Manifesto 1961_ Manifesto of Umkhonto we Sizwe – ANC

Manifesto of Umkhonto we Sizwe

Date and Overview

• Issued: 16 December 1961

• Context: Planned attacks against government installations linked to apartheid and race discrimination.

• Purpose: Formed by Africans of all races as an independent body to complement established national liberation organizations.

Goals of Umkhonto we Sizwe

• Struggle for freedom and democracy using new methods; supporting national liberation movements.

• Highlighting the adoption of violent methods in response to government oppression while acknowledging past non-violence.

Historical Context

• Past Actions: Established national liberation organizations followed a policy of non-violence despite government provocations.

• Public Sentiment: Ongoing peaceful methods, as preferred by the people, have been misinterpreted by the government as weakness.

• Critical Time: A point reached where South Africans must choose between submission or resistance; the decision is to defend their future and freedom through all means necessary.

Government Reaction

• The Nationalist government has misinterpreted peacefulness as an invitation to increase violence against the people, leading to forced military engagements to suppress peaceful actions.

• Martial Law Imposition: Recently imposed to suppress protests and protect government interests.

• Escalation of Violence: Preparation for full-scale military action is underway, including increasing armed forces and recruiting white civilians into militias.

Commitment to Resistance

• Umkhonto we Sizwe is pledged to be the frontline defense against government oppression and to challenge the Nationalist government’s policies.

• New Approach: Commitment to a liberation strategy that will not solely rely on non-violent responses to government violence.

• Aspiration for actions to highlight the national crisis induced by government policies, seeking to prompt a realization and change before civil war erupts.

Call to Unity

• Appeal to all South African demographics (black, brown, white) for support in overthrowing the Nationalist government, abolishing white supremacy, and achieving equality.

• Emphasizing the importance of collective struggle for liberty, democracy, and national rights for all.

• Ending Note: Aiming for liberation without bloodshed, seeking reason from the government before reaching a point of no return.