by Charlie van Gelderen It is too early for a definitive analysis of the national conress of the ANC in Durban ut it is clear that the 'pragmatist' line predominated. This will go down as the congress that marked the end of sanctions.
The ANC confessed on Tulv 4 that it was losing support among South Africa's blacks, thwarting it's aspirations to form the country's first post-apartheid apartary General Alred No Alfred Nzo bemoaned the fact that the ruling National Party was gaining support from non-white communities. This was taken up by Mac Maharaj: 'The National Party has the strategy for winning over the fellow-oppressed. Can we counter this with other strategies?' he asked.
This was the big issue that the congress had to address. In the run-up to the congress, there had been consistent criticism of the 'elitism' of the outgoing leadership and disillusionment with the way that it was constantly over-shadowed by President De Klerk. He has maintained the initiative since he announced 'the end of apartheid' in February 1990.
There was also some criticism of the ANC's relationship with the South African Communist Party (SACP). ANC spokesperson, Saki Mocozoma, said the movement's relationship with the SACP was one of several factors laentified as a block to recruitment in 'other race groups' (ie non-African).
But these criticisms do notappear to have led to any breach etween the two organisations. Joe Slovo and other prominent SACP members were elected to the new ANC executive.
This election was expected to bring to a head the factional struggle between the 'pragmatists' associated with Thabo Mbeki and the 'radicals' under the leadership of Chris Hani. It was expected that the outcome would emerge in the election of the Deputy President, seen as the heir apparent to Nelson Mandela.
Mandela's election to the Presidency. in succession to Oliver Tambo, was endorsed unanimously. But a compromise candidate for his Deputy, avoiding any conflict, was found in veteran leader Albert Sisulu.
Grass roots victory The election of the new executive was a victory for the grass Toots branches and regions, which had become dissatisfied with outgoing leadership, dominated by exiles. The new executive will be dominated by leaders of thA United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Broad Democratic Movement -those who continued the struegle inside the country in the teeth of the State of Emergency regulations.
The biggest cheer when the election results were announced greetea the name or 'lerror ekota, former number two in the UDE. During the conference he denounced Mandela from the floor for his authoritarian tendency to impose his will on the internal decision-making process. But there was big disWinnie Mandela: Congress said 'Hands off' appointment among women delegates when the proposal fell that at least 15 per cent of executive members should be Perhaps surprisingly, Winnie Mandela attracted a large vote. This came mainly from the youth and more militant delegates, who admire her revolutionary ardour, whatever her faults. It was also a signal to the coverment - watch out, Winnie belongs to us. Hands off!
But in general the 'pragmatic' course set by Nelson Mandela will continue to be followed. This is most clearly expressed in the soft line put forward on sanc. tions. While calling for sanctions to be maintained in the meantime, he added We are calling for flexibility and imagination, for an approach which is realistic These words mark 1007 RG Amsterdam, lands. (Fax: 33 20 6732106)
La clear recognition that, for all practical purposes, sanctions are dead. Boycotts The ANC's agreement to the ending of the sports boycotts, which were psychologically more effective than trade sancions, gives the green light to hose - like the Tories - who want a rapid return to normal trade relations with South Africa. Available now: number 14 of the Notebooks for Study and Research by Andre Gunder Frank & Salah Jaber This special issue of the NSR provides thorough analyses of the international framework of the Gulf War and its meaning for the Third World, detailed assessments of the Wester policies and of the changing Middle-East scene. This timely 72 page A4 format publication can be obtained for £3.50 Among the coming issues of the NSR:
Livio Maitan on the Italian Communist Party; José Iriarte 'Bikila' on the national question.
Subscriptions to the NSR: 5 issues, surface £10; 10 issues, surface £20. Add 20% for air mail. Notebooks for Study and Research (NSR) are sponsored by the Internarional Institute for Researcha nd Education (IIRE), Postbus 53290, • The NetherNo. 6 George Bush and Douglas Hurd were quick to jump into his opening. Bush's statement hat he was satisfied that demands made on South Africa had been met and that commercial links could be restored will be hailed as another victory for De Klerk.
The ANC is now trapped in its own rhetoric. It has nowhere to go, except to carry on negotiatot wite their fry in th Firmly in D Klerk's hands.
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Kohl Chancellor Kohl Watero STalt Gen Bin German demonstrators protest loss of jobs in East Germany because of the vital role ot