1 ANC Today VOTE ANC 46 VOICE OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS DAYS LEFT 23 -28 March 2019

Conversations with the President

Indigenous languages as fundamental to our Human rights culture

ood morning. supang seo batho re leng sona, worth and humanity of every South A proposal has been submitted to Goeidag. Sanibonani. e bohareng ba seo re leng sona African. Parliament to elevate South African Dumelang. Avuxeni. ebile ke setso sa batho, puo ke ka It is said that when a language dies, Sign Language to the status of an Molweni. Lotjhani. moo batho ba itlhalosang ka teng, a way of understanding the world official language. !kai//oab. Ndaa. I mme ke lefa la bohlokwahadi leo dies with it. We therefore highlight Next month, the very first Xitsonga offer tribute to the ba le fetisetsang baneng ba bona. what is being done to conserve drama series will premiere on SABC. diversity of our great land, and to [Language is an integral part of the languages that are in danger of In ons verlede is taal as ‘n instrument theG rich cultural tapestry on which identity of a people. It is at the heart becoming extinct. van onderdrukking gebruik. Vandag the story of our people and their of who they are, of their culture, of The Nama language of the Khoisan is dit ‘n bron van bemagtiging en history has been woven since the how they define themselves, and the people is now being taught in trots. [In our past, language was dawn of time. most important legacy they pass to primary schools in the Northern used as an instrument of oppression. U kona u amba luambo lwau lwa their children.] Cape, and a language rule book is Today, it is a source of empowerment ḓamuni, u ri ṅwana wau a kone u We dedicate Human Rights being finalised by the Pan South and pride.] funzwa tshikoloni nga luambo lwawe Day this year to the promotion African Language Board. Every time an indigenous language lwa ḓamuni, ndi yone pfanelo ya of indigenous languages as a The Commission for the Promotion is spoken freely and without restraint, ndemesa ya muthu. [To be able to fundamental part of our human and Protection of the Rights of every time one is broadcast on our speak one’s mother tongue, to have rights culture, coinciding with 2019 Cultural, Religious and Linguistic airwaves – re dira se e le segopotšo one’s children taught in their mother as the United Nations International Communities is actively involved go motheo wa tumelo yeo e tongue, is the most fundamental of Year of Indigenous Languages. in resuscitating Isihlubi, Isibhaca, hlagišitšwego go matsenyagae a human rights.] By giving respect to all our Northern Ndebele and other Molaotheo wa rena. […we are Puo ke karolo ya bohlokwa e languages, we affirm the dignity, indigenous languages. paying homage continues on page 5

Banks, Racial Choosing who we 2019 UNESCO Profiling and are is a Human International Year of Access to Capital Right Indigenous Languages

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Cyclone Idai 3 ANC Today

Editorial Banks, Racial Profiling and Access to Capital

he continuing evidence It is a fallacy to believe that justice pervasive poverty among the that comes to the fore can be achieved by behaving as majority of black South Africans, is that the financial if all South Africans are operating accompanied by high levels sector in on an equal playing field. The of unemployment, result in an remains untransformed most superficial assessment almost insurmountable series and must be noted with of the spatial planning that of obstacles that prevent the dismay and deep concern. The bestowed as a curse majority of black South Africans realityT is that the financial sector, on our society, and ingrained from being able to access home and especially the South African through the Group Areas Act, loans and other financial services banks and insurance companies, shows that the majority of black from our banks. will never transform for as long (especially African) South Africans It is truly disingenuous for our as they fail to acknowledge the are still living in townships that banks to claim that they simply longstanding and fundamental are geographically far removed apply ‘objective criteria’ in dealing inequalities that have been from commercial and industrial with the bond and loan applications Dr. Elias Sekgobelo “Ace” created over centuries because centers where they are employed. of all South Africans. There is Magashule ANC Secretary of colonialism and apartheid. It is a basic real estate principle no such thing as fairness and General These continue to be based that location is the predominant objectivity while the heavy yoke of on blatant racism through the factor in determining property the history of apartheid exploitation deliberate exploitation of black value, and often this is also continues to weigh down on the people (especially Africans) by closely followed by the levels shoulders of the majority of black a system designed by whites to of services, in the case of many South Africans. One is shocked advantage themselves at the cost townships specifically the lack to hear the lame explanations of the majority of black South thereof, and high levels of crime. by senior executives across Africans. These factors, together with the the board of continues on page 4 4 ANC Today

Editorial continued from page 3 Banks, Racial Profiling and Access to Capital

all our major banks, that average black South Africans often have their bond and loan applications turned down because of their ‘adverse risk profiles’, and in instances where they do get access to capital, the conditions of the loans and property bonds that are granted to them are more onerous with higher monthly repayments and insurance levies, than what is in general the case for white South Africans. These executives are defending the indefensible, because what they are doing is in fact racial profiling. In doing so they are allowing the insidious and evil consequences of apartheid to continue unabated and to severely disadvantage, and often destroy, the hopes for a better life for the majority of black South Africans. It is with utter dismay that one notices how our major banks fail to appreciate this glaringly obvious situation that undermines the ability of the majority of black South Africans to advance and of March, issued a media statement They are absolutely critical to improve their lives, despite hard condemning the alleged use of In our South African redress the continuing racist-based work and their own best efforts. race-based pricing to determine context, these financial practices that the ANC It must be understood that black interest rates premiums on loans in monopolies remain condemned in our media statement South Africans have in every respect general, and specifically property of March the 13th. The foundation of their daily lives, including the bonds. These allegations must in white hands, that must secure and underpin the accumulation of assets and capital, be urgently investigated by the and the excessive effective implementation of those been deliberately and systematically relevant authorities, and those RET Resolutions is the critical held back and disadvantaged by who are found guilty of racial concentration of Resolution for the expropriation racially defined practices and profiling, including the red-lining wealth and financial of land without compensation. legislation for centuries by white of residential areas that were It is of great importance that colonists, and since 1948 when previously defined as exclusively power in the hands the intentions of those pro RET the National Party came into for the occupation of black South of large corporations Resolutions, defining the just power this situation worsened Africans by the Group Areas Act, financial super-structure that needs and was further solidified by the and overall race-based pricing, inevitably leads to be erected on the foundation policy of apartheid. Let us not should face the full might of the to abuse and of the return of the land to the forget that the United Nations law. exploitation. people of South Africa, have (UN) declared apartheid a crime It follows that black South Africans also found expression in our against humanity. For our major who have been victims of such ANC Election Manifesto, with a banks and financial institutions racist and unethical business specific commitment to address effectively redress racist injustices to still continue to recognize the practices should be fully reimbursed monopolies. In our South African of the past and to provide black legacy and consequences of this for any and all damages that they context, these monopolies remain South Africans with opportunities crime against humanity as so-called have suffered. Their interest rate in white hands, and the excessive to escape the race-based poverty ‘legitimate financial criteria’, and to payments must be recalibrated to concentration of wealth and trap created by apartheid, and apply such in considering access reflect the true cost of their loans. financial power in the hands of to financial services and loans to Such a recalibration process must which still continues to be so large corporations inevitably leads black South Africans, is not only to also ensure that the continuing insidiously prevalent. Race-based to abuse and exploitation. The perpetuate the institutionalization socio-economic consequences poverty perpetuated and abetted ANC Elections Manifesto commits of racist injustice, but is in fact of apartheid, including apartheid by our financial institutions can us to taking the necessary steps criminal in itself. It falls short of spatial settlement patterns, are simply not be justified, nor tolerated to fundamentally and radically every single just and fair intention discounted. Our banks and other in any form whatsoever in our transform and diversify our financial that our liberation struggle was financial institutions have a moral democracy. services. As part of this process all about. It adds insult to injury! obligation to promote the availability As part of preventing such racist it is absolutely urgent that we No black South African can, or of loans, property bonds and the practices from continuing, the ANC must establish a State Bank, and should, ever tolerate this. general availability of capital at adopted pro Radical Economic also take every step possible to This is why the African National cheaper discounted rates to Transformation (RET) Resolutions ensure the establishment of truly Congress on Wednesday, the 13th black South Africans, in order to at its 54th National Conference. black owned banks. 5 ANC Today

Conversations with the PRESIDENT continued from page 1 Indigenous languages as fundamental to our Human rights culture to the core belief expressed in the preamble to our Constitution.] ENERGY AS A HUMAN Ka gore re setšhaba se se RIGHTS ISSUE kopantšwego ka go fapana ga rena. “Energy, like housing, water We are a nation united in our and health care, is a human rights issue. It may not be diversity. mentioned in the Bill of Rights, It was here in Sharpeville that but it is fundamental to the President signed dignity, safety, health and the Constitution of South Africa well-being of our people. into law, enshrining the rights of all None dare deny that we have people. made remarkable progress Today, we gather here again, at in providing our people with a place where one of the greatest access to electricity. tragedies in our country took place. In 1994, only 36% of the The killing of unarmed civilians by population had access to a callous and brutal regime – both electricity. Today, 8 out of 10 here and in Langa – showed the South Africans have electricity in their homes. Yet, we are currently facing a WORLD DOWN SYNDROME severe energy crisis that is having DAY – 21 May 2019 a profound impact on the lives “As South Africa marks Human of our people and our economy. Rights Day on the same day that Restoring a reliable supply of electricity – and ensuring that the United Nations celebrates we have a sustainable model World Down Syndrome Day, for affordable energy into the because our approach to the future – is now one of our most needs and interests of persons urgent priorities. We have confronted difficulties with disability is at all times guided before – challenges that have by our Bill of Rights. On this day, seemed insurmountable – but we must support efforts to raise we have prevailed, through awareness about down syndrome working together and never giving up. and confront discrimination, ignorance and prejudice. We must We will overcome the electricity affirm our determination that in crisis, just as we will overcome the struggle for human rights – to unemployment and poverty, might, they could not extinguish We invoke their memories when we crime and corruption. borrow the theme of World Down the torch of liberty carried by the look at just how far we have come as Syndrome Day – we must leave brave men and women who came a nation in advancing human rights The achievement of a society that no one behind. before us. across our society. respects fundamental human rights It is for that reason that we will Kodwa ezo mbumbulo zange Gompieno re tshela mo was hard won. move with urgency to sign and zibaphelise , zange futhi setšhabeng se se gololesegileng, We fought, we resisted, and ratify the Africa Disability Protocol, ziphelise oko babekumele. [Those moo ditshwanelo tsa batho botlhe di ultimately, we prevailed. in terms of the requirements of our bullets did not kill their spirits, and sirelediwang le go netefatsa gore di what they stood for.] a obamelwa ka tiriso ya Molaotheo Ri tshimbila kha ṋayo dza Vho law, so that it may soon become They had set in motion a process wa rona. Nelson Mandela, Vho Robert an official legal instrument of the that 25 years ago would free our [Today we live in a free society, Mangaliso Sobukwe, Vho Steve African Union.” President Cyril people of their chains. where the human rights of all are , Vho Mme Winnie Madikizela- Ramaphosa Because of them, the children of protected and enforced through our Mandela, Vho Mme Albertina Sisulu Sharpeville, of Langa, of Soweto, of Constitution.] na vhaṅwe vhaḓivhalea vha nndwa Umlazi, of Zamdela, of Lephalale, Bound by our belief in our ya mbofholowo. [We walk in the world the bitter reality of life for black will never know the pain and Constitution, we continue to work footsteps of Nelson Mandela, South Africans under the terror of humiliation of being a stranger in the towards the realisation of a country Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, Steve apartheid. land of their birth. that is united, non-racial, non-sexist, Biko, Mama Winnie Madikizela- The Sharpeville and Langa Our freedom was won through prosperous and free. Mandela, Mama Albertina Sisulu massacre came to symbolise the their courage, and we owe them As the elected government of the and many other luminaries of our moral superiority of the anti- an immense debt. Ngakho- people, for the people and by the struggle.] apartheid cause. ke, sihlonipha lawo maqhawe people, respect for human rights is We draw strength and courage Though lacking the guns of their namaqhawekazi abantu bethu the bedrock of our actions. from them as we confront the oppressors, they were determined abakhokhela inkululeko yethu Working together, we have challenges of the here and now. to stand up for what was right, ngezimpilo zabo. Amagama abo transformed South Africa from a Together, let us deepen the culture no matter the cost. Babeze ayohlala eqoshwe emlandweni society driven by a race-based, ngoxolo, baze bahlangatyezwa wethu, ngeke siwalibale. [And so exclusionary and divisive ideology, of human rights and become true yimvula yeembumbulu. [They came we pay homage to these heroes and to a democracy where all citizens human rights activists – committed in peace, and were met by a hail of heroines of our people who paid for enjoy equal rights before the law. to dignity, freedom, justice and bullets.] our liberation with their lives. Their equality. The regime had no regard for even names are forever etched on the The road travelled Not just for ourselves or our families the most basic of human rights, the scroll of our history, and they will The road we have travelled has or our communities, but for the sake right to protest freely. But try as they never be forgotten.] been a long one. of this beautiful land that we all share. 6 ANC Today

DOMESTIC Choosing who we are is a Human Right

By Busani Ngcaweni

outh Africa this as the right of any individual, ‘to are still trapped in abject poverty matter at the hands of the police year marks the first hold opinions without interference and appalling living conditions. to deal with it. jubilee of freedom and to seek, receive and impart The struggle against apartheid Look for example the brutal and democracy, information and ideas through any discrimination on the bases of murder 11 years ago of our and the question is media and regardless of frontiers’. gender or race was an unequivocal former national football soccer whether our people Human rights involves the right challenge to the system that was player, Banyana Banyana, Ms are winning the fight against daily to express an opinion however with declared “crime against humanity”. Eudy Simelane who was brutally incidentsS of human rights violation. the limits on those expressions The African National Congress murdered and gang raped by five On a global stage, the proposals which incite violence or harmful. Government continue to advocate by the International Association When it comes to the issue of for the interests and protection of men in KwaThema township of of Athletics Federations that equality as a human right matter, the minority groups who continues Springs in the East Rand. The list aim to restrict female athletes’ much is still left to be done to to confront the daily abuses against goes on which includes among testosterone levels has left the redress past inequalities in our their human rights and however others rights activists from LGBTI nation and the world in disbelief. growing democracy. It is not more still remains to be done. whose members were harassed It is one absurd strike directed enough for anyone to have the Incidents of human rights across the country. at the heart of our value system, rights to dignity while such dignity violation remains rife especially However, we have a progressive Ubuntu and Constitutional enshrined gets trampled upon daily. those that manifest through Constitution and legislations that democratic principles that thrive The rampant incidents of blatant violence perpetrated against guarantee, prevent and prohibit to achieve an egalitarian society racism are a clear confirmation black lesbians and members of unfair discrimination as well as that is free from discrimination, that there are clear minorities who the LGBTI community. This clearly harassment. It will however take whatever form it manifest itself. yearn for the return of their past indicate that the campaign and the efforts of everyone in society to This is plainly a violation of Caster glories that excluded majority. strategies to address incidents play our role to promote equality, Semenya’s human rights. Besides, human rights will have of human rights violations need Apart from our Constitution’s no meaning unless it involves the multipronged approach rather than be it at churches or universities unequivocal stand on protection rights to social justice in a non- leaving it to government alone. corridors so that we can win the of human rights, the Universal sexist society where redressing The nature in which these fight against unfair discrimination Declaration of Human Rights the past imbalances takes a incidents takes place confirms which is an enemy of human rights defines freedom of expression centre stage. Many of our people that it will be fruitless to leave the in South Africa. 7 ANC Today

DOMESTIC Moral regeneration and Social Cohesion

he events preceding the formation of the South African National Native Congress (SANNAC) in 1912 should serve as an arsenal of knowledge and wisdomT for our nation and the future generations. In 1870’s the Ethiopian Church Movement was formed as a response to land dispossession from the 1800’s. African Independent Churches (Ethiopian Churches) were formed as a further attempt to fight the injustice perpetuated by missionaries to our South African people. SANNAC was renamed African National Congress (ANC) in 1923. Both leaders and products of these churches were central in the formation of the ANC. Zionist poorest of the poor, more especially and Apostolic Churches offered This compels us to spiritual support and guidance to in townships and rural areas. And our Movement. not lose sight of other thus, the poorest of the poor will be involved in the administration Efforts of nation building and social languages that are not cohesion should not be separated of justice. The establishment of from spiritual transformation. The mentioned as official community rehabilitation and social integration centers will enhance latter serves as an embodiment of in our constitution, Ubuntu/Botho that is rooted in our our efforts of combating all the culture as Africans. On January like Khoisan, Libaledu, social ills through the integrated 12, 2019, the ANC celebrated approach. This should include an its 107 years of existence and Indians and etc. audit of the liberation war veterans throughout those years it used who are defined as across political spectrum to deal with the undesirable plight of their spiritual guidance as its moral ‘Blacks’. compass. Dr. , ANC families and this should not be The re-launching of the Moral Cultural and Religious Affairs exclusive of the broader society. Regeneration Movement (MRM), Sub-Committee The preservation and development is a constitutional obligation. It is may in many respects help in Chairperson of sacred heritage sites would within this context that the South raising consciousness about the promote and develop indigenous African National Lexicography Charter of Public Values that our African Religions, languages Units were ‘created to develop and practice. When these areas nation is in dire need of. The re- single entity. They will be able to material to assist government are developed this would boost publication and dissemination of interact with the Royal Forums in departments to meet their the level of tourism and thus, MRM founding documents to the the Continent, the African Diaspora language obligations and for use in contributing towards the growth general citizenry of our country and elsewhere. This will further should serve as a fitting response schools and tertiary institutions’. of our GDP of our country. promote the formation of traditional in this regard. This milestone initiative must be Our success to achieve the court structures at different levels Like the re-birth of any nation, embraced by the citizenry, more above depends largely on and will significantly boost our the re-launch of the Children’s especially at grassroots level and discipline and commitment, as efforts of reclaiming our proud Right Committee depends on what in rural areas in particular. The these are constructive weapons and unique identity as an African society invests in the youth from ANC-led liberation Movement of transformation. The assertion Society. Further, the facilitation early childhood. Education is a should jealously advance, deepen of the African hegemony can be of the formation of Traditional fitting tool to be used to inculcate and defend this. In so doing, our best achieved through multi- the values of Ubuntu/Botho, to resolve and pace of advancing the Health Practitioners’ Councils cultural and non-racial society. promote multilingualism among National Democratic Revolution will further enhance the above in This compels us to not lose the youth and to promote the Bill would become consistent with terms of promoting the regulation sight of other languages that are of Responsibilities and the Charter the legitimate expectations of of traditional health practices; not mentioned as official in our of Positive Values in our schools. our people. protecting and preserving the constitution, like Khoisan, Libaledu, The establishment of partnerships The facilitation of the formation indigenous knowledge systems Indians and etc. who are defined with Faith-Based Organisations of the Royal Forums of Kings and and above all of promoting and as ‘Blacks’. When this reality is will enhance our efforts towards Queens is one of the initiatives whose establishment of Medical Museums. ignored, certainly it will be used social and spiritual transformation. objective is to create conducive The establishment of community to campaign for racial and/or Our eleven official languages condition to enable them to discuss based Advice and Paralegals Offices ethnic divisions among citizenry. should be treated equally. This matters of common interests as a to make justice accessible to the 8 ANC Today

DOMESTIC Technology, a new threat to Human Rights?

rtificial intelligence colonialism and apartheid. Since These cars are more likely to hit (AI), internet of things the democratic breakthrough of darker skinned pedestrians. This and 3D printing form 1994, the African National Congress means that we are challenged part of a bouquet (ANC) has put in place policy to develop technologies that are of technologies that measures aimed at overcoming appropriate to our own social make up what has colonial and apartheid exclusion setting, including and in particular come to be known as the Fourth of the majority. our developmental needs, which can IndustrialA Revolution. The adoption of the 1996 only be achieved by accelerating As with the technologies of the constitution represented a the momentum of our national previous industrial revolutions, great step forward towards the human resource development technologies of the fourth industrial attainment of civil and political initiatives. revolution are critical drivers in rights for all South Africans. The Yuval Harari postulates that: reshaping the way human beings constitution envisaged both formal “As biotechnology and machine relate with each other and their and substantive equality. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane learning improve, it will become external world. Yet, the replacement of human is Member of the NEC of the easier to manipulate people’s They hold great promise for labour by machines runs the risk ANC and the Minister of Science deepest emotions and desires, humanity inasmuch as they portend of undermining efforts to ensure and Technology and it will become more dangerous serious socio-economic and human access to valued goods and than ever to just follow your heart.” rights challenges. services for the majority of South According to Harari: “As the For the advantages, they range Africans against whom history has pace of change increases, the from medical breakthroughs such conspired for more than 350 years. very meaning of being human is as AI’s ability to detect tumours In their book: “Race against the which doctors are, at present, ... the African Machine,” Erik Brynjolfsson and likely to mutate and physical and unable, as well as AI’s capacity to National Congress Andrew McAfee of MIT University cognitive structures will melt”. preserve indigenous languages. observe that “Many workers … So, as the human “organic A medical team led by University (ANC) has put in are losing the race against the operating system” is impacted from of Pretoria’s Professor Mashudu machine… It may seem paradoxical without by technology, the concept Tshifularo recently performed the place policy measures that faster progress can hurt wages of human rights will necessarily world’s first successful 3D-printed and jobs for millions of people, assume new meanings. Ways will bone surgical transplant into the aimed at overcoming but we argue that’s what’s been have to be found to maximise the middle ear of a patient who had happening...” benefits of the fourth industrial lost their hearing. colonial and apartheid We now know that existing revolution while at the same time Technology, however, exists in face recognition systems cannot mitigating its potential dangers. a social and historical context. exclusion of the accurately recognise darker skinned One area through which this can The majority of South Africans still majority. people, and self-driving vehicles be achieved is the evolution of contend with the bitter heritage of suffer from the same problem. appropriate laws and regulations. 9 ANC Today

DOMESTIC 2019 UNESCO International Year of

Indigenous Languages By Terence Ball

uring the International Year of Indigenous Languages, it is worth remembering that those involved in crafting our Constitution, now more than twenty years ago, recognised that the preservation and development of ourD indigenous languages were, and indeed still are, sufficiently important to warrant the inclusion of actions that must be undertaken by the State in their support. We believe the inclusion of these language Clauses in Chapter 1 of the Constitution further underscores the importance accorded to them. The Constitution states as follows: Chapter 1 6(2): “Recognising the historically diminished use and status of the indigenous languages of our people, the state must take practical and positive measures to elevate the status and advance the use of these languages.” Chapter 1 6(4): “all official languages must enjoy parity of esteem and must be treated equally.” Clause 237: “All Constitutional obligations must be performed diligently and without delay” In order to assist in achieving these objectives, Parliament created the National Lexicography Units - one in each official language, and stipulated that the nine indigenous language Units - each based in the Province or geographical area in which majority of people speak their language - must develop: “dictionaries and other material in the indigenous languages which will elevate the status and advance the use of the language”. In the early 2000’s, work began on developing single volume monolingual and bilingual dictionaries in each of the nine official indigenous languages. The monolinguals are intended to elevate the status of each language and the bilinguals to advance their use, while also improving mother tongue indigenous language speaker’s fluency in English. Dictionary use by our people, in our schools and tertiary institutions is essential in improving spelling, expanding the user’s vocabulary and developing basic reference skills. The majority of South African learners, from Grade 4 upwards, are studying in a language which is not their mother tongue. These learners need the support of our dictionaries to learn sufficient English, from the Foundation Phase upwards, to ensure they understand what is taught in their content subjects. Supporting importance of the work done by the Units Technology, is based at the University of learners in this category, and those learning and that the use of dictionaries, and not the North West, Potchefstroom. They are in an indigenous language as a second or third their development alone, will achieve our the process of digitising all our indigenous language is, in the opinion of the Units, as Constitutional obligations and improve the languages in order to create a full range of important as our Constitutional obligations. quality of teaching and learning. online dictionaries. On the 24th October 2017, Parliament During the course of 2019, the National These events will be used to create an announced that: “The dictionaries in indigenous Lexicography Units, in co-operation with languages should be made available to the SADiLAR, will be holding events to celebrate awareness of the functions of both parties and respective groups and schools as soon as each of our official languages. SADiLAR, what we are doing, on behalf of Government, possible”. A statement which recognises the funded by the Department of Science and to fulfil the requirements of our Constitution. 10 ANC Today

DOMESTIC Human Rights are also Children’s Rights

By Ouma Khasu

children languished in prisons colonialism. Sadly, to date, redress necessarily a celebration, but a through unlawful detentions remains a mirage. Worst recently, painful reminder of the atrocities A case in without trial and imprisonment. we saw the masses in Vryburg of the 80’s directed at the youth Parents and adults in communities demonstrating against non-service and particularly children. It point was the were left helpless in the midst of delivery such as water. It is sad an abominable system that had that such common inhumane should remind us of those painful community no mercy and no regard for the deeds affect women and children. experiences that destroyed the of Huhudi in rights of children. The conditions of the community lives and livelihood of families. It was in the 80’s, where the state of Huhudi in the form of basic The ANC, as a critical embodiment Vryburg, in of emergencies were proclaimed services such as water, sanitation of the wishes and aspirations of in succession and brought our and roads have no immediate the down-trodden masses of the today’s North communities to a complete stand- solution even in a Democratic people, must raise the awareness still. A case in point was the state we are in. The rural areas West Province. community of Huhudi in Vryburg, in the entire South Africa are of the state apparatus to bring in today’s North West Province. still neglected in terms of being redress to millions of children and Years later, the Truth and provided with basic Human the youth, not only in Huhudi, in Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Rights needs. This, in my view, hat strikes you glaringly the restoration of their rights to collated horrific, traumatic stories is a Betrayal to the Trauma and as you peer into the dignity through education and of young people then, who suffered sacrifices of the young activists period of the 1980’s provision of all basic services. It under those conditions of utter of the 80’s. The consciousness is the gross violation distress which were a direct and of a democratic state must be is important that 21st of March Wof the rights of children by the unquestionable conduct of the awakened to begin to recognise emphasize and highlight such apartheid system. Thousands of repulsive system of apartheid that Human Rights Day is not matters. 11 ANC Today

DOMESTIC We stand tall and proud on their broad shoulders

50 years since Nicodemus Kakadi Kgoathe was callously The story of Nicodemus murdered by the apartheid Kgoathe is the embodiment police. and expression of the arly in 1969, in one of the remote area struggle of those men in the North West and women in South Province, whose combined community Africa who dared to of the villages Hebron, Kgabalatsane and Rabokala, challenge the obnoxious knownE as Bakwena ba Mogopa, Nicodemus Kakadi Kgoathe was system of apartheid. brutally murdered by the apartheid police. This heinous crime shocked the people of South Africa to the core, in what again exposed the Joubert stated: “It is my opinion inhuman way in which the apartheid that he was suffering from the regime dealt with its opponents. after-effects of a concussion Kgoathe, a member of the Khudu and needed to be treated by a Tlou community organisation, was specialist.” He went on to testify arrested in November 1968 with 16 that Kgoathe had told him that he others for protesting against the had fallen in the shower room but, appointment of a new headman after the surgeon refused to accept who was clearly a lackey for the this explanation, Kgoathe admitted apartheid regime. Attempts had that he had been assaulted. “It is been made to burn the offices of my opinion that Kgoathe’s injuries the headman at the tribal offices were the result of an assault,” the in Hebron. The apartheid police surgeon told the court. He said were swift in their pursuit to crush this protest action which they that linear marks on the shoulders feared would serve as an example of the deceased could have been for other communities to rise caused by a sjambok (whip) and up against the hated Bantustan the three u-shaped wounds behind system. Most of the members of the right thigh by the buckle of Khudu Tlou were hunted down a belt. and summarily arrested. Some A sergeant at the Silverton of the detainees were held for police station also testified that up to eight months before being Kgoathe had complained of body to see. Hereunder are conclusions charged. However, Kgoathe’s pains and said that he had been from the TRC regarding the case detention took only four months assaulted by the security police of freedom fighter. (TRC Final Report, Volume 3, before he met his cruel death at during interrogation, but said he “The Commission finds that Chapter 6, Subsection 11) the hands of the apartheid police. refused to lay a charge. Police Mr Nicodemus Kgoathe died in The story of Nicodemus Kgoathe According to documents gleaned witnesses, including Warrant police custody on 4 February is the embodiment and expression from archives (JB00113/03NWRUS), Officer F Smith, Warrant Officer 1969 after having been assaulted of the struggle of those men Kgoathe was taken from the J Venter and Detective Sergeant and women in South Africa who Silverton police cells to the HF A de Meyer of the security police by members of the SAP Security Verwoerd (today’s Steve Biko) who interrogated Kgoathe on Branch namely, Warrant Officer dared to challenge the obnoxious hospital on 21 January 1969 and the 16 and 17 January, insisted FA Smith, Warrant Officer JM system of apartheid. It is one of died on 4 February, because of that he had slipped and fallen Venter and Detective Sergeant countless painful episodes in “pneumonia”. Kgoathe had been during a shower on that day. The A de Meyer. our history that happened to the moved to hospital after admitting magistrate, Mr CG Jordan, found finest sons of South Africa, and to the district surgeon, Dr PJE that, in the light of the evidence, he The Commission finds further indeed of Africa. What makes it Joubert, that he had been assaulted was not in a position to conclude that the failure of the Magistrate more poignant is the fact that the at the Compol Building in Pretoria. that any person was to blame for to find the police responsible for struggle for freedom was fought in At the inquest, the district Kgoathe’s death. the torture and subsequent death the rural areas, far from the glare surgeon, Dr PJE Joubert, testified In excerpts from the Truth and of Nicodemus Kgoathe created a of the bright city lights. It is a story that he had examined Kgoathe two Reconciliation Commission (TRC), climate and culture of impunity that should constantly remind us weeks before his death and had horrendous stories emerged which that directly contributed to the that freedom was never free and arranged for him to be admitted shocked not only members of the commission of further gross that thestruggle for freedom and to hospital after finding that he Commission, but the whole world as human rights violations by the social justice continues. moved with extreme difficulty. Dr these were televised for the world South African Police... “ 12 ANC Today

DOMESTIC Dr Essop Jassat – serving the ANC-led Alliance for 70 years

By Haroon Aziz

n January 13, 1949 Essop Jassat Jassat’s unique entered the liberation movement by licking contribution to South envelopes to raise funds for the victims African history in the of public violence. He was 14-years old.O post-Rivonia era of His love for history and debates saw him elected as the Chairperson totalitarianism was that of the History and Debating Society he had the rare insight at the Johannesburg Indian High School. and foresight to ensure His legendary teacher, P S Joshi, raised his consciousness the organized continuity of apartheid, colonialism, and imperialism and inculcated in him of history in the valid his lifelong reading habit. In 1951 he was elected as the Congress tradition Chairperson of the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress, President of being embedded of the South African Indian Youth amongst the masses. Congress, executive member of Transvaal Indian Congress, and member of Youth Action Council (led by ANCYL). Zaheera) had to sacrifice a normal In 1951-53 he studied for a family life. B.Sc. degree at Wits University, When asked was she not mad In 1978 he helped form the political struggle, medical practice, where he qualified as a medical in marrying a banned person, Solidarity Front (comprised of and human welfare activities. doctor in 1960. Shereen replied softly that once Congress and Black Consciousness His theme was medical ethics In 1959 he was recruited into she had committed to marriage she organizations) to oppose participation and he used the martyrdom of the MK Guard/Reconnaissance could not withdraw. The marriage in the South African Indian Council Steve Biko to illustrate the lack Unit, which kept watch outside the endured lifelong. Both believed in (SAIC), which was a structure of of ethics of apartheid medicine. premises where the banned SACP the institution of the family being apartheid’s STRATCOM. He defended the nobility of were holding their underground the basic unit of the nation. In 1980-82 he oversaw the medicine as a compassionate meetings. The Unit also identified His mother, Khatija Haffejee, an deracialization of social welfare science. He seminally outlined possible sabotage targets. enthusiastic follower of Dr Yusuf agencies. the Health Promotion Model Driven purely by altruistic motive Dadoo, was his alarm clock on In 1981 he was elected the (HPM) in contrast to the out-dated he opened his surgery at 13 Bree every Monday morning to remind Chairperson of the Anti-SAIC biomedical model, which relied on Street, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, him to report to the police, in terms Committee, which successfully the germ causation of diseases in 1962. There he served the sick of his banning order. His humble boycotted the ethnic election. and syndromes. Serious HIV/AIDS In 1985 he together with Ma for fifty-five unbroken years, during father, Essack, was a hawker of researchers began using HPM and Albertina Sisulu and others were the course of which he performed soft goods. discovered that its causes could about 40000 circumcisions, charged for high treason in the In 1964 he was arbitrarily be traced back to benign syphilis successfully. His altruism was detained for ninety days without Pietermaritzburg Supreme Court. in the 1930s when the expansion motivated by his desire to serve trial. He was suspected to be a After a lengthy trial all the accused of the manufacturing industry humanity through his healing bomb-constructor because of his persons were found not guilty, attracted migrant workers into the hands. B.Sc. degree. thanks mainly to the legal skills of cities. HPM was the theoretical In 1964 the apartheid government In 1965 he was charged and Senior Counsel Ismail Mahomed. apex of his political, medical, and banned him for five years, which convicted for breaking his onerous In 1991 he was elected the human welfare activism. meant that his movement was banning order and sentenced to Chairperson of the Talimul Mosque Jassat’s unique contribution to restricted to the Johannesburg two-year imprisonment. and Madressa Trust. In 1992 he area, that he could not socialize In 1969 another five-year banning was elected as the trustee of the South African history in the post- with people, and that he could not order was imposed on him. Suleman Nana Memorial Trust. In Rivonia era of totalitarianism was take part in political activities. In In 1974 when his banning order 1994-2002 he served the ANC as that he had the rare insight and the same year he married Shereen had expired he was elected the an MP. After his retirement from foresight to ensure the organized Patel with the permission of the Chairperson of the Johannesburg parliament he served on the ANC continuity of history in the valid Minister of Justice, Police, and Indian Social Welfare Association Ethics Committee. Congress tradition of being Prisons. His comrades gave him (JISWA), which was formed on On December 10, 1983 he delivered embedded amongst the masses. and his young wife an underground August 13, 1934 with the moral the keynote address at the AGM Ahmed Kathrada who was wedding reception. His wife proved and material support of the of the National Medical and Dental Jassat’s first mentor said of him, to be his comrade-in-arms through government of India to address Council (NAMDA). The address “He is an ideal role model that a difficult struggle, for which his health, welfare, and education was shaped out of his thirty-four should inspire young people to three children (Aadil, Yumna, and matters. years of direct experience in the emulate him.” 13 ANC Today

INTERNATIONAL Human Rights Day 21 March and Purim Day

By Wendy Kahn

his year, Human Rights likewise resonate strongly with the redemption. In ancient Persia, Day coincides with broader theme of human rights. a dispossessed, scattered and the Jewish festival of A final point of Another powerful message of the largely powerless Jewish nation Purim. While the two comparison between festival, as demonstrated by the were saved from the greatest threat events appear to have commandment that Jews give Purim and Human to their existence they had ever little in common, in generously to charity exchange faced and went to regain freedom actual fact, there are numerous Rights Day is how and gifts, is that we all have a in their ancestral homeland. interestingT parallels between them. responsibility to love and care Similarly, 21 March 1960, when both show how The Purim narrative, based on for one another. Creating a just scores of unarmed civilians were events recorded in the Book of society is not just about ensuring even in the darkest, massacred merely for protesting Esther, abounds with human rights equal rights for all, but also about against the iniquitous pass laws, themes. The festival commemorates apparently most assisting and supporting its more was one of the darkest days in how a plot to massacre the entire vulnerable members. In terms hopeless times can South African history. It was a Jewish population of the Persian of women’s rights, the heroic frightening demonstration of the Empire was thwarted through an contain within them example set by Queen Esther, ruthless power of the apartheid extraordinary chain of events which the seeds of future who intervened to save her people in retrospect could only have been at the risk her own life, has long state and the apparent impossibility Divinely-orchestrated. Its message redemption. been a source of inspiration to of ever defeating it. And yet, far of how the attempted genocide feminist thinkers. from breaking people’s will to of an entire people on the part of A final point of comparison resist, the tragedy instead became those driven by unreasoning hatred The dangers of racial and other between Purim and Human Rights a rallying point for the resistance was defeated, resonates strongly forms of hatred and the need to Day is how both show how even movements, contributing to greater, in our own troubled times, and take a stand against it, is obviously in the darkest, apparently most more sustained and ultimately imbues us all with the strength the central theme of the Purim hopeless times can contain successful acts of resistance in and courage to resist such evils. story, but there are others that within them the seeds of future the future. 14 ANC Today

LIFESTYLE Hair identity

The rules of hair are unfair. We are not allowed to express ourselves in a way that we feel. Hair is a personal thing, it is an extension of a person’s personality and if you are denied that, then you are denied the true essence of who you are,if you were to ask me to cut my hair or tell me how to wear it, I shall take offence. My hair, my rules. There is nothing wrong with my hair. Why should I take away my identity so that I conform to certain standards that make other people comfortable? I consider my hair as neat and appropriate but it also has nothing to do with my ability to learn. School pupils face this problem on a regular basis, the rules that have been made for one type of hair are being imposed on all students. We live in a democratic era and it is disturbing to still be facing the same issues our parents faced during the time of apartheid. Why is a white person making rules about hair for a young black woman? We understand that schools need to have rules and we respect the rules, but that should never make a person feel like an outcast or that they are not good enough. School governing bodies need to take cognisance of the fact that hair could represent a person’s culture or religion. Policies that go against this give us flashbacks of the dark days of apartheid, where your appearance determined where you’d be positioned in life. The hair conversation was sparked a couple of years back when two schools (Pretoria Girls High and St. Michael’s Girls High) made headlines for revealing patterns of racism against their students and their African hair. The argument was that black hair is “unruly” and type schools. Our decency and if you have a set standard of how should be straightened or relaxed mental capacity has nothing to do using chemicals. It should be Young children one should look, you are bound noted that these chemicals are with our hair. So, the focus must to discriminate and infringe on generally damaging to the hair at a tender age be on educating students and someone’s rights. Young children itself as well as one’s scalp. The making sure that they are efficient at a tender age must grow up not enough to perform to the best of main focus in this case may be must grow up not being taught to judge a person by their ability. Young people today in schools but the issue affects how they look, but by the content are facing an identity crisis because every black African woman in our being taught to of their character. country; it is an uncomfortable society creates the narrative that It is ridiculous and this is not conversation but vital. judge a person by says straighten, relax your hair, the South Africa we envisaged. The fact that mostly private or better yet wear a weave and schools are at the forefront of how they look, but hide your natural hair so we can Remember, Tata Madiba did not this controversy also reveals by the content of label you as classy, educated or wear a tie. that there may be fear to raise decent. Bongiwe Msweli & Aviwe Gwayi are this matter in public schools, their character. South Africa is one of the most interns at Luthuli House, the ANC especially the erstwhile Model-C diverse countries in the world, and Headquarters. 15 ANC Today

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY 16-22 MARCH

18 March 1963: Guinea-Bissau, the home of Amiclar Gibral launched its war of independence against Portugal (joined by Cabo Verde). 16 March 1984: Mozambique 17 March 1820: first British Settlers 20 March 1956: Tunisia gains signed the Nkomati Accord with arrived in South Africa, till then independence from France. apartheid South Africa, a non- a Dutch colony, and started the aggression pact where the. South process of the British takeover of African government undertook no South Africa, especially the Cape longer to support the RENAMO colony and Natal. They are sent rebel group and the Mozambique to settle in the Eastern Cape, as government undertook to no longer a buffer against the amaXhosa provide harbor to the liberation and to boost the English-speaking movements (ANC and PAC). population. The settlers were President Samora Machel signed given farms and equipment to this accord under great pressure, support them, near Bathurts. with RENAMO engaged in a civil Others continued on to Natal (now 19 March 1998: war and the SADF incursions KwaZulu Natal). Makhaya Ntini into Mozambique. The Nkomati becomes the first black cricketer accord did not last long, with to represent South Africa in a further invasions by SADF. test match, played at Newlands, Cape Town.

21 March 1961: peaceful protesters protesting against pass laws are gunned down by the apartheid government in Sharpeville, with 69 people killed. The massacre became a tipping point in South African history, and in the aftermath liberation movements launched armed struggle. 25 years later, on 21 March 1985 between 20 and 28 people on their way to a 19 March 1999: Libya, led by 17 March 2004: start of annual funeral are shot by the police in Brother Leader Gadaffi sets a date celebrations of National Library Langa, Uitenhage. Week (17-22 March), to promote to hand over the two Lockerbie libraries and the culture of reading. suspects, in a letter to the UN Secretary General by 6 April 1999. The date is confirmed in a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. Thatha maChance, Thatha maMillions

22 March 1961: in the aftermath of the Sharpeville massacre, 17 March 2000: the first national Kwame Nkrumah, president of 16 March 1994: The Transitional lottery started in South Africa, Ghana and one of the founders of Executive Council unveils South with its slogan Thatha maChance, the Organisation of African Unity Africa’s new “interim” national flag Thatha maMillions. A percentage (OAU) calls for the ‘total political and Die Stem and Nkosi Sikelel’ of proceeds of the Lottery goes and economic sanctions’ against 20 March 1993: eminent South iAfrika as joint national anthems. towards arts, sports, culture and apartheid South Africa. community development. African artist, Gerald Sekoto dies. Source - SA History Online. 16 ANC Today

CROSSWORD VERBATIM

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2019 ELECIONS

9 MANIFESTO We will fast-track the promotion and implementation of 10 indigenous language programmes, including finalisation of language 11 legislation in provinces foŕ inclusion in the school curiculum.

Across Down 2. Number of official languages currently recognised 1. Theme for this year’s human rights day 8. According to President Ramaphosa to speaking focuses on one’s... is a 3. The human rights in our Constitution includes fundamental human right political as well as ... 9. From the Beijing conference in 1995, the slogan rights came that ... are 4. African leader who called for sanctions also human rights against Apartheid South 10. Which Khoisan language is now being taught Africa the day after the Sharpeville massacre in schools in the 5. Document adopted in constitutional Northern Cape negotiations to guarantee 11. On 21 March in 1961, 69 peaceful protesters human rights of all South Africans in this town were 6. These ... also happened in other parts of killed by the apartheid police the country, Galeshewe, Soweto, Bisho, Athlone 7. 25 years later, on exactly

Word Bank massacres socio-economic Uitenhage Nama womens rights Bill of Rights Kwame Nkrumah indigenous languages eleven Sharpeville mother tongue

Maximum contributions of 600 words, in accesible language, in any South African language, adequately properly referenced. We reserve the right to edit.

[email protected] 17 ANC Today

BAROMETER

ANC President Cde Cryil Ramaphosa on a campaign trail 14 MARCH 2019

ANC Deputy President Cde on a campaign trail 18 ANC Today

BAROMETER

ANC Treasurer General Cde Paul Mashatile on a campaign trail 14 MARCH 2019