrade Zindzi it our Ambassador at various Foreign ship borne out of their common com- is important that we acknowledge that Missions, the last one having been mitment to the cause of the struggle mistakes had been committed against Denmark, she continued to serve our for the liberation of our people. her Mother and the family. This is a country with selfless dedication. time for us to be remorseful, and to This is what has defined their com- show contrition. With this sad passing On behalf of the African National radeship – bravery and commitment Congress, we extend our heartfelt of our dearest comrade Zindzi, it is for – to volunteer their own lives for the condolences to her family and loved us – as the Secretary General of the sake of the freedom of our people. It ones. We thank all of them for having ANC – to say formally, that we are tru- is for this very same reason that Com- so graciously and selflessly shared ly sorry for the hurt and pain that had rade Zindzi must be recognized and her great revolutionary soul with our been caused. honored as one of our very own in MK, nation. a true fellow liberation soldier. We acknowledge that, despite ev- Comrade Zindzi’s spear has fallen, as erything, comrade Zindzi remained In acknowledging that comrade we collectively kneel down to pick it a loyal and dedicated member of Zindzi’s whole life was defined, and up, we rededicate ourselves to con- the African National Congress, who dedicated to the liberation struggle, tinue with the struggle until the full we must also acknowledge that there throughout the 59 years of her life liberation of all our people is truly were times when there were those never wavered in her commitment achieved. among us who did not behave in a to the full liberation of the people of comradely manner towards our very South Africa. In recent months, she HAMBA KAHLE OUR own comrades. Some comrades were again gave expression to that com- DEAREST COMRADE. mitment when she reminded us that too quick to believe the terrible lies that MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN were peddled about comrade Winnie, we in the African National Congress and her two beloved daughters. have a solemn duty to return the land PEACE.

#RIPZindziMandela

Digital condolence book available at https://nelsonmandela.org/content/page/zindisiwe-mandela-1960-to-2020 10 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF COMRADE ZINDZI MANDELA A homage to Madiba, an ode to Zindzi

Dear Mr President, tion until she was sent to Swaziland.

N THE eve of Isithaland- In 1985, Mandela was offered a con- we Rolihlalhla Mandela’s ditional release by then state presi- birthday and Mandela Day, dent, P.W. Botha. His reply could not our hearts bleed as we bid be delivered by either him or Mama Ofarewell to his daughter. Winnie and it was left to Zindzi to read his refusal to betray the people The name Zindziswa means the in a public meeting on 10 February rooted, anchored and grounded one 1985. and Zindzi lived to epitomise the meaning of her name. The apartheid government was caught off-guard by Zindzi’s defiance It was only two years ago when the when she read her father’s refusal at world mourned the passing of her a packed Orlando Stadium in a pow- beautiful mother and struggle stal- erful voice that reverberated to the wart, Mama Winnie Mandela. Comrade Pule Mabe rafters. The gathering was organ- ised by the United Democratic Front Mr President, as we mourn the un- (UDF) as a celebration of Archbishop timely passing of Zindzi Mandela, it missed a chunk of the upbringing of Desmond Tutu’s Nobel Peace Prize is time to honour the Mandela family his children. Award. for choosing the greatest cause on earth: the liberation of their people. In his autobiography, Long Walk To The people heard her father’s voice Freedom, Mandela expressed the through her feisty vocal chords and Zindzi, who was our ambassador to pain he felt when his children suf- cheered loudly when the courageous Denmark, is not only the daughter of fered persecution by the apartheid and fearless younger Zindzi inspired the struggle but a feisty woman who regime as a result of his incarcera- them to intensify the struggle on that was not afraid to speak her mind to tion. unforgettable day. advance the cause of her people. Zindzi Mandela, who served as our stand-in First Lady from 1996-1998, Mr President, Zindzi is Madiba’s Zindzi and her sister, Zenani had was only 18 months old when her fa- blood through and through. As we a tortured childhood as a result of ther was sentenced to life on Robben observe Mandela Day, we need to the choices of their parents, Mama Island. She was often left in the care restore his daughter. Only hypocrites Winnie and Tata Mandela, who were of her older sister, Zenani, when their can celebrate Mandela’s birthday persecuted, harassed and jailed for mother was imprisoned for months at without mourning his daughter. fighting for the liberation of their peo- a time. ple. Since we are not allowed to roam When Mama Winnie was banished and gather in accordance with the As a result, Madiba was separat- to Brandfort in the Free State, Zindzi lockdown regulations this year, we ed from his family for 27 years and was unable to complete her educa- need to reflect deeply on rebuilding 11 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS the black family, a topic that was close to Zindzi and which occupied her father all his life.

The black family has never prop- erly healed from the battering and bruising blows from oppression. The apartheid dispensation exerted un- told misery on the black nuclear fam- ily by separating parents from their children and siblings on the basis of race.

The migrant labour system further MamWinnie sharing a rare moment with her daughters fractured the black nuclear family and we live with the consequences of parents but their joint sacrifices for taken away those destructive policies to this day. our people are etched indelibly in our from their lives and left to the ten- struggle folklore and we shall never der mercies As a country, we have never truly forget. of the authoritarian powers that reflected on how to deal with the ef- were? fects of this inter-generational trau- Mr President, let me leave you with ma visited on our people by an un- an elegy penned by journalist, arts Beautiful child of the liberation caring and oppressive regime. and culture critic Sam Mathe for struggle Zindzi Mandela: your upbringing has been trouble It has been 26 years since we at- with apartheid police in your space tained our freedom, but we cannot Your tragic departure has pleased and a family name that was an afford to neglect the well-being of the racists albatross back family any longer. but even bigots knew your pearly smile Raised by a mother who was a As we celebrate Mandela’s 102nd your sad passing is welcomed by lioness birthday and mourn the passing of sadists the whole family endured suffering his youngest daughter, we have to but they heard your gentle laughter in exile travel the difficult road and reflect on from a mile in the hands of those who preached the role of the black nuclear family whiteness and how to reignite the embers of Deprived of the spring of the spring against a race that was not deemed active parenthood. of your life worthwhile as father sacrificed family for na- As a child of the struggle, Zindzi and tion Gallant daughter of our grieving her siblings did not experience child- he took a cause above progeny nation hood like many others. She was only and wife your day is done, your race is run eight years old when Mama Winnie all in the name of a people’s liber- your departure is deeply mourned was sentenced to her longest prison ation by all freedom loving people in the stay in 1969 (491 days). world How many had their youth stolen Your struggles against racist Mr President, we need to raise our by the martyrdom of activist tyranny voices when the enemy seeks to tar- fathers will be stored in our collective nish and despoil Zindziswa’s mem- as families were left behind and memory ory, just like they tried when we put broken and anchored in the texts of Mama Winnie to rest two years ago. by a system that persecuted history. The African National Congress re- mothers? mains eternally grateful for the choic- What happened to children and es of the Mandela family. Pule Mabe mothers National Spokesperson and Head of the Zindziswa may have left to join her when the shield and shade was Department of Information and Publicity 12 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF COMRADE ZINDZI MANDELA Farewell Aunt Zindziswa!!

By Nkosi Zwelivelile

EATH has snatched anoth- er member of our family too soon and left a gaping chasm of pain in the wake of her Lala ngokuthula Madlomokazi! Dpassing. We shall always treasure fond memories of her as a feisty, fearless and proud freedom fighter in her own Lala ngoxolo Madlomo, Madiba, right. Yem-Yem Ngqolomsila, Zindziswa, the youngest daughter of my Velebambhentsele! grandfather, Nkosi Dalibhunga (Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela) from Mam Winnie, was very close to my father Makgatho Lewanika Mandela in the wake of uTa- tomkhulu’s incarceration. My father acted as a father figure to her in this difficult time. gettable day of the 10th February 1985 Our family mourns the loss of a dear at Soweto’s Orlando Stadium. The UDF and loved one and our thoughts are My earliest and fondest childhood recol- had organized a celebration of Arch- especially with her children today. They lection of her was my mispronunciation bishop Desmond Tutu’s Nobel Peace too suffer the tragic loss at a young and of her name and I called her Zinjisha Prize Award. impressionable age. They can be proud much to everyone’s amusement. of her legacy as a critical voice always She cut a colossal figure for someone prepared to speak her mind and state I have fond memories of the ride to still in her teens when she defied the her case without any fear. Brandfort in her purple beetle to vis- authorities and read her father’s refusal it Mam Winnie. She and my dad were of PW Botha’s conditional release. Her We have lost a champion of the peo- also instrumental in arranging my visit voice powerfully and courageously car- ple’s right to land that so riled those to Polsmoor Prison to meet my grand- ried and conveyed Nelson Mandela’s opposed to her fearless stand on ex- father for the first time. I am eternally resolute challenge to dismantle apart- propriation without compensation. We indebted as this marked an important heid; unban the ANC; free all political shall pursue this agenda in her honour milestone in my life and the genesis of prisoners and those who had been without fear or faltering. Madlomo, your my political education at a tender age. banished; the return of all exiles and to courage and outspoken manner on this guarantee free political activity. critical issue made us all proud. For a long time, she was the only mem- ber of the Mandela family residing at This is how we shall fondly remember Aunt Zindzi’s words echoed Madiba’s 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto and we her, and remind ourselves that the long voice powerfully on that historic day in shared many fond and treasured mem- walk to freedom is far from over. In her 1985 and it must continue to ring loud ories. Every time I came by, she would honour and to the undying legacy of in our ears and our hearts. “I cannot sell teach me how to play a piano in the Madiba, that as long as there is a single my birthright, nor am I prepared to sell lounge. human being suffering anywhere, our the birthright of my people to be free.” struggle is far from over. Our country, For most activists and ordinary South our continent and our world is filled with Lalangoxolo Nkosazana, Mthem- Africans though, it was the image of suffering, the homeless, the poverty bukazi, Madlomo, Mzukulwana a beautiful courageous and fearless stricken and the unemployed; all long- kaGabhaliduduma, igqibelo lika Zindzi that inspired them on an unfor- ing for freedom from this burden. Dalibhunga!! 13 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF COMRADE ZINDZI MANDELA REMEMBERING MY DEAREST COMRADE, FRIEND AND SISTER

By Slauzy Mogami

remember how as a very young gestures. Her voice, hands and eyes al- first opening of the play at Market The- woman, Zindzi was always the adult ways talked together in the most amaz- ater – made sure that she came with – even though she was younger ing way. She was genuine, straightfor- Archbishop Tutu, MK and others to take than most of us. Just to mention a ward, and truthful – an open book. the front row to watch me perform for Ifew incidences: While living with her the first time. at 8115 Orlando-West, together with Zindzi was amazingly strong, always comrades such as MK Malefane, Oupa calling me to order, and reminding me There are also the priceless memories Seakamela, Mzwakhe Mbuli and oth- how uMama taught us that we should of watching her as a young mother to ers, I once came home from rehears- NEVER cry in front of our enemies. cute little baby Zoleka. Throughout her al for a play I was in with the likes of When we were short of food, she would life, sometimes under the most difficult Sbongile Khumalo, Ramolao Makhene tell MK, who was in charge of house- of circumstances, Zindzi was a dedi- and Arthur Molepo (It was directed by keeping money and orders from Mama cated, loving and caring mother. In that Malcolm Purkey and William Kentrige). in Branford, that we should cook a big she was the personification of her own Someone had given me the keys to pot of uMngqusho and keep reheating mother, uMama Winnie, who loved her fetch something from the car. Even it for days. She resolutely refused to two daughters deeply and uncondition- though I had never driven a car in my ever feel sorry for herself, and expect- ally. life, I got into the car and switched on ed the same courage and strength from the engine to the horror of onlookers. us. We would sometimes be alone in Recently, Zindzi called all those who I can only thank God nobody was hurt. the house protected outside only by our mattered to her, and her dear Mother, to The first thing that Zindzi did when I told beloved dog called Krushev! come and plot together to build Mama Winnie’s legacy. When she did so, little her, was to look at me, and told me in Comrade Zindzi had the biggest of that strong voice of hers, “But you don’t did she know that she would soon join hearts, and with her deep compassion her beloved Mother. drive?!” she would take over other people’s pain I vividly remember another incident. and suffering, as if it were her very own. My dearest sister and comrade, may Comrades MK, Vusi and I dutifully ar- I learnt so much from her. She encour- your beautiful, brave soul Rest in rived early in the morning in Bradford aged me by wearing the first garment I Peace! As I say this, I can feel the lump with only one request from her – “a bar- made, reminding me how I would one in my throat, and I want to cry, but I can rel of KFC”. day tell people that she was my first hear Zindzi’s strong voice admonishing fashion model. me that we must always be strong, for uMama Winnie always confused our the sake of our people. voices, sometimes saying something Later in life, she would come over to my about me thinking she was talking to house with the kids, and we would trick My dearest sister’s life was whole. Zindzi! There are the priceless mem- Madiba when he would call at 8am! I There was no separation between her ories of sitting for long hours in bed, would take the call, and he would think private life and her political existence. talking and teasing the Special Branch he was talking to Zindzi, looking for her For her the personal was political, and police on the phone when we knew and Rochelle! the political was personal. If there is they were listening! Zindzi had the most one thing she’d have asked all of us to hearty, loud laughter and an amazing I remember how this selfless sister of commit ourselves to, it is to continue sense of humor. Her animated talking mine – who knew how nervous I was with the struggle until our people are was always accompanied by funny with butterflies in my stomach on the truly free. 14 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF COMRADE ZINDZI MANDELA ZINDZI MANDELA: UNCONQUERABLE SOUL

By Yonela Diko

HE AIM of Apartheid was to ter of Nelson Mandela, was she up to swamp and frustrate and bru- the demands of her last name? Zindzi talise every African with an ir- took all of us to her own thoughts, im- replaceable spark until they lay bued both in her own memories and flatT and decided to fight no more, de- her own duty to champion new strug- feated and dead inside. They came for gles. We came out of that launch fully Nelson Mandela, but with each year of aware that the battle for a black child is his incarceration his spark was rippling far from over. the globe and frustrating his jailers. They came for Winnie Mandela, she Zindzi could never accept that ev- would fight them to the bitter end and ery indice in this country has a black came out on the other side with a blaze face, from poverty to unemployment to that could not be put out. homelessness and that was not by nat- ural allocation; it was a product of social Like a family jewel passed on from that had been brutally taken away, the engineering which had robbed her and parent to daughter, that blaze and rip- years that had been lost, the lives and her parents and all black South Africans ple of light that Apartheid securocracy livelihoods that had been brutally lost, a fair and early start to life. This could could not extinguish, was passed on to would be fully restored and those re- not be swept under the carpet and the the youngest daughter, Zindzi. When sponsible face justice. nerve of some white people to think Zindzi plunged into a stadium packed to they can whitesplain this engineered its rafters armed with a message from Since then, Zindzi has fought like a war- reality and put a claim on their death her father in 1985, Nelson Rolihlahla rior, over and against a hostile opinion squared benefits irked Zindzi so much Mandela, she was also armed with her by those who sought to trap her in the and she could never pretend. own message, that if my father does not legacy of her father. Zindzi has had to make it, that if they kill my mother, I’m fight for her happiness and fight to live There is a box for all black people who the next in line, you are the next in line, her truth with intensity and honesty that refuse to accept the white comfort with and they cannot kill us all. no traps, no projections, no manipula- the benefits of their evil forebears. An- tion would ever lower her sights and gry, black, racist, even Kaffir. While So began a South African story, an Afri- dim her light. the tools of propaganda are still in the can story, a child born into the struggle, hands of the former oppressor, heroes born with a target on her back, Mandela The only time I met Zindzi was when we are turned into villains for refusing to versus the government of the day. At a were launching the book of her father, accept the real villains’ claim to the loot. young age of barely three, Zindzi would a compilation of letters her father had Zindzi endured it all but she remained go through the same state induced written to her mother while he was in unbowed. She knew all the tricks, that hardship against her parents, especially Prison. All South Africans had come out if you remained polite, made no sudden her mother, every step of the way, and to celebrate this moment with the Man- moves, smiled at them, maybe there she would learn to endure. She would dela family, from John Kani to Phumzile is a place for you at the top. If you did grow a lion’s heart and even when the Mlambo Ngcuka, it was a great celebra- not acknowledge them, refused to legit- political freedom was won, she would tion. Zindzi took center stage, although imize them, daughter of Nelson Mande- demand justice for black people, and the shadow of her father loomed large, there would be no Kumbaya until all all eyes were on her, this great daugh- continues on page 19 15 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

RE-IMAGINING THE RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS

By Jullie Beya

N 26 March 2020, South Af- The reopening of schools and reports rica was brought to a stand- of teachers and learners testing pos- still and the doors of learn- itive for the COVID-19 virus forces ing where shut to safeguard us to raise questions and identify op- Ohuman life as a result of the outbreak portunities on how we can do things of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sub- differently. Reviewing the academ- sequent reopening of schools under ic calendar to a July to May cycle level 3 of the lockdown has sparked would safeguard children and parents spirited debate on human rights and against the demons of yearly flu out- protection of children. It presents breaks. an opportunity for policy makers to re-evaluate the framework for the de- This would assist in the recovery of livery of education, the provision of Comrade Jullie Beya time lost during the lockdown period infrastructure for a conducive environ- and shutdowns due to the virus in- ment for education to occur, and most fections in school premises. Further- crucially, it may introduce a different regulations on social distancing and more, developing a hybrid model of academic calendar that takes into provide a conducive environment. learning and providing off-site support consideration the change in seasons such as the delivery of food parcels, and its impact of the health and well- Frustrations due to the inability to pro- mobile libraries and smart learning being of children. vide more than one meal a day as a tools would aid in addressing some of result of not having access to the feed- the socio-economic concerns faced Whilst on the one hand preserving ing schemes at school has resulted in in homes. Lastly, the safety measures the lives of one’s bundle of joy in the a ‘let them go play approach’. Those should be regulated and made a per- comforts of their homes should be the without the ability to provide a laptop, manent feature in assuring the health priority for all parents, the economic unlimited Wi-Fi and indoor study for and wellbeing of learners in schools inequalities that exist in South Africa their children, are burdened by the tell a different story. The black major- responsibility of being a parent-teach- Jullie Beya is a Youth Skills Develop- ity live in informal settlements, town- er-sports-educator overnight. Lastly, ment Practitioner and member of the ANC ships and rural parts of South Africa. the specter of Grade 7 and 12 learn- Youth League in the Gauteng Province. Here they live in a situation wherein a ers being unable to complete their ac- The views and opinions expressed in this family shares a room or hut wherein ademic year will have a negative im- article is solely that of the author and do there’s little or no network connec- pact in the admission and value chain not necessarily reflect the official policy and tivity and are not able to observe the towards their educational progression. position of the African National Congress. 16 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

FROM THE DESK OF THE

– PART 2 – Business in the time of COVID-19 This is the last segment of measures to combat the impact of COVID-19 on SMMEs and to break down barriers impeding small business from reaching its full potential are crucial to the economy’s relaunch. Joanmariae Fubbs argues that in fact, small business is the future!

N THE FIRST set of relief budzo Ntshaveni hit the nail measures on automatic on the head by not simply tax deferrals, tax com- acknowledging access to pliant businesses will be affordable finance as a Iable to defer 20% of their critical impediment to small employees’ tax liabilities business sustainability, but over four months, ending also identifying the four fun- July 2020. This proportion of damental determinants that employees’ tax will increase negatively impact on finan- to 35%. An increase in the cial access. employment tax incentive amount provides for a wage These fundamental deter- subsidy of up to R500 per minants are worth mention- month for every employee ing again as many South who earns R6 500. This Africans, especially small amount will be increased to business stakeholders, R750. These measures are have never heard of the designed to relax pressure Small Enterprise Develop- on cash flow. ment Agency (SEDA) and Small Enterprise Finance The outsourcing of all kinds Agency (SEFA). Thus, tar- of business processes and data man- In his National Budget Speech in Febru- geted communication by government be- agement from advanced economies to ary 2020, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni comes imperative. For at least a decade, third-party providers, offers other oppor- said the government intended to broaden analytical economists in South Africa and tunities for rapid growth for countries like the corporate income tax base. In this re- public representatives through their Par- South Africa. Services have traditionally gard, labour-intensive growth must be pri- liamentary Constituency Offices and en- not featured strongly in development oritised through agriculture services and gagement with residents in the commu- countries’ strategies. Their production a focused and flexible industrial and trade nity have known this, but this is the first and consumption often takes place within policy must promote competitiveness and time these fundamental determinants will the same territory. facilitate long-run growth. be focused on strategically with determi- nation. This means that trade in services is usu- The promotion of export competitive- ally local. In an attempt to encourage the ness and harnessing regional growth The four fundamental determinants are: growth of small businesses, government and opportunities is then expected to be • Location of business support service proposes to review the small business implemented under this strategy. During and time taken to approve funding ap- tax regime, the VAT threshold and turn- her budget speech in 2019, Minister for plications; over tax. Small Business Development Khum- • Requirements imposed on SMMEs; 17 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

• Complexity of application and services available forms; to small business, the • Cost of finance. growth of SMEs could contribute a massive Fortunately, Minister Ntshave- 42% of the GDP. ni’s commitment to small business has ensured that the SMEs have, what I call a Department of Small Business King Shaka set of skills, Development has begun im- which made him one of proving communication about Africa’s, if not the world’s, the support and services these greatest generals. It is agencies provide and the de- the unique combination partment’s programmes, in- of speed, surprise and cluding the funding instruments concentration. Trans- available. lated into the business environment, this means More good news for small busi- SMEs are small enough ness is that the department to make speedy deci- has decided to provide SEFA sions and to fluster big- and SEDA services through all ger enterprises, which the incubators and LED units of even lose their momen- municipalities. In turn, the incu- tum and innovation as bators and LED units will be supported by Small Business Development is consider- they still struggle to capacitate their staff. the regional offices of the Small Business ing various proposals from ITAC related to Development agencies. The training of scrap steel and poultry. Small business can break down barriers, LED officers and staff will proceed where impeding it from reaching its full potential the President has launched the District Small business bears the brunt of the and create jobs. The relaxed regulations Development model. costs of doing business, which this bud- in the energy sector emphasises that get also addresses, to boost productiv- government knows it needs to create an Meanwhile, the department is engaging ity growth and reduce the cost of doing enabling environment for small business with SALGA on a national roll-out pro- business by, for example, using the BIZ- development to achieve its full potential, gramme. Small Business can also apply Portal which, as Minister Mboweni put it, and the market needs to acknowledge for SEFA funding online at www.sefa.org. provides a streamlined way to register a the critical role that entrepreneurs and za. Given that innovation and technology new business with the CIPC, SARS, the small business play in driving economic are being driven by the youth and create UIF and the Compensation Fund in one growth. more small business opportunities, the day. As mentioned earlier, small business Small Business and Innovation Fund is agile enough to adopt the digital age There is general recognition of the im- (SBIF), which falls under SEFA, is geared as South Africa continues to embrace the portance of youth. President Ramaphosa to fund 100 000 young entrepreneurs in- Fourth Industrial Revolution. reiterated the expansion of the National cluding an emphasis on women. Youth Service to take on 50 000 young Perhaps more significantly, the youth are people every year and governments Then there is the implementation of the in their natural element in this digital age. support of tech enabled platforms for reimagined industrial strategy: An Innova- Regulation is intended to create freedom self-employed youth in rural areas and tion Fund will be capitalised with R1.2-bil- for business, especially small business- townships. Filling another gap will be the lion over the next three years. To en- es, to operate effectively while ensuring work-based internships for graduates of courage the growth of small businesses, workers are not mistreated. Furthermore, technical and vocational programmes. government proposes to review the small regulations also offer protection of minori- Incubation centres to support youth driv- business tax regime, the VAT threshold ty shareholders. en start-ups will concretize government’s and turnover tax. commitments. However, the challenges arise when Industrial business incentives worth regulation does not take account of the What needs to be done, therefore, is to R18.5-billion will create and retain approxi- limitations of small business. The Public finalise and implement the stated pro- mately 56 500 jobs. An additional R107-mil- Preferential Procurement Act is one of the grammes to ensure economic rejuvena- lion is reprioritised for the refurbishment few pieces of legislation which does pro- tion. The country has an arduous road of 27 industrial parks in townships and tect small business. The intention of the ahead. But the sine-qua-non is: Small rural economies. A sum of R6.5-billion Broad-Based Black Economic Employ- Business is simply the future. is allocated for small business incentive ment Act is also not only the promotion of programmes, of which R2.2-billion will be an inclusive economy but also to protect The views and opinions expressed in this transferred to the Small Enterprise Devel- the small business. Given an enabling article is solely that of the author and do opment Agency. Together with the Depart- environment which effectively commu- not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of the African National Congress. ment of Trade, Industry and Competition, nicates information about the support 18 ANC Today Q & A

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Q&A Moloantoa (Geoff) By Amanda Tshemese Makhubo

1. Please tell briefly about your- 4. Comrade former President self. Mandela, a freedom fighter and Moloantoa is a husband, a father, a hero of our struggle, spent his a son and an activist. I grew up in entire life for the freedom of this Soweto and finalised Matric in the country. If it wasn’t for people like then Mafikeng. I went to Wits Uni- him, where would we be as a na- versity during hard times. That’s tion and country today? when I also joined the student and Comrade Mandela and many other youth structures. I am currently comrades played an indispensable the Chairperson of the ANC in the role in the liberation of the country. Greater Region and We remain indebted to them for their the Executive Mayor of the City of selflessness and commitment to the Johannesburg. I am also the Former cause of freedom. They dedicated ANC Youth league Treasurer and their lives to the betterment of this Former MMC for Finance in the city country and that we can never take of Johannesburg. away. And through his wisdom we are still able to navigate through the Comrade Moloantoa Makhubo most difficult times as a people and 2. You’ve joined the organisation as a country. One cannot speak of at a very young age and served Freedom and not include his name. in many structures. How has the icon, uTata Nelson Mandela. What journey been? comes to your mind when we par- The journey has not been easy from ticularly mark the 18th of July? 5. Unfortunately this year we are the turbulent 80s – from working in This day is all about celebrating celebrating and commemorat- rural development in Matatiele, Her- Tata’s selflessness, wisdom and ing Mandela Month under the shel and surrounding rural areas strength. He is the epitome of self- COVID-19 pandemic. How are to some of the most rural areas of less leadership. Comrade Mande- you going to commemorate this Limpopo. One had to content with la’s contribution to the struggle for year’s Madiba Day? poverty levels where mostly women freedom in our country is immea- It is truly unfortunate that we will cel- singlehandedly raised children with surable. This day reminds me of the ebrate the day amidst the COVID-19, their husbands being migrant la- many sacrifices that Comrade Man- however, as we celebrate Mandela bourers, and had to bear the brunt of dela made to ensure that this coun- Day, we must draw strength from extreme poverty. Leading the ANC try is free. However, as we celebrate the battles and great struggles of youth league as its chairperson in Mandela Day, we cannot do so be anti-apartheid activists such as Tata Johannesburg was challenging as without adding a voice against Gen- Mandela and work hard to defeat we led the process of realignment of der-based Violence and Femicide. this pandemic. We must commit branches to be ward-based. President Mandela and many other ourselves to fight the pandemic. But struggle icons did not sacrifice their most importantly, we must remem- lives for women and children to be ber to give back as society. Covid-19 3. July is a very important and his- killed. We need to condemn Gen- has impacted many people, espe- toric month in our country as we der-Based Violence and Femicide in cially the disadvantaged. Let’s use celebrate the life of our struggle the strongest terms. this day as an opportunity to give 19 ANC Today Q & A back to those less fortune while also continued from page 14 practicing extra caution. ZINDZI MANDELA: UNCONQUERABLE SOUL 6. How would you wish to see our politicians and public servants changing lives of those who are la, first daughter, what is she so angry er’s tales daily and lived to experience less fortunate as that was Madi- about, she is not poor, Zindzi knew that her own brutal memories of seeing ba’s wish? ‘The hardest thing to explain is the glar- thousands of black people, humiliated, The principle of Batho Pele is what ingly evident which everybody has de- without work, tossed to and fro like the needs to drive us. We need to serve cided not to see’. waves of the sea, without a station or a the people and ensure that they trust security of a home, and like her mother, us in providing a better life for them. Zindzi knew that the easiest thing and she vowed that until the dignity of black Service delivery should be centered most rewarding would be to accept people is restored and those who took around the betterment and empow- the script written for her, the glory of it are made to pay, justice will never be her name, the doors it could open, and erment of our people. Public servant truly served. build an empire that will rival the riches should be selfless and dedicate their of white capital. But as she did then, in ZIndzi was on a path of her own, carved lives to the society. 1985, her financial freedom could not out of the best parts of both her tower- be separated from the people’s pros- ing parents, and she walked armed with perity. 35 years later, she was still the nothing but faith of youth and passion of 7. Coronavirus is everyone’s same daughter, tied at the hip with the new roads. There were things that were problem and everyone should oppressed people of the country. not acceptable and it did not matter be fighting against it. However, the long suffering that came with stat- there are still those individuals Zindzi Mandela, like her mother, had ing and standing by her truth, it did not the courage to be wholly devoted to who are not complying with the matter how it would take for everyone what is just and fair. Reconciliation was to stand on that truth, and not accept regulations. What would you say good but it was seating heavy on the to those people as we are now at anything less, she was going to stand backs of black people and there was no alone if needs be. the peak and we see frightening willingness on the part of white people cases on a daily basis? to shoulder the yoke. Seeking justice in While most people know that there has Let us be reminded that despite a world that wants to forget, an oppres- been no justice for black people, they the hardships and uncertainties sor still dominant in every sphere of life, have chosen to keep quiet, tied as we currently face, we all still have comes at a high cost. Zindzi and her they are to this imperfect system, like a a role to play in curbing the spread mother were willing to pay it over again, shop keeper who knows that screaming of this disease. Complying with the all the cost, all the sacrifices. about injustice won’t change the reality lockdown regulations will go a long of his rent when its due, due to the very Zindzi Mandela loved life, so much that oppressor who fights his justice. way in curbing the spread of this she could never live it to tiptoe around virus. Let us make sure we adhere anyone’s fragile sensibilities, especially Zindzi was ready to lose it all and this to social distancing, wear our face those so well served by an unfair status may well be her legacy. She fought for masks and ensure that we sanitize quo. ZIndzi was her own woman and freedom and would never accept any our hands regularly. My years in the made no apologies for it. She reject- form of bondage and delayed justice in liberation struggle have taught me ed those who sought to trap her in the order to please the very people who de- that only when we’re united we can legacy of her father, because she knew stroyed her family and the black family. defeat the enemy. that as strange as they were treating her, her father remained a stranger to May her death stir us into action and them too, a sojourner, as was her moth- make us reject the reality that contin- er. They never truly loved him, for rac- ues to make black people observers in 8. What’s your motto? ists attitudes are self-serving, and when the mainstream and wealth of their own When I started working, I was ex- you see them change, you must know country. posed to so much poverty and my that it is only because such a shift is biggest drive was to reverse the Go Well Zindzi! No country could have beneficial to the racist. asked more of you. poverty levels and seek how to cre- ate economy safety nets. And that’s Zindzi’s mother had a story; it was a when I made a commitment to work story of old black men, friends of her Yonela Diko is Spokesperson of the Min- hard to transform people’s lives for father’s, stripped of their dignity by ister of Human Settlements, Water and young white boys who had the power Sanitation. He writes in his personal ca- the better. of the state. Zindzi had heard her moth- pacity. 20 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

18–24 July 2020 Source: SA History Online (www.sahistory.org.za)

18 July 1918 Mandela or Madiba, as he was affec- of seeing his children grow up. As a Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is born tionately known, has been called a young man, he missed out on a nor- Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the freedom fighter, a great man, South mal life spent with family and friends Madiba clan in Mvezo, Transkei, on Africa’s Favourite Son, a global icon and pursuing a career of his choice, 18 July 1918. He received the name and a living legend, among countless to fight for the cause he unshakably “Nelson” on his first day in primary other names. He has been an activist, stood for. On 18 July every year, citi- school from his teacher. a political prisoner, South Africa’s first zens of the world are invited to mark democratically elected president, an Nelson Mandela International Day (in Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela became international peacemaker and states- South Africa we celebrate it as Man- known and respected all over the man, and a Nobel Peace Prize win- dela Day) by making a difference in world as a symbol of the struggle ner. their communities. Everyone has the against apartheid and all forms of rac- ability and the responsibility to change ism; the icon and the hero of African As a husband and a father, Mandela the world for the better! Mandela Day liberation. sacrificed the joys of family life and is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.

18 July 1963 UN Special Committee on Apartheid releases report The United Nations Special Commit- tee on Apartheid, which was set up by the General Assembly under resolu- tion 1761 (XVll), released its second interim report. The committee was entrusted with the responsibilities to monitor and promote a comprehen- sive programme of action against apartheid in South Africa. It pressed for effective international sanctions against South Africa, particularly with ANC National Executive Committee members took time off during an reference to the supply of arms, am- st NEC meeting in 2009 to wish Tata Madiba well on his 91 birthday. munition and petroleum. 21 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

19 July 1988 was declared, that would lasted until ities and defiance brought him into Mandela Birthday Committee the start of negotiations in 1990, with direct conflict with the apartheid gov- Activists Released tens and thousands detained, many ernment. He was banned from public On 19 July 1988, Zollie Malinga, tortured and killed and countless ban- gatherings and confined to his home. Bulenani Ngcuka, Omar Badsha, nings and restricted. Today a heritage This, however, did not stop him from Jonathan Shapiro, Rehana Rossour, monument to the Cradock Four has playing a political role in the coun- Veronica Simmers, Saleem Mowzer, been erected in their hometown. try. Throughout his life Chief Luthuli Ngconde Balfor and Nams Wessels steadfastly believed that a non-ra- were released from detention. At the cial society in South Africa could be time, the apartheid government had 20 July 1998 achieved. banned all gatherings and the activ- Law and Order Minister Adrian ists were arrested for being part of a Vlok implicates De Klerk at TRC Nelson Mandela Birthday Celebration On 20 July 1998 former Law and Or- 22 July 1987 organising committee, to celebrate der Minister, Adriaan Vlok testifies Murphy Morobe and Valli Moosa Madiba’s 70th birthday. under oath that while in office, the detained in Port Elizabeth former president of South Africa, F.W. de Klerk knew of illegal operations by 20 July 1985 the security forces against Black op- Cradock Four Laid to rest position groups. Vlok and more than 30 senior police officers are seeking amnesty from the Commission for a bombing campaign carried out during the 1980s. In two earlier submissions to the commission, De Klerk categor- ically denied that he knew of any ille- gal operations by his government. Police arrested United Democratic Front national secretary-general Mo- hammed Valli Moosa and its acting 21 July 1967 publicity secretary Murphy Morobe in On 27 June 1987, activists Matthew Nkosi Albert Luthuli killed in a pre-dawn raid on the home of Judge Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhon- Groutville Dayalin Chetty in Port Elizabeth. The to and Sicelo Mhlauli, four activists two men had been on the run from the from Cradock were returning from a police for more than a year. The fol- United Democratic Front (UDF) meet- lowing year on 15 September 1988, ing in Port Elizabeth. They were inter- Valli and Morobe escaped from de- cepted by the apartheid security po- tention in Johannesburg after feigning lice, and disappeared. The four were illness and spent thirty-seven days abducted, tortured, killed and their in the American Consulate, before bodies burnt. Mkhonto and Mhlau- securing passports and flying out of li’s bodies were found in different On 21 July 1967, Chief Albert Luthu- the country. Their actions were aimed parts of a dump near Bluewaterbay, li died after he was struck by a train at highlighting the plight of detainees Port Elizabeth. Goniwe and Calata’s on a railway bridge close to the home and the harshness of the state of bodies were found in Bluewater Bay that he had been confined to by the emergency in force since 1985. days later. On 20 July 1985 the four Apartheid regime in Groutville, (then) were buried at a massive funeral, with Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal. Chief Luthuli people from all over the country, de- was President-General of the African 23 July 1989 fying roadblocks, arrests and other National Congress (ANC) from 1952 Coline Williams and Robbie attempts from stopping them getting until his death in 1967. In 1960, he Waterwitch killed in Athlone blast to the funeral. At the funeral, held received the Nobel Peace Prize and On 23 July 1989, a blast occurred op- in Lingelighle, Cradock, for the first he was the most widely known and posite the Athlone Magistrate’s Court time since the banning of the 1960’s, respected African leader of his era. and police complex, which took the huge flags of the ANC and the SACP Born near Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, lives of two African National Congress were raised, watched by police on in 1898, the Chief’s family moved to (ANC) activists. Coline Williams (22) horseback, monitoring the funeral Kwazulu-Natal in 1908. Luthuli trained and Robbie Waterwitch (20) from from the surrounding hills. At midnight as a teacher and lay preacher in the Cape Town, were killed when the ex- that evening, the state of emergency Methodist Church. His political activ- plosive device they were attempting 22 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

INTERNATIONAL DAYS 17–24 July 2020 Source: https://www.un.org

17 July World Emoji Day Emojis were first used in Japan on cell phones in the 1990s and have become an integral part of our communications experience. An unofficial day, it celebrates how emojis have become global. Increasingly emojis recognize the diversity of our experiences, with emojis in different skin colours, and recognizing other re- ligions besides Christianity. Most recently, a young Ivorian O’Plerou Grebet, de- veloped a series of African emojis that give expression to the African experience and symbols. (www.holidayinsights.com.

18 July Nelson Mandela International Day

to plant opposite the Athlone Magis- trates Court and Police Station det- onated prematurely. Foul play was suspected, since it was known that the underground cell Williams and Waterwitch were part of was under surveillance and the injuries sus- tained by the two were inconsistent with their manner of death.

24 July 1999 King Hassan II from Morocco dies King Hassan II, who ruled Morocco for 38 years, died of heart failure at the age of 70 at the Avicenne hos- pital in Rabat. Hassan’s death was The United Nations in 2009 declared 18 July, the birthday of Comrade Nelson announced by his son and successor Rolihlahla Mandela as an international day, first celebrated in 2010. On this day, Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed on na- global humanity is called upon to devote at least 67 minutes of their day to serv- tional Television. Hassan had previ- ing their fellow human beings. This is in honour of the sixty seven years that ously been hospitalised in the United Nelson Mandela devoted to the service of humanity – as a freedom fighter, a hu- States for lung problems. Under his man rights lawyer, an activist, organiser and volunteer, a prisoner of conscience, reign, Morocco annexed the current territories of Western Sahara, which an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a was declared illegal by the Organ- democratic South Africa. isation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU accepted the membership of the Saharawi Arab Republic in 1984 and 20 July World Chess Day the Kingdom of Morocco left the OAU Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural games, with a com- 1982, only to rejoin in 2017 under bination of sport, scientific thinking and elements of art. As an affordable and King Mohammed VI. The Kingdom inclusive activity, it can be exercised anywhere and played by all, across the bar- supported the South African liberation riers of language, age, gender, physical ability or social status. Chess is a global movements financially and through game, which promotes fairness, inclusion and mutual respect, and noting in this training during the struggle against regard that it can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding apartheid. among peoples and nations. 23 ANC Today

BOOK REVIEW By Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule THE NELSON MANDELA READING LIST

S WE celebrate ten years since the world first started to celebrate Mandela Inter- national Day, books about thisA icon keep growing, and his epic autobiography Long Walk to Free- dom, first published in 1994 remains a global best seller. It has also been abridged (considerably!) into a chil- dren’s book with the same title by Chris van Wyk (2013, Heineman)

This was by far not his first. In 1965, Heineman released No Easy Walk to decades before he went to prison: hundreds of letters. Through the let- Freedom (reissued with a foreword the ANC Youth League formation and ters, he documents the ongoing prose- by Walter Sisulu in 1990). This is a Manifesto, the Defiance Campaign, cution of my grandmother and provides collection of articles and speeches by the Congress of the People, having to insight into what it must have been for Mandela, during the period 1953 and build the underground and the move his children Thembi, Makgatho, Maka- 1963, when, according to the Editori- towards armed struggle as repression ziwe, Zenani and Zindzi to have an al Note, “Mandela had to use the pen intensified in the 1950s and 60s, and absent father that they could hardly instead of the microphone to address the Treason and Rivonia Trials. Sub- communicate with or, this I find un- his people.” With an Introduction by sequent editions of the book (1990) bearable, even visits until they turned Oliver Reginald Tambo, written in De- also include communications smug- sixteen. My grandfather reminded us cember 1964 from Dar es Salaam, the gled out of Robben Island and Victor that we should never forget the past or book includes his speech made to the Verster prisons, and therefore deals where we came from.” Transvaal Indian Congress in 1953 with his time in prison. on the Defiance campaign from which As we celebrate Mandela Day in 2020, the book takes its title; and is divided Besides his official autobiography, a in the midst of a global pandemic, with into sub-sections: Streams of African number of other works about his life its devastating effect on health, social Nationalism; Living under Apartheid; came out after his release from prison. life and livelihoods of peoples across Resistance against Apartheid, Our These include Conversations with the globe, as South Africans, we may Tactics and Theirs; Resistance from Myself (2010), a collection based on well remember Madiba’s words in No Underground; and On trial. This book his personal archives of private reflec- Easy Walk to Freedom: “Dangers gives insight to Mandela, the organis- tions on some of the pivotal moments and difficulties have not deterred us in er, intellectual and militant during a de- of his life; and The Prison Letters of the past, they will not frighten us now. cade when the ANC grew into a mass Nelson Mandela (2018). The latter But we must be prepared for them… movement and resistance to apartheid perhaps, even more than his autobi- not waste energy in vain talk and idle moved to a new level. ography, gives an insight into the man, action. The way of preparation (for ac- with selected letters from his days in tion) lies in our rooting out all impurity The Struggle is My Life (1978), a col- Pretoria prison awaiting trial in 1962- and indiscipline from our organisation lection of speeches and articles, was 1963 until the prison from which he and making it the bright and shining published by the anti-apartheid move- was released on 10 February 1990. instrument that will cleave its way to ment of India on the occasion of Man- In a poignant foreword to the book, (Africa’s) freedom.” dela’s 60th birthday, at a point when he his granddaughter Zamaswazi Dlami- had already served 16 years in jail. It ni-Mandela writes: “During his incar- Our is not yet includes key events during the three ceration, my grandfather wrote many over. 24 ANC Today X-WORD | 18 JULY 2020 MANDELA DAY

Across Down 4. Daughter who died a few days before Mandela Day. 1. Amount of years of public service that Madiba gave us. 8. He was a member of his organisation from his youth till the day he 2. 18 July is the ... of Tata Madiba died. 3. When he was in hiding in the 1950s and 60s, he was also called ... 9. Mandela said, “it is in your ... to make a difference...” 5. Number of years Mandela spent in prison. 10. Occupied this position as the first and founder in a democratic 6. Mandela, with Sisulu, Lembede, Mda and Tambo were founders South Africa. of the ... 11. Aspect of our history strongly associated with Madiba. 7. Prison where he spent most of his sentence with his comrades. 12. Madiba was a staunch advocate for the rights of ...

WORD BANK birthday twenty seven Robben Island hands ANC Youth League reconciliation Black pimpernel President ANC Zindzi Mandela sixty seven children

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