Anc Today Voice of the African National Congress

ANC TODAY VOICE OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

11 – 17 June 2021

Conversations with the President Optimism is the foundation of progress and hope is the companion of development

ATER this week, I will be free and fair trade, championing during our AU chairship, and the travelling to the United shared values and tackling climate contribution it can make to global Kingdom to attend the G7 change, but the global recovery progress. Leaders Summit. We have from COVID-19 is likely to domi- Lbeen invited as a guest country nate the agenda. Much as we are a developing together with South Korea, Aus- economy and despite facing con- tralia and India. In extending the invitation, the G7 siderable challenges given rise to group of countries acknowledge by the pandemic on our society, The summit will discuss how to South Africa’s role in driving the we have done and will continue to promote future prosperity through continental response to COVID do our best.

Strengthening our Dear Mr President Commemorating the 45th resolve to fight None left behind: Anniversary of the GBV and Femicide Young People Vote Soweto Uprising 4 6 10 2 ANC Today CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT

by this administration to resolve challenges that have long hin- dered our economic growth.

I will be presenting the clear signals that our country is emerging from the devastation wrought by the pandemic. These signals include a strengthening currency, a record trade surplus, and growth in mining, financial services and manufacturing. We can also talk about the life-changing opportunities being provided to our people through the Presidential Employ- ment Stimulus, which has directly benefited nearly 700,000 people since it was launched eight months ago. We can reflect that there is progress towards greater policy and regulatory certainty in important economic sectors such as energy and telecommunications.

The G7 Leaders Summit is an opportunity to seek broader support South Africa can hold its head high We will be able to talk about the for the struggle we are waging among the community of nations green shoots of economic prog- alongside India and more than 100 because we remain a country that ress I spoke of in the Presiden- other countries to achieve a tem- is free and united and determined cy Budget vote in Parliament last porary waiver of the Trade-Relat- to succeed. week. Among them are the tangi- ed Aspects of Intellectual Property ble results of commitments made agreement at the WTO to ensure Gatherings such as the G7 are im- equitable access to COVID-19 portant opportunities for South Af- The G7 Leaders Summit is an vaccines. This will enable countries rica to promote its view of a fairer to manufacture their own vaccines and more peaceful world. They are opportunity to seek broader and pave the way for the devel- also an opportunity to promote our opment of a local pharmaceutical country as a destination in which to support for the struggle we are manufacturing industry in our own invest and do business, as a part- country and on the continent. ner for development, and as an waging alongside India and ally in resolving the most pressing The message I will be taking to social and political issues facing more than 100 other countries the G7 Summit will be one of hope humankind. These gatherings also about the prospects for our coun- give us an opportunity to promote to achieve a temporary waiver try’s recovery, and indeed the glob- our continent as a destination for al recovery. investment. of the Trade-Related Aspects of

But not everyone in this country is

Our delegation to the G7 Summit Intellectual Property agreement ready for that message. will be able to talk about the prog- ‘ ress we are making in overcoming at the WTO to ensure‘ equitable When times are tough, it is easy to the pandemic and the measures be pessimistic. we have taken towards our na- access to COVID-19 vaccines tional recovery that are slowly but It is understandable that citizens steadily yielding results. may be frustrated by the slow pace 3 ANC Today CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT

The message I will be taking to the G7 Summit will be

one of hope about the

prospects for our country’s

‘ recovery, and‘ indeed the global recovery.

President Cyril Ramaphosa in bilateral with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Throughout the course of our history we have had setbacks and of change, and feel that our prob- making in overcoming the imme- false starts. But our resilient na- lems appear to be intractable. Our diate crisis motivate us to do even ture allowed us to weather many high rate of unemployment, for ex- better. storms. It is this drive and determi- ample, has not improved since the nation that must continue to propel global financial crisis more than a Our democracy was founded in us forward as our country recovers decade ago and was made much hope where there seemingly was socially, politically and economical- worse by the pandemic. none. We emerged from a des- ly. perate situation that threatened to But sometimes we are so absorbed engulf us and built a new nation. Let us look ahead and move for- by our shortcomings, that we often Over the last year and a half, we ward. Let us nurture the green fail to acknowledge what we are rallied together to fight the pan- shoots of progress. Let us not only doing right and where things are demic, united in the belief that bet- hope for better days, but let us improving. ter days would come. work even harder to achieve them.

We are making progress in resolving many of our challenges, from corruption to energy shortages to the obstacles that discourage investment. The pace of reform is picking up.

We do not take the patience and resilience of the South African people for granted. We acknowledge our shortcomings as a government and are working to remedy them.

Optimism is the foundation of progress and hope is the companion of development.

Cynical though some among us President Cyril Ramaphosa in bilateral with may be, let the progress we are Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 4 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS

Strengthening our resolve to fight GBV and Femicide Statement by ANC Parliamentary Caucus

HE National Assembly has in the amendment of these bills. passed three crucial pieces The implementation of the bills of legislation that are aimed will greatly assist South Africans at fighting Gender-Based to access legal assistance with- ViolenceT and Femicide, namely: out having to be physically pres- The Criminal Law (Sexual Of- ent in police stations and courts. fences and Related Matters) The Bills will ensure that the rights Amendment Act Amendment and lives of women, children, the Bill (B16-2020); The Domestic LGBTQIA+ community and the Violence Amendment Bill (B20- society at large, are protected and 2020); and the Criminal and Re- perpetrators of these gruesome lated Matters Amendment Bill crimes are served with befitting (B17-2020). sentences.

The adoption of these important Bills is a milestone for South Afri- 1. The Criminal Law (Sex- ca as the country is continuously ual Offences and Relat- faced with the scourge of gen- ed Matters) Amendment der-based violence and femicide. Act Amendment Bill This also comes at a time where This Amendment Bill seeks to the effects of COVID-19 and lock- amend the Criminal Law (Sexual sexual intimidation, further regu- down has increased the number Offences and Related Matters) late the inclusion of particulars of of GBV and Femicide incidents Amendment Act, 2007, so as to persons in the National Register and the use of technology, which extend the ambit of the offence of for Sex Offenders and extend the has been taken into consideration incest; introduce a new offence of list of persons who are to be protected in terms of Chapter 6 of the Act.

It further seeks to extend the list of persons who are entitled to sub- mit applications to the Registrar of the National Register for Sex Offenders and further regulate the removal of particulars of persons from the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The adoption of this Bill reiterates the resolve taken by government to have legislation that protects Recent picket against GBV by the ANC Women’s League the rights and dignity of sexual 5 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS offence victims and survivors and ensures that justice is served. It also provides legal grounds for any person that witnesses or believes such offence is taking place, to report the incident to the police, failing which, they may be found guilty. This will give effect to the work of the Sexual Offences Courts and contribute positively in the prosecution and conviction of sexual offenders.

2. The Domestic Violence Amendment Bill (B20- 2020) The Domestic Violence Amend- ment Bill seeks to amend the Do- mestic Violence Act, 1998 so as to provide for the manner in which acts of domestic violence and matters related thereto must be dealt with, to further regulate protection orders in response to acts of domestic violence and amend provisions of certain laws.

This Amendment Bill will provide The Bill also seeks to amend the is deceased), to have a chance for easier access for those intend- Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, so to be heard by the courts. The ing to obtain protection orders to as to further regulate the grant- amendments include the use of access them through the internet. ing and cancellation of bail, the audio-visuals, a great step in pro- The amendments will expand the giving of evidence by means of tecting the victims from secondary scope of the definition of domestic closed-circuit television or similar victimization so they can be able violence, which will greatly con- electronic media, and the giving of to speak freely without intimida- tribute to the change in behaviour evidence by a witness with phys- tion and protect their mental and that is needed in our families and ical, psychological or mental dis- psychological well-being. society. ability. The ANC Caucus welcomes It further aims to amend the Crim- and supports the passing of 3. Criminal and Related inal Law Amendment Act, 1997, these bills as this strengthens Matters Amendment Bill with a view to further regulate our resolve to fight GBV and (B17-2020) sentences in respect of offences Femicide. We also commend The Criminal and Related Matters that have been committed against the Portfolio Committee on Amendment Bill seeks to amend vulnerable persons; and the Su- Justice and Correctional Ser- the Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1944, perior Courts Act, 2013, so as to vices for the tremendous work so as to provide for the appoint- provide for the appointment of that it has done in drafting ment of intermediaries and the intermediaries and the giving of and speeding up the process giving of evidence through inter- evidence through intermediaries to bring this legislation to the mediaries in proceedings other in proceedings other than criminal National Assembly. than criminal proceedings and proceedings. the giving of evidence through au- The Bills will be sent to the Na- dio-visual link in proceedings oth- This will enable victims or the tional Council of Provinces for er than criminal proceedings. families of the victims (if the victim Concurrence. 6 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS None left behind: Young People Vote

Dear Mr President 000 confirmed cases. The regional polls had been postponed once INCE the global pandemic but the government persisted de- arrived and spread like wild spite experts warning of the emer- fire last year, many coun- gence of new clusters. tries successfully held elec- tionsS to foster democracy and the The much-anticipated elections will of the people. proceeded on 3 November in the United States. The country was In spite of the lockdowns that were buckling under soaring cases of announced to curb the spread COVID-19. More than 50 million of COVID-19, the countries opt- Americans voted early in the 2020 ed not to postpone or delay the election to avoid crowding at poll- scheduled elections. Elections ing stations. According to the Uni- were conducted under strict hy- versity of Florida, more than 35 giene protocols to protect the vot- million people voted by mail and ers and citizens. more than 15 million left their ballots in drop boxes. Former Presi- South Korea held elections on Comrade Pule Mabe dent, Donald Trump insisted, with- April 17 last year when confirmed out evidence, that mail-in voting cases of COVID-19 had already was prone to fraud and ultimately, breached the 10 000 mark. The Singaporeans in face masks and Joe Biden was announced as new country was among the first with disposable gloves observed so- president. a major outbreak to hold national cial distancing as they lined up to election since the beginning of the vote on Friday, 10 July. They used Mr President, our country is pandemic. Face masks, gloves, hand sanitisers and had their tem- scheduled to hold local govern- temperature checks and physical peratures checked before receiv- ment elections in October this distancing were strictly enforced ing their ballots. Poland followed year. at polling stations, while voting swiftly on July 13 with a narrow booths were disinfected at regular Even as the roll out of vaccines victory of 51% against Warsaw’s intervals. ramped up, South Africa would not liberal mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. have achieved the herd immunity In Africa, Burundi held its elec- The country had 38 000 confirmed required to disarm the virulence of tions in May, 2020 while Mongolia cases by elections day. the virus. Be that as it may, the In- elected 76 members of parliament Mynmar’s ruling party led by Aung dependent Electoral Commission on 24 June. Voters stood two me- San Suu Kyi claimed victory in a (IEC) has begun preparing for the tres apart and were sanitised. Sri November 08 general election. elections even as former Deputy Lanka finally held elections on 7th Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke of August after postponing them With more than 100 million reg- was tasked with probing the fea- twice amid fears of COVID-19 and istered voters, Indonesians lined sibility of holding elections during 75% of the 16 million voters cast up to vote on December 20. At a pandemic. To its credit, the IEC their vote, with the government the time, the country was strug- is one of this country’s well-oiled enforcing social distancing mea- gling with Southeast Asia’s worst machines and has conducted free sures. COVID-19 outbreak, nearing 600 and fair elections since the dawn 7 ANC Today COMMENT & ANALYSIS

of democracy in 1994. This week, the electoral body announced July 17 and July 18 as voter registration weekend. This is done to bring in new eligible voters on the voters roll to make their voices heard. The ANC is fully behind the IEC’s decision to not fold their arms while COVID-19 rages and rather prepare for elections whether they happen or not. The voter registration weekend is also the opportunity for political parties to reach out for their members and prospective voters to register. It is also an opportunity to educate people about our policies. There are a slew of young people who have come of voting age who need to be captured in the sys- Young people attended the 2019 elections rally in huge numbers tem in order to become responsi- ble citizens by casting their vote. before so-called service delivery waves and rises in infections. The (ANC) President Oliver Tambo protests engulf our communities waves have also spawned new once said: “The children of any with destruction and vandalism of variants as the virus mutates. nation are its future. A country, a public and private property. Therefore, our people will have movement, a person that does not to continue to adhere to the well- value its youth and children does In order to curb the spread of known and established hygiene not deserve its future.” Our coun- COVID-19, the IEC announced protocols of wearing face masks, try has a high percentage of young the implementation of an electron- sanitising and maintaining social people who are a crucial resource ic voter registration system. This distance. for its development and prosperi- augurs well for the health of our ty. They should therefore never be democracy as the five-year term The ANC expects all disciplined left behind in decision-making and of the current councillors reaches cadres to roll up their sleeves and be left to despondency. Young its natural end this year. A number ensure a successful voter regis- people should make their voices of provinces have already entered tration drive in July. The weekend heard at the polls so they can hold the third wave of the coronavirus also coincides with Nelson Man- those who are elected to account and scientists and other experts dela’s birthday and this in itself and not only be used in destruc- confirmed that until we reach gives us the impetus to drive the tive actions when their unhappi- herd immunity, there will be more message of elections home. The ness result in the destruction of a era of the pandemic has ratcheted community. The ANC expects all the use of online platforms which young people have been quick to Municipal elections are especial- disciplined cadres to adopt and embrace. ly important as this is the level of government at the coalface of ser- roll up their sleeves Many countries have shown that it vice delivery. is possible to hold elections even

and ensure a under the threat of this invisible

Much of community unrest hap- successful voter enemy. pens at the door of local govern- ‘ ment when people feel that their registration‘ drive Yours sincerely voices are not being heard and their grievances ignored. Coun- in July. Pule Mabe cillors rooted in their communities National Spokesperson and Head of the should serve as an alarm system Department of Information and Publicity 8 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE Defending the unity and integrity of the ANC at all material times 109th Anniversary of the late Comrade Walter Xhamela Sisulu: An embodiment of the ANC’s membership declaration

n By Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso

OMRADE Walter Sisulu was born on the 18th May 1912, just four months after the official formation Cof the ANC in Mangaung, in the Free State. Had he been alive, he would have turned 109 years old. He was a selfless leader and a true revolutionary who embodied ‘membership declaration’ of the ANC as outlined in its constitution. He accordingly understood that ANC members and cadres ought to serve the people “without motives of material advantage or personal gain”.

Ntate Sisulu worked and served the ANC as a loyal member of the ANC until his last breath. He placed his energy and skills at the disposal of the movement and the people of South Africa. He under- that under his leadership, the paid five pounds on a monthly stood and unreservedly carried ANC became a campaigning and basis and at times the ANC had out the organisational mandate mobilising organisation. As the no money to pay his salary and and tasks with utmost diligence, Secretary General of the ANC, he transport fees. History reveals dedication and discipline. became part of the first ANC lead- that that at one time, comrade Z.K ers to be arrested during the 1952 Matthews was tasked to commu- Further, he defended the unity and Defiance Campaign. He selfless- nicate with the Secretary General integrity of the ANC at all material ly and fearlessly led the destitute informing him that he would not be times. He did all these because and downtrodden masses of our paid his monthly salary for a par- he was taught within the ranks of people from the front. ticular period. Apparently some the congress movement that the comrades thought the SG would ANC must be an “effective instru- Xhamela was selfless. After he resign. But, instead he engaged ment of liberation in the hands of was elected the Secretary Gen- his wife comrade Mama Albertina the people”. Hence he ensured eral of the ANC in 1949, he was Sisulu who was a nurse, his wife 9 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

who committed to buy comrade rooted leaders who adhere to the ing and unity of the ANC cannot Walter a monthly railway tickets to ANC membership declaration and be postponed any longer. attend to the organisational tasks understand the aspirations and and meetings. plight of the masses. At Xhamela’s funeral, Madiba had this to say about comrade Walter In 1940 at age of 28, he was for- His character and discipline is af- Sisulu. mally recruited into the ANC by a firmed by the former President of unionist comrade Alfred Mbele. the ANC, Madiba, who had this to “His greatness as a leader derived Owing to his activism amongst say about Xhamela: “…more and from his humility and his ingrained the toiling masses of the people, more I had come under the wise belief in and respect for collective he was later elected as a Treasur- tutelage of Walter Sisulu. Walter leadership. He knew and taught er of the Orlando Branch of the was strong, reasonable, practical us that wisdom comes from shar- ANC. He assisted the branch with and dedicated. He never lost his ing insights and listening to and recruitment and membership of head in a crisis; he was often si- learning from each other. He was the ANC in that branch grew from lent when others were shouting. always the unifier, never a divider 100 to 200. where others of us would speak a He believed that the African Na- nasty word or act in anger; he was His leadership traits won him tional Congress was the means the patient one, seeking to heal more confidence amongst mem- to effect change in South Africa, and bring us together.” bers of his branch and community the repository of black hopes and in general. In 1942, he was again aspirations. Sometimes one can Long live the undying spirit of the delegated to the National Annual judge an organisation by the peo- former Secretary General of the Conference of the ANC. He also ple who belong to it, and I knew ANC and a life time President of played a very critical role in the that I would be proud to belong to South African Students Congress formation of the ANCYL in 1944. any organisation of which Walter (SASCO) Long live! He even used his delegation to was a member”. the 1942 and 1943 ANC National Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso, a Annual Conferences to advance History bestows upon us mem- member of the ANC in Dr Ruth Mom- the debate to convince the ANC bers and leaders of the ANC to pati Region, a Deputy Executive Di- leadership to agree to the initia- learn and use the leadership traits rector of Higher Education Transfor- tive to establishing the ANC Youth of comrade Walter Sisulu, the mation Network and Employee of Dr League. ANC constitution and its “through Ruth Mompati District Municipality. the eyes of a needle”. To nomi- He writes in his personal capacity. As the ANC starts with the elec- nate candidates for Local Govern- The views and opinions expressed in this tions of Branch, regional and pro- ment elections and elections of article are solely that of the author and do vincial leadership at conferences, leadership at various level of the not necessarily reflect the official policy and members must elect selfless and organization, the renewal, rebuild- position of the African National Congress. 10 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

Commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the Soweto Uprising June 16, 1976 We today visibly enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices and heroism

n By Tokologo Mphahlele

HE year 2021 paves the the fruits of their sacrifices and way to commemorate the heroism, lest we forget. 45th anniversary since the Soweto uprising, a day Our country, as part of the global thatT is engraved in our hearts and arena has not being spared from minds as an epitome of zeal, zest the impact of the COVID-19 pan- and bravery. demic, with the signs of a possible a third wave even more glaring. This heroic generation remains The pandemic has further wors- a classical example of sacrifice, ened our already ailing economy discipline and refusal to succumb which was undergoing difficulties to the enemy. The commemora- even prior the COVID-19 pan- tion uniquely comes at a period demic, thus taking our situation when the country and entire world from the frying pan into the fire. is battling the invincible enemy, Moreover, it is a naked secret subjecting all through uncharted that South Africa remains one of territory. Our traditional massive the most unequal societies in the gatherings are circumvented by world, underpinned by the sce- genuine efforts to curb the spread The late student activist and nario of the rich getting richer and of the deadly coronavirus. In their youthful leader, comrade Robert the poor getting poorer. Such a honour, we ought to play our part Siyasonke Mathebula once allud- disturbing trend can’t be left un- in observing all the non-pharma- ed that “Happiness starts with cor- scathed by revolutionary forces; ceutical protocols as set out by rect choices”. As such we should it’s a ticking time bomb waiting to government. seize this colossal moment and explode. consciously elect not to despair The overarching need for but rather forge ahead in the fight In their honour, we should join for total liberation. We ought to hands and collectively forge tried and tested youth pause and once again reflect ahead to eviscerate the apart-

about this unflinching and unflap- heid narrative that continues to

leaders from the ranks of the pable generation of young lions. stubbornly entrench itself in our We ought to further ponder on structural economy. Invariably, we ‘ Congress Youth‘ Movement lessons that should be inculcat- do have a revolutionary obligation ed in us and thus rejuvenate our to unite our people, but not on the is unquestionable. compassion and optimism about foundation of black poverty and an even better future for the entire white wealth. The struggle for so- humanity. We today visibly enjoy cio economic emancipation ought 11 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

to boldly contest the space at all levels, including the upcoming 2021 Local Government Elections – this, in our quest to reinvigorate local governance and thus fast track service delivery. In doing so, we should strive to continuously sharpen our skills base and knowledge given the changing environment.

The pandemic poses that real treat of worsening our situation. The flawed and exclusionary South African economy warrants an immediate overhaul. The quest for a restructured post-COVID-19 economy is overarching; things just can’t remain the same. The pandemic also presents an op- portune moment to accelerate to be accelerated in all frontiers. the implementation of “Structural Inspired by the 1976 generation, Changes” to enable reconstruc- As the youth, our immediate vehi- tion and growth. Such must be cle is the ANC Youth League (AN- we must rise to the occasion and characterised by a more inclusive CYL), hence the constant call for economy that should unlock local a vibrant, robust and radical youth play a meaningful role in our production and export potential, league. Its crucial role is vindicat- society. We should, without a to further speak to the re-industri- ed by the fact that the majority alisation and beneficiation of our of young professionals, students shadow of doubt, reiterate the mineral resources and ultimate- and unemployed youth are yearn- ly enable inclusive an innovative

ing for a revived and renewed AN- need to have leaders who will ecosystem and high-technology

CYL. That will be characterised industry. by solid youthful voice of superior ‘ serve our communities,‘ logic that will live up to the expec- As the current generation of ac- tations of the youth itself. It will not self-serving individuals. tivists, we ought to be alive to the champion our interests in the con- reality that without action, without tinuous battle against poverty, un- agitating, our tasks will be incom- derdevelopment, student historic plete; we dare not fail. To pay lip debt, youth unemployment, alco- service to this mammoth task at hol and substance abuse, teen- Inspired by the 1976 generation, hand is a recipe for disaster. The age pregnancy, gender-based vi- we must rise to the occasion and ball is in our court. olence, climate change, terrorism, play a meaningful role in our so- vaccine nationalism, corruption ciety. We should, without a shad- and inequality as we traverse to- ow of doubt, reiterate the need to Tokologo TK Mphahlele is former wards a post- COVID-19 era. have leaders who will serve our University of Limpopo SRC Depu- ty President, Former BMF Student communities, not self-serving in- Chapter Provincial Chairperson, for- The overarching need for tried dividuals. The deliberate inculca- mer SASCO Limpopo Chairperson, and tested youth leaders from tion of moral values, patriotism current ANCYL Waterberg Regional the ranks of the Congress Youth and the spirit of accountability will Task Team Member. He writes in his Movement is unquestionable. The undoubtedly go, at great length, personal capacity. crème de la crème ought to rise in strengthening our hard won The views and opinions expressed in this and take the baton. It’s a swim or democracy. The activation of a article are solely that of the author and do sink phenomenon. We dare not second layer of leadership should not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of the African National Congress. fail. agitate the youth of our country 12 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE A renewed ANCYL will strengthen the broader Mass Democratic Movement

n By Refilwe Fifi Lekgothoane

HIS month marks the 45th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising. It is a consistent “Each generation reminder to the generations must, out of relative thatT follow, of the collective power which they possess, to alter their obscurity, discover circumstances and the course of history. The African National Con- its mission, fulfill it gress Youth League (ANCYL), or betray it…” which was founded 75 years ago is a youth organisation committed to the ideals of democracy, free- Franz Fanon dom and peace. Its existence is borne out of the ANC Constitution and we owe its existence to the socio-economic standing of stu- could argue that perhaps this ac- founding fathers like Ashley Mda, dents, it is the Youth League that tion inadvertently aided the incor- Oliver Reginald Tambo, Walter should champion the general in- rect perception that the ANCYL as Sisulu and its first president Cde terests and rights of the South Af- an organisation had died. In Anton Lembede who shaped the rican youth and the working class. militancy of the ANCYL. the final analysis it must be ac- The founding generation of the knowledged that most of the The Youth League as we know ANCYL radicalized the ANC. This league’s challenges are derived it is has a mandate to rally the was evidenced by their policy from the internal challenges of the young people of our country to documents, historical campaigns ANC due to the ideological and actively participate in the struggle and cries like “Freedom in our constitutional tether which enjoins to create a non- racial, non-sex- Lifetime.” It is this character of the them. ist, united, democratic and pros- ANCYL that must be revived and perous society. This is intertwined reinvigorated within the context of The internal ructions of the ANC with the call to ensure youth make organisational renewal. centres around some of the “sev- a full and rich contribution to the en challenges” that governing work of the ANC and to the life of In recent years, the ANCYL has parties ought to watch out for. the Nation. been plunged into organisation- Among those issues facing the al and administrative challenges governing party and in turn the In lieu of the national educa- which led to its 25th NEC be- Youth League, are dangers of a tion crisis, as it relates to the ing dissolved by ANC NEC. One leadership that is seen to be too 13 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

ically astute programme of action that seeks to build a strong YL and shape the ANC for the better. The programme must address the question of developing future leaders as well as deepening the ideological outlook of the youth in order to lend content to their militancy.

It is only through decisive and deliberate action that the ANCYL can be capacitated to influence Young Lions on the march (1). the ANC in particular and the country in general. It is upon the far from the people, not caring The ANCYL needs to focus on current crop of leaders to chose about its issues. young people’s issues and not a path that ensure that through factional battles of the ANC; ex- ashes and remnants of 75 years The perception/reality of corrup- tensive political education needs of glorious youth activism, the AN- tion, factions and a lack of im- to be implemented in order to CYL is reborn as an even more plementing policy have led to the produce cadres that will be able gallant and resilient advocate for ANC facing most of the challeng- to contribute to the strengthen- the socio-economic liberation for es it is facing today. By extension, ing of the organization. A strong the youth of South Africa. the youth league is in the quag- ANCYL will have the capacity to mire it is, as a result of being revive and strengthen the ANC. perceived to belong to a faction, A strong ANC will strengthen the Refilwe Fifi Lekgothoane is the AN- unable to critique objectively the Mass Democratic Movement. Any CYL BTT Coordinator of Solomon current state of the organisation. action that seeks to weaken the Mahlangu Branch in Mamelodi and movement should be avoided and former NEC member of the South Af- One must appreciate that many combated. rican Students Congress challenges and contradictions have arisen in the process of the The ANCYL must rise above bat- The views and opinions expressed in this rebuilding of the ANCYL. Some of tles of the ANC and renew its article are solely that of the author and do the challenges are objective and structures through implementa- not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of the African National Congress. others are subjective. However, tion of a radical, militant and polit- the cumulative impact of these challenges is the silent shift from transformative politics to palace politics wherein internal strife and factional battles of the ANC over- power principle arguments, and resources define the political life of the movement.

This has produced a new type of ANCYL leader and a member who sees ill-discipline, divisions, fac- tionalism and in-fighting as part of the normal process of belonging to the organisation and the key to political survival. It would be unfair for one to criticize the current generation of the ANCYL for all these challenges that the organisation currently faces. Young Lions on the march (2). 14 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

Our Youth, the Private Sector and Social Transformation – A View from Hoedspruit, Limpopo

n By Sikhumbuzo Thomo

UR young people are here to stay – they are not the ones about to relocate overseas or Oinvest offshore. The private sector has an even bigger role to play in the emancipation of our youth, and yet appears to be driven by different social transformative im- peratives.

Most want the best return irrespec- tive of the nature of the investment. This short-term, blinkered turnover in Q4:2020 alone, while I recently travelled to KwaZulu-Na- capitalist view and approach can youth unemployment sky rocket- tal and was shocked to learn that be tempered only by an informed, ed to 0.1 percentage point from almost all hotels had retrenched capable core of young activists 32.5% in the Q4 of 2020 to 32.6% young workers as I struggled to working with the private sector Q1 of 2021 – the highest since the find accommodation, with most and government, ensuring that start of the Quarterly Labour Force services having gone under busi- the investment funds are invested Survey (QLFS) in 2008. The un- ness rescue. The tourism sector in long-term, sustainable, devel- employment rate, according to the was the hardest hit in the past opmental community projects that expanded definition of unemploy- year alone. fight poverty and create jobs. ment increased by 0.6 percentage point to a record 43,2% Q1 2021. Some of the class questions that Under the current Covid-19 peri- we all must ask are: to what extent od, the major challenge our young It is unacceptable that the profits are workers’ retirement funds and people are facing is dealing with that the big business makes are profits used to finance the type of casualisation, a central feature of invested in ways that result in job investments in cheap imports that capitalist globalisation. Casualisa- losses and deepen poverty in our fuel the massive job losses in our tion, from manufacturing to retail- communities. The time has come domestic industries? Second- ing, is destroying even the limited for the holding of an Econom- ly, should companies, including number of jobs we have and we ic CODESA. We need concrete those in the financial sector, who are not seeing quick solutions agreements with the South Afri- engage in job-shedding practic- around this. can private sector to save South es, be allowed to call themselves African jobs in the economy. This Proudly South African, and partic- During this period, the private cannot be the sole responsibility ipate in its campaign? I personally sector generated R2,81 trillion in of the government. think not. 15 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

Unfortunately, the rate of jobless- ness is such that those exclud- ed from formal employment face Sebatakgomo – a major challenge: the right to be able to save for their meal at night. For this reason, the creation of youth jobs must be a priority for the private sector, as is creating the citadel of resistance opportunities for those who work in the informal sector to be able to save for their future, not just for n their dinner. By Phatse Justice Piitso

To aggravate the challenges we face, history has left us the chal- N the eve of the cen- lenge of Black Economic Empow- tenary celebrations of erment. Those of us on the left our vanguard party, the have a particular view on this is- South African Commu- sue. Our view is that all empow- Onist Party, we take the opportunity erment must be genuinely broad- to salute the pioneers of Sebatak- based and geared to eradicating gomo, feta kgomo o sware motho, poverty and creating jobs. No mofetakgomo ke moriri o a hloga. dilution of this transformatory goal We do so in a profound manner, can be allowed to parade under with the understanding that a rev- the banner of empowerment. But olution without its soldiers is like we are not alone on this one. God without His angels. The men and women of Sebatakgomo are Many South Africans, including indeed revered warriors, who, as by the racist apartheid regime, significant sections of business a result of the difficult path they torture, banning orders, and long and government, share the con- have chosen, have today earned periods of detention without trial, cern that the current posture of their rightful place in the order of imprisonment and years in exile. transformation process has been the glorious pages of our history perverted and distorted away from books. Through the leadership of the dif- the spirit of the Freedom Charter, ferent successive warrior Kings where it meant that the wealth of We cherish the dauntless cour- and Queens of the Bapedi King- our country should be shared by age, determination and heroism dom, the region of Sekhukhune all, to mean that we are focusing of the following comrades: Elias became the height of resistance our efforts in this period of the Na- Moretsele, Flag Boshielo, Elias struggle against imperialism and tional Democratic Revolution at Motsoaledi, John Kgwane Nkad- colonial dispossessions. Our war- deracialising the bourgeoisie. imeng, Godfrey Mogaramedi rior King of the Bapedi Kingdom, Sekhukhune, Phirime Mashego, King Sekhukhune II, together with This would mean a future of class John Phala, Kgosi Mampuru, Ma- other kings and Queens from the conflict and confrontation, regard- mogase Nchabeleng, Uriah Male- Southern African region, such as less of the colour of the new elite? ka, Segowe Aolo Rapolai, Peter King Solomon Ka Dinizulu, Mont- Surely, this is not what we fought Nchabeleng, Kgosigadi Mandin- shioa of Barolong, Lewanika of the for in our revolution. The struggle gos, Nelson Diale, Phooko Rat- Lozi, Letsie 11 of Basotho, Dalin- continues. soma and Lawrence Madimetje dyebo of the Thembu, Ndlovukasi Phokanoka. Lobatsibeni of Iswathini and Kha- Sikhumbuzo Thomo is the Head of ma of the Tswana, attended the Economic Diplomacy Task Team (IR). On the eve of the centenary of our historic founding conference of the party, we salute the immensity of formation of the ANC in 1912. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely that of the author and do their untold courage and sacrifice, not necessarily reflect the official policy and the hardships they endured during Sekhukhune was accompanied position of the African National Congress. the long periods of harassment by Kgosi Sekwati Mampuru and 16 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

Kgosi Tseke Masemola, who later became the representatives of his Kingdom in the ANC House of Chiefs.

Sebatakgomo was formed during 1954 at the Bantu Hall, Lady Sel- bourne, in Pretoria, with Cdes Flag Boshielo as its chairman and John Kgwana Nkadimeng as its secretary. The inaugural conference was officially launched by one of the senior leaders of the party and the leader of the Sout- pansberg Balemi Association, comrade Alpheus Maliba.

This was after the victory of the Members of the SACP Nationalist Party in 1948, which fortified and declared officially the length and breadth of our There were revolts in the far the apartheid state of South Afri- country. This was consistent with Northern Transvaal by African ca. The declaration saw the im- the slogan by the Communist In- farmers led by a prominent party position of successive draconian ternational in 1928, calling for the leader Alpheus Maliba, the Potato laws such as the banning of the establishment of the Independent Revolt by Gert Sibande in Bethal Communist Party of South Afri- South African Native Republic, as and Zeerust, as well as the Le- ca (CPSA), the Bantu education a prelude towards a workers and hurutse revolt by chief Abraham and the Bantu Authorities Act. Its peasants republic. Moiloa, the Sekhukhune revolt membership was mainly consti- by Kgosigadi Madinoge, the Mat- tuted by migrant laborers working One of its leading founding mem- lala revolt by Kgosigadi Matlala, in the mines and factories around bers, and a senior member of the Witzieshoek revolt by Chief the industrial Witwatersrand, of the party from the area, comrade Mopeli, the Pondoland revolt and what is now known as Gauteng. Elias Motsoaledi said the follow- many others. ing about Sebatakgomo’s forma- Sebatakgomo’s first secretary, tion: “First of all, it is the organisa- The leader of Sebatakgomo, com- John Kgwana Nkadimeng says tion by the Communist Party, but rade Flag Boshielo, criss-crossed the following about its forma- the party realised that it was not the hinterlands of the region to the tion: “Sebatakgomo came about within its sphere. In other words, it mountain top of the Leolo Moun- in 1954 with the issue of culling realised that the important organ- tains disguised as a sangoma, cattle, the curtailment of land and isation to tackle this was the ANC recruiting people into the ranks so called soil erosion under the and members of the party who are of the South African Communist Bantu Authorities Act. We felt that in the ANC persecute it”. Party and the African National many bad things were going to be Congress. He was inspired by his done to our people in the country In 1956, Khuduthamaga, a rep- understanding that the national and they were not sufficiently ad- lication of Sebatakgomo, was question was inseparable from dressed. So we needed an organ- launched in Sekhukhune. The pri- the class question. isation, a group in the (liberation) mary political focus was to fortify movement”. the activities of Sebatakgomo in The leadership of Sebatakgo- the local area on the basis of day mo understood that at the age of The formation of Sebatakgomo to day activities. The strategy by their historical period, the national was a strategic initiative by the the CPSA to work with the ANC question assumed the posture of Communist Party of South Africa during the period of its illegality apartheid colonialism of a special to intensify the call for the African- was preceded by the intensifica- type, which became a placenta isation of the party, and therefore tion of massive revolts across the to serve the interests of the white to mobilize the peasantry across country. bourgeoisie. This was the basis of 17 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

the apartheid colonial nationalism and its ideology that underpinned How business should racial segregation and suprem- acy. On the eve of its centenary, one of the principal political tasks approach opportunities of our Party is to save our revolution from vulgar notions and ex- pressions of opportunism.

Our party is not just an ordinary presented by AfCFTA detachment, but indeed a vanguard detachment, a class con- scious detachment, armed with the knowledge of the life of soci- n By Petrus Mohlomi ety, its laws of development and laws of class struggle.

The Revolutionary Alliance be- FTER the informative free movement of people, labour, tween the African National Con- PBF webinar on the right of residence, right of estab- gress, the South African Commu- COVID-19 rollout plan, lishment, and investment, within nist Party, Congress of the South held virtually on 19 Jan- a block, creating a single curren- African Trade Unions plus the uary,A I was encouraged by our cy and customs union. It has the South African National Civic Or- honourable President Cyril Ra- potential to create a continental ganizations, is the bedrock of our maphosa saying that we have to free trade zone with a combined National Democratic Revolution open our eyes and look for busi- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (NDR). Our revolutionary alliance ness opportunities in the African of US$3.4-trillion, according to is the only formation capable of Continental Free Trade Area (Af- the African Union (AU). This trade taking forward the aspirations of the majority of our people. CFTA) project. agreement, if implemented fully, would lead to the African economy On the eve of the centenary an- The AfCFTA emphasises the re- becoming the largest in the world. niversary celebrations of our van- duction of tariffs and non-tariff bar- guard party, we salute their hero- riers, including the facilitation of Learning from the European Com- ism; we salute their tenacity, their determination and dedication to the cause of the struggle for the liberation of our people. Sebatak- gomo is our party and our party is Sebatakgomo.

Ambassador Phatse Justice Piitso wrote this article on his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of the African National Congress. 18 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE munity and other trade blocks which started to emphasise globalisation, the AfCFTA is following their example: think globally, act nationally.

Based on my wealth of working experience across multiple Afri- can countries, I have written this article to advise how business can approach the opportunity of the AfCFTA project. It is crucial that before you can think of doing business across the African continent, it is important to understand a country’s macro environment dynamics, also the industry and competitive environment in which you want to operate or do business on the African continent.

taken into consideration when as- PESTLE analysis sessing the attractiveness of the Ultimately, the business will need potential market. to develop a strategy or contin- gency plan to ensure that the business can sustain the macro-eco- Political factors nomic challenges that exist in the These factors are all about how new environment and prosper. and to what degree a government intervenes in the economy or a The PESTLE analysis can be of certain industry. Some of the gov- great use in this regard, to anal- ernment intervention can include yse and monitor the macro-envi- government policy and regulation, ronmental factors that might have political stability or instability, cor- a profound impact on business ruption, foreign trade policy, tax performance. policy, labour law, import export The AfCFTA emphasises the regulation or restrictions, bilateral PESTLE stands for Political, Eco- relationships, special tariffs, trade nomic, Social, Technological, En- reduction of tariffs and non-tariff control, political lobbying activities. vironmental and Legal factors. This tool is especially useful when barriers, including the facilitation starting a new business or en- Economic factors tering a foreign market as in the of free movement of people, Economic factors may be used case of entering new African mar- to determine a certain economy’s kets. The PESTLE analysis is of- labour, right of residence, right of performance. Factors include ten used with other business tools economic growth, exchange

such as SWOT analysis and Por- rates, inflation rates, interest ter’s Five Forces, to give a clear establishment, and investment, rates, disposable income of con- understanding of internal and ex- sumers and unemployment rates. ‘ ternal factors that can affect the within a block, creating‘ a single These factors may have a direct performance of the industry within or indirect long-term impact on a a specific country. Each factor will currency and customs union. business, since it affects the pur- be elaborated on below. These chasing power of the consumer are the factors that need to be and could possibly change de- 19 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

changes elsewhere.

Environmental factors Environmental factors have come to the forefront only relatively recently. They have become important due to the increasing scarcity of raw materials and carbon footprint targets set by the government. These factors include ecological and environmental aspects such as weather, climate, environmental offsets, climate change, which may especially affect industries such as tourism, farming, agriculture and insurance. Furthermore, growing awareness of the poten- mand and supply models in the and cultural barriers. tial impacts of climate change is economy. Consequently, it also affecting how businesses operate affects the way companies price These factors are especially im- and the products they offer. their products and services. portant for the marketers when targeting certain customers. In addition, it also says something Legal factors Social factors about the local workforce and its Although these factors may have This dimension of the general en- willingness to work under certain some overlap with the political vironment represents the demo- conditions. factors, they include more specific graphics, characteristics, norms, laws, such as discrimination laws, customs and values of the popu- employment laws, fraud and cor- lation within which the business Technological factors ruption prevention laws, consum- or organisation operated. This These factors pertain to innova- er protection laws, copyright and includes population trends such tion in the technology that may patent laws, environment, health as the population growth rate, affect the operations of the indus- and safety laws. It is clear that income distribution, career atti- try and the market favourably or businesses need to know what is tudes, safety emphasis, health unfavourably. This refers to tech- legal and what is not legal in order consciousness, lifestyle attitude nology incentives, internet infra- to trade successfully and ethical- structure, automation, research ly. If the company trades global- and development (R&D) activ- ly, this becomes especially tricky ity, technology change and the since each country has its own set amount of technological aware- of rules and regulations. In addi- ness that a market possesses. tion, you want to be aware of any These factors may influence deci- potential changes in legislation sions to enter or not enter certain and the impact it may have on industries, to launch or not launch your business in the future. Rec- certain products or to outsource ommended is to have a legal ad- production activities to the coun- visor or attorney to help you with tries that have adequate capabili- these issues. ty and capacity. By knowing what is going on technology-wise, you First published in Business Update, may be able to prevent your busi- Issue 20 ness from spending a lot of mon- A recent roadshow inviting The views and opinions expressed in this ey on developing a technology Rwandan Businesses in that article are solely that of the author and do that would become obsolete very not necessarily reflect the official policy and country to tap into AfCFTA soon due to disruptive technology position of the African National Congress. 20 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Q&A Professor n By Leo Ndabambi John Maluleke

1. Briefly tell us who Professor were forced to be taught in Afri- Maluleke is? kaans, yet knowing very well that Professor John Maluleke was they would not make it through born in Limpopo, Waterberg Dis- their academic journeys. They trict Municipality at the current were denied a legitimate right of Planknek Estate. His parents the language of their choice. could not tolerate the then farm policies of being farm labourers without any compensation for the 4. As a transport economist, hard labour rendered. The family what practices do you think took a strategic decision to aban- people should follow in order don their place of birth in search to further curb the spread of for a peaceful place to settle. COVID-19 in the transportation industry? It is important noting that most of 2. The theme for the ANC in public transport operators and us- 2021 is “The year of Unity, Re- ers alike, find it difficult to comply newal and Reconstruction, in with the 70% capacity rule. The the Year of Charlotte Maxeke.” most negatively affected mode What is it that you can tell us of transport is the taxi industry, about Mhani Charlotte Maxeke which is unable to access any Professor John Maluleke as a scholar? sort of financial or economic sup- Unity is better achieved if organi- port. During this era of COVID-19, sational members strive to attain it would be advisable to explore a common vision, mission and 3. What can we learn from past new ways of fumigating vehicles strategic objectives. Most impor- students and activists of the and ensuring that antibiotic chem- tantly, there has to be the sharing time who revolted and sacri- icals are installed to circulate with of cultural values of respect, hon- ficed their lives during the 1976 the conditioned air. esty, integrity and a passion to June Uprisings? explore. Looking at the life history The lesson to be gained in the of Charlotte Maxeke, a girl who lives young people like Hector 5. Being a Professor in Lo- was born in a deep rural area, it is Pietersen and many others is the gistics, what is your opinion remarkable to know that she un- values of determination and com- on how best we can fight the dertook a venturous educational mitment to what is important in GBVF and LGBTQIA+ second expedition into the social science the life of your community where pandemic? domain to become the first Black you are an emerging leader. Ed- Research has proven that GBVF woman graduate in South Africa. ucation remains the key and and LGBTQIA+ mainly takes To reiterate, she of all the people, the right quality education must place where people have idling was brought up in a rural village be provided to learners and not minds and intoxicating beverag- of Limpopo and proved that it was based on colour, and that no one es, including drugs. In order to possible even for black rural girls should be subjected to an inferi- circumvent this, the total closure to acquire tertiary qualifications or education. What triggered the of the sale of alcohol and other everywhere, including in America. 1976 uprising was when learners related beverages should be en- 21 ANC Today PERSPECTIVE forced. The movement of people should be seriously managed so as to ensure that vagrancy is completely discouraged as it is the main cause leading to GBVF and LGBTQIA+.

6. What has been your proudest moment thus far? My proudest moment in life was when I obtained my first degree after working extremely hard under unbearable conditions. It was at this moment when my former high school teacher came to con- gratulate me and said, “you are the source of our pride my boy. Continue with your studies until you attain your Doctoral Degree.” Indeed, I followed my mentor (Ms. Manzini) and acquired my COVID-19 doctorate and I am a Professor in Transport Economics and Logis- IT’S NOT OVER tics Management today. STOP THE THIRD WAVE 7. What do you think the youth in South Africa can contribute towards Africa especially through the free trade agreement? The youth should take advantage of this opportunity and strive to create public private partnership initiatives. This will need a con- certed effort of our youths bring- ing their expertise under a common intellectual melting pot. The youth must go all out in search for the right education that would enable them to engage in mega projects in Africa.

8. What is your motto? My motto is: ‘never reach a saturation point’ with the acquisi- tion of knowledge. Con- tinue with your studies; it pays intellectual divi- dends at the end! 22 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

12 – 18 June 2021 Sources: SA History Online and O’Malley Archives

■ 12 June 1917 of 7,5 degrees Centigrade. It had to life imprisonment in the Preto- Ansuyah Ratipul Singh, been a 110 years since tempera- ria Supreme Court. The accused medical doctor, community tures were that low and it has nev- may have received the death pen- worker, poet born er been as cold since. In winter, alty, but for a national and global the daily average maximum tem- campaign to prevent this. peratures in Pretoria is 20 degrees with a minimum of 1 degree centigrade. ■ 12 June 2005 Queen Makobo Modjadji VI, dies after a sudden illness ■ 12 June 1964 Rivonia Trial judgement delivered The Rivonia trial, which changed the course of South African history, judgment was delivered on this day. Eight of the accused Nelson On 12 June 1917, Dr Ansuyah Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Walter Ratipul Singh, medical doctor, Sisulu, Andrew Mlangeni, Dennis novelist and community worker, Goldberg, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias was born in Durban. She moved Motsoaledi and Ahmed Kathrada to London where she completed were found guilty and sentenced her degree in Medicine at the Uni- versity of Edinburgh in 1944. In 1946, Dr Singh returned to South Africa and became involved in the Passive Resistance Movement in Durban. She published numerous professional articles. Although Dr Singh was known for her medical work, she was also known as a novelist and the author of two- three act plays. Dr Singh also lectured widely to students on a range of topics ranging from health and family planning, to the arts and the role of women in the Indian community. She continued her medical work until her death in 1979.

■ 12 June 1963 Coldest day in Pretoria The coldest day in Pretoria in recent history was on 12 June 1963. The temperatures plummeted to a minimum of -3,6 and a maximum 23 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

On 12 June 2005, Rain Queen forces from the two British colo- Makobo Modjadji VI died in a nies and two Boer Republic that hospital in Polokwane, Limpopo formed the Union of SA in 1910. Province. Rain Queen Modjadji VI This was the forerunner of the is a direct descendent of one of South African Defense Force and the royal houses of Monomotapa, after 1994, the non-racial and which ruled over the Zimbabwean non-sexist SANDF. people in the 15th and 16th cen- tury. Rain Queen Modjadji VI be- gan her reign in April 2003; when ■ 14 June 1898 she succeeded her grandmother France signs the Niger Mokope Modjadji V. Makobo Mod- Convention jadji VI is the first Rain Queen to trialists – Walter Sisulu, Ahmed The convention was an agreement have received formal education, Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Ray- between France and Britain about and went on to complete high mond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi the portioning of West Africa. The school. The legend of the Rain and Andrew Mlangeni. Dennis partitioning mostly defines bor- Queen has been told for centuries, Goldberg was separated from the ders in West African region today. as even King Shaka Zulu is said to group because he was white, and These decisions determined the have asked for her blessing. served his sentence in Pretoria. borders between former British or French colonies of Nigeria, Gha- na, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin (for- ■ 13 June 1964 ■ 13 June 1912 merly Dahomey). Sometimes bor- Nelson Mandela and fellow South Africa Defense Act ders divided relatives and people Rivonia Trialists arrived on paves way for Union who had previously belonged to Robben Island defense force the same ethno-linguistic groups. Nelson Mandela arrived on Rob- The South Africa Defense Act is A person who fell on the French ben Island to start his lifelong sen- passed, and the Union Defense side of Nigeria-Dahomey border, tence, along with fellow Rivonia Forces (UDF) formed, integrating for example, might have learned French as a second language and migrated to the colonial capital Cotonou. Her cousin on the Ni- gerian side of the border, on the other hand, may have learned En- glish as a second language, and migrated to the Nigerian colonial capital of Lagos.

■ 14 June 1985 Artist Thami Mnyele assassinated On this day, graphic artist, activist and member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, Thamsanqa (Thami) Mnyele was shot and killed by the South African government in Ga- borone, Botswana where he was in exile. In Gaborone Thami par- ticipated in the anti-apartheid cultural organisation, the MEDU Art Ensemble. After killing him, the apartheid agents confiscated his work and soon after displayed it on national television as evidence 24 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY of his so-called terrorist activities. Isaacson High in Soweto to pro- Rev James Calata His works have not yet been re- test against the introduction of Af- covered. rikaans as a language of instruc- tion in schools. This sparked off violent response from the police, ■ 14 June 1977 the killing of young student Hec- Afrikaans Language tor Peterson, and a country wide Monument student uprising which forever The ‘Afrikaanse Taal Monument’ changed events in South Africa. (Monument of the Afrikaans lan- After 1994, following lobbying by guage) near Paarl, was handed to youth and student organisations, the state. The idea of monument the day was declared as South Af- to the Afrikaans language was first rican youth, a public holiday, an- raised in 1942. A local committee nually commemorating the brav- was established to raise funds for ery of the 1976 generation. it, but it only came to fruition when taken over by the whites only Afri- ■ 17 June 1991 kaanse Taal en Kultuur Vereenig- ■ 16 June 1983 De Klerk’s whites-only ing (ATKV) in 1963. The Paarl Rev James Calata born parliament repeal some municipality provided the land (83 Rev. James Arther Calata, who Apartheid laws hectars) for free for this purpose. was born in Cradock in 1930, a The whites-only Parliament voted Building started in 1972 and was founder of the ANC Youth League, to repeal some of the key laws that completed in 1974. The design Secretary General of the ANC, formed the foundation of apart- of the Taal monument represents Defiance campaign volunteer heid, namely the Population Reg- the diversity of the origins of Afri- passed on. Rev. Calata was also ister Act of 1950 (that stripped the kaans, as well as the symbolism a clergy from the Anglican Church. majority of black South Africans of a bridge between Europe and Africa. The monument today also symbolises the debate and challenge by black South Africans who spoke the language, pointing towards the influences of indigenous languages and the Malay language to Afrikaans, in addition to its Dutch origins. After 1994, the monument remained part of South Africa’s national monu- ments.

■ 15 June 1860 First nursing school opened Florence Nightingale, seen as the founder of the modern nursing profession opened the first school for nursing at St Thomas Hospital in London.

■ 16 June 1976 Students March and Police brutality spur 1976 Uprising Students marched from Morris 25 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY of citizenship, with citizenship the legal basis of apartheid. the countries. Ethiopian Prime supposed to be only in the ban- Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018 tustans); the Group Areas Act and signed another peace agreement the Land Act (which together with ■ 18 June 2000 aimed at normalizing relations be- Bantustan acts, preserved 87% of First Ethiopia-Eritrea tween the two neighbours. land for whites); and the Separate Peace agreement signed Amenities Acts, which segregat- Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a ■ 18 June 1995 ed amenities – from public toi- ceasefire in Algiers, capital of Al- Angolan national team lets, benches, beaches, cinemas, geria, ending two years of war with plane crash shops, sports facilities, transport tens of thousands casualties in The Angolan national soccer team facilities, hospitals, etc – between both sides. A 25 kilometer neutral was involved in a plane crash, whites and blacks. This was seen zone resulted, introducing a ‘No- which killed the entire team sup- as part of the process of removing War-No-Peace’ stand-off between port staff and crew.

INTERNATIONAL DAYS

12 – 18 June 2021 Source: https://au.int/en/au-holidays and https://www.un.org

■ 12 June World Day Against Child Labour

This day emerged out of the work of the Internation- discrimination. In some communities, erroneous be- al Labour Organisation to discourage child labour liefs and myths, heavily influenced by superstition, across the world. The theme for 2021 is “Act Now. put the security and lives of persons with albinism at End Child Labour”, as an estimated 168 million chil- constant risk. These beliefs and myths are centuries dren globally are required to work. old and are present in cultural attitudes and practices around the world. The theme for 2021 is #Strength- BeyondAllOdds. South Africa will celebrate this day ■ 13 June as we mourn the passing of one of the most promi- World Albinism Awareness Day nent South African persons living with Albinism, ANC People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimi- leader from the North West, Reverend OJ Tselapedi. nation worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misun- derstood, socially and medically. The physical ap- pearance of persons with albinism is often the object ■ 14 June of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by super- World Blood Donor Day stition, which foster their marginalization and social This day is led by the World Health Organisation exclusion. This leads to various forms of stigma and (WHO), to celebrate people who regularly donate 26 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY blood and the role that they play in health systems. According to the WHO, very few seconds, someone, somewhere, needs blood; and transfusions of blood and blood products save millions of lives every year. Blood and blood products are essential to care for women with pregnancy and childbirth associated bleeding; children with severe anemia due to malaria and malnutrition; patients with blood and bone mar- row disorders, inherited disorders of hemoglobin and immune deficiency conditions; people with traumatic injuries in emergencies, disasters and accidents; and patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical coincides with the celebration of the contribution of procedures. youth and students to the struggle in South Africa. The AU has an African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children. It has been ratified by 41 coun- ■ 14 June tries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao Tome UN World Elder Abuse Day and Principe, Sudan and South Sudan are the only four countries that have not signed the Charter. The 2021 AU theme is “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”.

■ 16 June International Family Remittances Day This day is observed by the United Nations, to draw Around 1 in 6 older people experience some form attention to how migrants (internal and international) of abuse and rates of abuse may be higher for old- contribute to their families. According to the UN, “the er people living in institutions than in the community. day recognizes the contribution of over 200 million to Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and improve the lives of their 800 million family members long-term psychological consequences. It is predict- back home, and to create a future of hope for their ed to increase as many countries are experiencing children”. Half of these flows go to rural areas, where rapidly ageing populations. The global population of poverty and hunger are concentrated, and where re- people aged 60 years and older will more than dou- mittances count the most. South Africa’s also has its ble, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050. own history of the migrant system, where men and South Africa also has more older people, with life ex- women left home to find jobs in cities and on mines pectancy in up from 54 years in 2006 to 64 years in and send money home to their families. Since 1994, 2018. There are now about 4.8 million South Africans more and more people have migrated to the cities, over the age of 60 in a population of 57.7 million peo- and also send money home to their families in rural ple (StatsSA, Midyear Population Estimates, 2018). areas. Some South Africans – nurses, teachers and In 2011, more than half of elderly persons lived in other professions – also work outside of the country extended households, and in the same year, about and send money home. This day celebrates their 19.9% of households were headed by an elderly per- contribution to their families. son. Institutions like the SA Human Rights Commis- sion and NGO’s work with the elderly, to protect their rights. The theme for 2021 is “Access to Justice”. Sources: https://www.un.org/en/events/elderabuse/ and StatsSA

■ 16 June African Union Day of the African Child This day was adopted in 2011 by the African Union Heads of State and Government, to focus attention each year on the situation of children in Africa. It 27 ANC Today THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

■ 17 June of the country. Government has therefore started World Day to Combat Desertification projects to rehabilitated land and fight land degrada- and Drought tion in Sekhukhune district in Limpopo, the Mkhuze catchment area in KwaZulu-Natal and Machubeni catchment management in the Eastern Cape.

■ 18 June Sustainable Gastronomy Day Gastronomy refers to the food we eat, where it’s grown, processed and how we prepare it. Agriculture and agro-processing play an important role in our life, because we all have to eat. Both have an impact on our health and on the planet. The food we eat and how it is prepared is also influenced by culture, and changes in our lifestyle. In the past, we used to eat Desertification refers to the degradation of land in less processed food, eating what we grew locally, arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. And when without much processing. This has changed, intro- there are long droughts (no rain), this becomes even ducing new challenges like obesity. more of a problem. This is as a result of human activities and weather changes. This day celebrates the Governments and international organisations have work done by communities, governments, civil soci- intervened in two main ways. Firstly, by insisting that ety and international organisations to prevent desert- foods are labeled for our safety, so we know what is ification. Across Africa, countries are trying to do this in our food, and if it is harmful. For example, govern- through various projects. Projects include educating ment recently introduced legislation to force produc- farmers so that they do not allow their life stock -cat- ers to find a simpler way of showing how much sugar tle, goats, sheep – to overgraze; crop rotation to help is in the food that we buy. There are also national land recover; and planting more trees. and global rules about labeling where food comes from. We have a Buy South Africa campaign, to The African Union has a project, called the Great support local jobs and businesses. Imported food Green Wall, to plant a wall of trees (1km wide and may sometimes be cheaper, but it is better to support over 8000 km) that stretches from Eritrea and Djibou- local producers, because the food does not have to ti in East Africa, to Senegal on the West of Africa, to have so much preservatives to make it last longer. stop and reverse desertification of the Sahara/Sahel. This also means we must support local food gardens In South Africa, the very dry semi-arid and desert ar- in communities and schools. The other issue is about eas of the Karoo and Namakwa are at risk of desert- country of origin and protecting it as part of preserv- ification, also as the western part of the country gets ing of culture. Not too long ago, we had to fight a dryer because of climate change. Former Bantustan legal battle with someone in another continent who areas are also prone to desertification, because so wanted to claim Rooibos tea as their own and pre- many people were forced to survive on small parts vent us from using the name. The African continent has lots of indigenous plants and food, but we must find a way of protecting and promoting these, as part of our heritage. 28 ANC Today BOOK REVIEW By Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule

Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020 by International Labour Organisation (2020)

The ILO report on the global youth labour markets (published every three years) notes that on most indicators, we are doing poorly: labour market participation of young people continues to decline; the numbers of young people not in education or employment – NEETS – have not decreased sig- nificantly; 126 million out of 429 million young workers live in poverty as a result of informal, inse- cure and atypical jobs; and young people continue to be three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. Moreover, young women are 50% more likely to find themselves amongst the NEETS.

The 2020 GETFY focusses on technology and young people, given that this generation is gen- erally more likely to embrace new technologies than older people.

Key findings of the report include: • Young people across the world are worried that new technologies – particularly robotics and artificial intelligence – may take away their jobs. • There is a considerable digital divide between generations NE year ahead of the opment Goal 8 called for ”full and and regions. adoption of the 2015 UN productive employment and de- Sustainable Development cent work for all”, and by 2020 to • Despite the transformations Goals, one of the UN ensure that the world substantial- brought about by the Fourth In- Oagencies in their reports on global ly reduces the proportion of youth dustrial Revolution, employers’ demographics noted that “never be- not in employment, education or and jobseekers’ occupational fore have there been so many young training (NEET); better facilitate preferences have remained people…never again will there be the transition from education to quite stable. such potential” (UNFPA, 2014). the world of work, and develop • Applicants for jobs in most sec- and operationalize a global strat- tors are now expected to have As a result, Sustainable Devel- egy for youth employment. digital skills. 29 ANC Today BOOK REVIEW By Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule

• Vocational training is more like- • As is the need for better orga- the report are Angola, Cameroon, ly to lead to employment in jobs nization, voice representation Democratic Republic of the Con- that are at risk of automation. and collective bargaining to go, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte • Young graduates are having ensure appropriate wages and d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Nigeria, trouble finding entry-level jobs working conditions for young South Africa, United Republic of that match their qualifications. workers. Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia, accounting for all five re- • The falling returns to tertia- • Along with the need for gender-responsive approaches. gions and 65% of the continental ry education have dampened youth labour market. wages at the top for youth, • Digital technologies present influencing wage inequality an excellent opportunity to South Africa’s deepening young among them. strengthen employment ser- unemployment crisis reflects • On the whole, there is a lack vices and job matching; and many of the global trends high- of adequate decent jobs for • Social dialogue must include lighted in the report, and this is young people. the voices of young people. therefore a must-read as we grap- ple with solutions to this seeming- In the light of these findings, the African countries represented in ly intractable national challenge. report recommends that: • Effective policies are required Unemployed in South Africa to ensure that new technolo- – by age group gies have a positive impact on youth employment. • Such policies should be part of an integrated strategy to create decent jobs for young people • Prioritizing and sequencing policies for youth employment is critical.

The report can be downloaded from https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/---publ/documents/publication/wcms_737648.pdf 30 ANC Today X-WORD

#YouthMonth The Youth Labour Market

ACROSS DOWN 4. Major challenge of the youth labour market is this 1. Performance of the youth labour market is linked transition. to the overall economy and ... for labour. 9. Young people are .. ... as likely to be unemployed 2. ... means young peoples capacities are not fully than ... utilized. 10. Currently out of work, currently available for work 3. Young workers are mainly found in ... employment and seeking work is the official definition of ... 5. Young people without work, gave up on ever 11. Young people not in education or employment finding a job. are also referred to as ... 6. Many young workers earn so little, they are part of 12. Young people in internships often suffer from the ... this, yet their incomes remain the same. 7. A major determinant of young people’s 13. Young people encouraged to be this rather than employability job seekers. 8. Labour market projects to prepare young people for work often focuses on this. WORD BANK NEETS youth unemployment three times adults discouraged vulnerable working poor underemployment school to work education skills overemployment entrepreneurs work experience aggregate demand