Congress of the People and the Freedom Charter _ South African History Online

The Congress of the People and the Freedom Charter

Overview

• Published Date: 21/03/2011

• Last Updated: 08/07/2022

• Context: The struggle for freedom intensified in the early 1950s, leading the ANC to seek a clear vision for the future of South Africa.

The Birth of the Freedom Charter

• The ANC initiated the Freedom Charter in response to the growing demands for freedom.

• The Congress of the People Campaign aimed to gather input from the entire population of South Africa.

• Hundreds of thousands participated, contributing their demands to be included in the Freedom Charter.

• This document was designed to capture the collective aspirations for a new South Africa.

Unity of Liberation Forces

• The campaign united various liberation forces, including:

  • African National Congress (ANC)

  • South African Indian Congress (SAIC)

  • South African Coloured People's Congress (SACPC)

  • South African Congress of Democrats (SACD)

  • Transvaal Indian Youth Congress (TIYC)

  • African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU)

• Recognized as the Congress Alliance, promoting a non-racial united front.

Significance of the Congress of the People

• The event at Kliptown, held on June 25-26, 1955, was a major milestone in South African history.

• Declared as Freedom Day on June 26, 1950, and served as a day of mourning and protest against apartheid.

• Over 3,000 delegates attended, representing a diverse and inclusive faction of society: workers, peasants, intellectuals, women, youth, and students of various races.

• Marked the most representative gathering for a common goal in South Africa’s history.

Adoption of the Freedom Charter

• The Freedom Charter was officially adopted during the Congress, outlining a vision for a united, non-racial, democratic South Africa.

• It was subsequently embraced by all members of the Congress Alliance as their official political program.

• The Freedom Charter symbolized hope and a unified aspiration for progressive change among South Africans.

Historical Context and Responses

• The campaign maintained the political momentum after the Defiance Campaign was curtailed.

• Aimed to enhance political organization and consciousness among the masses.

• Articles and discussions related to the Freedom Charter have appeared in various publications, highlighting its ongoing relevance and implications.