uMkhonto_weSizwe Background

Launch of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK)

• Date of Formation: 16 December 1961

• Meaning: "Spear of the Nation"

• Historical Significance: Launched on the anniversary of the Battle of Blood River (1838).

• Purpose: Respond to the oppressive policies of the white minority government in South Africa.

Context Leading to the Formation of MK

• Pre-Formation Period:

  • ANC and allied organizations engaged in peaceful protests to gain recognition for Black rights.

  • Peaceful movements faced violent repression, notably evident from various anti-pass protests.

• Tactical Shift:

  • Increase in government repression necessitated reconsideration of tactics.

  • Despite ANC's long-standing commitment to non-violence, events indicated a need for armed struggle.

Key Events Influencing MK's Formation

• Anti-pass Demonstration:

  • Government violently suppressed protests, leading to increased frustrations among ANC and SACP members.

• Sharpeville Massacre (March 1960):

  • 69 deaths and 186 injuries during a peaceful protest, prompting a reconsideration of passive resistance.

  • Resulted in the banning of ANC and SACP and the realization that non-violent methods were ineffective.

• Response of Liberation Leaders:

  • Many leaders began to organize resistance from abroad after the clampdown following Sharpeville.

Shift in ANC's Approach

• Freedom Charter (1955):

  • Marked a shift in the ANC's strategy towards multi-racial unity among Black peoples, but also led to internal divisions.

  • Pan-Africanist views led by Robert Sobukwe resulted in the formation of the PAC, diverging from the ANC's tactics.

The Proposal for Armed Struggle

• Mandela's Perspective:

  • End of the 1960s was deemed a turning point; suggested re-evaluation of non-violent policies due to governmental violence.

  • Proposal for an armed wing presented amidst increasing state repression, emphasizing the necessity for alternative strategies.

• Initial Meetings:

  • Involved SACP members, leading to discussions around armed struggle as a response to oppression.

Formation of MK's Leadership

• June 1961 ANC Meeting:

  • Mandela's proposal initially faced opposition but ultimately gained traction.

  • Chief Albert Luthuli agreed to the creation of a military wing independent from the ANC to protect legality of unbanned allies.

• Final Decision:

  • MK authorized to operate semi-autonomously while maintaining alignment with ANC goals. Declared aim was to resist government oppression through necessary means.

Planning and Initial Campaign

• Sabotage Campaign (December 1961):

  • Initial focus on sabotage against government installations, with an emphasis on avoiding casualties.

  • Aimed to demonstrate the need for planned action and shift blame on the regime for escalating violence.

• Leadership Structure:

  • Formation of regional commands with members having necessary skills from the ANC's network.

Recruitment and Training

• Recruitment Stories:

  • Individuals like Ronnie Kasrils were approached for involvement, reflecting anonymity and discretion in recruitment strategies.

• Training Challenges:

  • Initial lack of resources — no firearms, basic understanding of explosive manufacturing.

  • Experienced individuals, like Jack Hodgson, provided essential training in urban sabotage.

Conclusion

• MK embodied a shift in strategy for the ANC, evolving from non-violence to armed resistance in response to systemic oppression. The formation marked a crucial step in South Africa's liberation struggle, allowing for future organized resistance efforts.