Redefining Resistance and Challenges to National Party Power - Topic 3.2 Flashcards
The re-strengthened position of the ANC
What were the difficulties that the ANC faced while in exile?
London remained a important centre of operation, but the ANC were largely concentrated in Tanzania and Zambia with Tambo based in Lusaka, Zambia. The president of Zambia was sympathetic to the cause and was also cheaper to provide for the growing exile political community in an African country. MK also based in Zambia and was the base for both of MK’s major incursions in South Africa - Wankie and Sipolilo. After these campaigns, the youth members of MK and Chris Hani issued complaints at the leadership of the ANC accusing them of ‘careerism’ and Joe Modise’s undemocratic, arbitrary practicies.
How did Tambo improve the legitimacy of the ANC?
At conference in Morogoro, Tanzania in 1969, Tambo resigned as acting president and was immediately re-elected as president with no opposition. He had previously trialled the youthful rebels and expelled them. The ANC then took the decision to admit anyone from any race. The ANC adopted a ‘strategy and tactics’ document that affirmed the importance of armed struggle, but stressed more the need for political leadership, political education and unity. Hani and the rebels were then reinstated. After another incursion into Namibia, these contigencies eventually stopped. Anyone who disagreed with the ANC’s movement after Morogoro was eventually expelled.
How did Tambo lead the ANC while in exile?
Tambo was quiet but determined and tried to listen as well as lead. He held deeply the need for unity and worked with exiles from all South African communities. Tambo found a way of reinserting the ANC into politics on the ground in South Africa and realised the value of international solidarity.
How did sporting boycotts develop during the 70s?
Stop the Seventy Tour targeted South African cricket and rugby tours to Britain and Ireland. The tour was disrupted but it was never called off. In 1970, a white South African cricket tour was cancelled and South Africa was expelled from international test cricket.
Halt All Racist Tours campaigned against the South Africans from touring New Zealand in 1973. The campaign successfully cancelled the tour.
The Gleneagles Agreement was signed by Commonwealth countries to discourage signatories from playing in South Africa at any capacity. South Africa’s tour of New Zealand in 1981 triggered widespread protest but did not curtail contacts.
How did economic boycotts develop during the 70s?
Economic disengagement was not favourable to the Conservative Party currently governing the UK as well as hundreds of international companies and too much of a liberal opinion in the UK and US. Britain was South Africa’s most important trading partner. ‘Constructive engagement’ strategies were developed and propoents argued that overseas investors should improve their own employment practices and use influence to improve wages and conditions for Africans. Economic growth would reveal the weaknesses of apartheid.
The AAM advocated for systematic disinvestment and boycotts and argued for comprehensive sanctions coupled with internal protest to bring change. The AAM worked with trade unions to inform conditions of black workers in South Africa to win support for radical action. The World Council of Churches sold all its holdings in South Africa in 1972.
