By Tiisetso Makhele – “Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement” – Vladimir Lenin
In the past 3 days, one had the privilege to listen to the political inputs by the 11th President of the ANC, Comrade Thabo Mbeki. Whilst I don’t agree with some of his policy positions, especially on the economy, I was humbled to, after some time, imbibe frank, sharp and well-researched inputs from the Former President.
In true Congress tradition, the Former President was able to articulate his views, highly watered in political theory, in a manner that revived my long-lost love for robust political discourse. He was able to articulate his views on, amongst others;
1. the need for a social compact to define a path towards economic recovery and inclusion, social cohesion and nation-building;
2. the critical role of the state, aided by the private sector in the creation of (or facilitation thereof) jobs;
3. how the decline in the ANC’s electoral fortunes represents a defeat of the National Democratic Revolution; and
4. the importance of state owned companies in the development of the economy.
Even though one is not allowed to speak at such events, it goes without saying that my lust for real political discourse were extremely tantalised. In me grew some sense of hope that the ANC can “renew”, as proposed by the 54th Conference. In the spirit of frank discourse as displayed by the Former President, I can speak without equivocation that the ANC in particular, and the Mass Democratic Movement in general, has always, until the recent past, been characterised by revolutionary theory.
The tendency to censor views of some in the movement is not in line with the traditions of the ANC. In fact, it is anti-revolutionary. The tendency by some in the ANC to build a sense that once elected into positions, they are immune from engagements, political and otherwise is reactionary. In fact, such leaders (If I may refer to them as such), are often immersed in political emptiness and often use their “positions” to escape from political and theoretical engagement. I have little respect for such leaders.
On renewal, I am of the view that any discussion must be preceded by the following questions;
5. Which former state of the ANC do we want to return the ANC to through renewal? Is it the ANC of the early stages of the formation (1910s); post the adoption of the Programme of Action (early 1950s); post the Morogoro Conference (early 1970’s); or after the unbanning? These characterizations of a renewed ANC will provide pointers to what renewed ANC we would like to see, methinks
6. If we agree that the perpetrators for the need for renewal (factionalism, gatekeeping, buying of membership, buying of votes, cult of personalities, etc.) still occupy positions of leadership in the ANC and other MDM formations, who must lead the process of renewal?
On the economy, I agree partially with the Former President that the responsibility to create jobs lies mainly on the private sector, and modestly on the state because of the nature of our capitalist state. I would argue further that what the ANC must be saying further, is that capitalism remains directly opposed to the cause of the National Democratic Revolution, and must be eradicated to create a more just, people-driven economic system in line with South Africa’s reality.
The ANC is a revolutionary movement and must not behave like a newspaper reporter, who simply narrates events, but must prescribe steps towards fundamental change for the benefit of the people as a whole.
I therefore wish to thank the leadership of the ANC in Free State for the rare opportunity to be part of the Secretariat at this important programme of renewal. I also wish to thank President Mbeki for reviving in me a slowly dying desire for political, ideological and theoretical debates. I salute.
Makhele is an African Marxist and a member of the ANC in Mangaung Region, Free State. He writes what he likes
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Central News
