Blurred Lines

Introduction to Nonviolence in South Africa

• Author: Gay W. Seidman

• Source: PS: Political Science and Politics, Jun. 2000, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 161-167

• Key Theme: Examines the complexities and nuances of nonviolence amidst South Africa's struggle against apartheid.

• Context: The essay discusses historical nonviolent resistance alongside the violent responses from the apartheid regime.

Historical Context

• 1992 Political Stalemate: South Africa's leaders were locked in negotiations to dismantle apartheid.

• Nonviolent Demonstrations in Bisho:

  • Anti-apartheid activists organized nonviolent demonstrations.

  • Activists faced violent repression when guards opened fire, resulting in multiple fatalities.

  • Public blame shifted onto activists rather than the oppressive government forces.

Nonviolence's Complicated Legacy

• Historical Roots of Nonviolence in SA:

  • Gandhi's early development of passive resistance occurred in South Africa in 1913.

  • Nelson Mandela’s leadership transformed the narrative into a symbol of reconciliation and democracy.

• Irony of Nonviolence:

  • South Africa's struggle against apartheid, largely framed as nonviolent, contradicts common narratives about the effectiveness of such movements in oppressive regimes.

  • Requires reevaluation of the frameworks used to analyze nonviolent strategies.

Distinction Between Passive Resistance and Popular Mobilization

• Passive Resistance Limitations:

  • Effective only when the oppressor acknowledges universal moral principles.

  • Apartheid regime explicitly rejected notions of equality and inclusivity for the majority non-white population.

• Defiance Campaign of 1952:

  • Early attempts at mass resistance included systematic disobedience against segregation laws, leading to significant arrests but little political change.

  • Government intensified repression against demonstrators, labeling anti-apartheid movements as treasonous.

Consequences of State Violence

• Sharpeville Massacre (1960):

  • Number of demonstrators killed highlighted the brutality faced by those who nonviolently protested.

  • Government's refusal to allow peaceful protests led to increasing calls for armed resistance.

Shift Towards Armed Struggle

• Post-Sharpeville Strategy Changes:

  • Activists, after significant repression, began forming armed wings as alternatives to ineffective nonviolent demonstrations.

  • ANC established military structures, notably Umkhonto we Sizwe, despite internal security challenges and incarceration of leaders like Mandela.

Interactions with International Bodies and Sanctions

• Appeals for International Support:

  • Nonviolent activists sought international sanctions to undermine the apartheid state but faced difficulties due to lack of direct intervention.

  • Efforts were often ignored by Western powers, prolonging the struggle.

• Impact of International Economic Sanctions:

  • Eventually, sanctions contributed to the climate for negotiations leading to the end of apartheid.

The Blurred Lines of Violence and Nonviolence

• Complex Relationship:

  • Many activists viewed violent and nonviolent strategies as interconnected rather than opposing.

  • Instances of coercion and violence became prevalent in protests despite the overarching goal of nonviolence.

• Violence's Role in Protest:

  • Violence emerged as a means of mobilizing participation and asserting pressure for social change.

  • The use of fear and coercive actions within communities complicated the narrative of purely peaceful resistance.

Conclusion and Reflection on Nonviolent Struggles

• Challenges of Maintaining Moral Purity:

  • Tensions between violent and nonviolent actions complicate the moral assessments of movements.

  • Recognition that sustaining nonviolent movements is difficult in the face of systemic violence.

• Emerging from Apartheid:

  • The transition towards democracy highlights the intertwined histories of violence and nonviolence in the struggle.

  • The legacy prompts a reexamination of historical narratives surrounding moral conduct in civil protest.