Occasion - Annual conference of the African National Congress Youth League Summary - This address outlines the main threats in the world (imperialism, capitalism), in Africa (colonialism), and in South Africa (fascism). African Nationalism is seen as the response to these threats and the Youth League is seen as the guardian of this ideology. The Youth League should not continue to debate African Nationalism as an ideology but rather focus on how to mobilise the masses in a national struggle, how to respond to the Suppression of Communism Act and how to organise and discipline its members.
Occasion - Natal Peace Conference Summary - Imperial powers exploit Africa for its raw materials, its strategic value as military bases and its cheap labour. Africa is used as an instrument of war and the first casualties are its people. There is a link between the struggle for peace and the struggle against colonialism in Africa.
Occasion - Presidential address to the ANC (Transvaal) Congress Summary - The political climate has changed from the successes of the Campaign for the Defiance of Unjust Laws of 1952 and the ANC must be prepared with a new approach and with a strong and disciplined membership. The new approach is called the "M" Plan and calls for active recruitment and action at the grassroots level. This will enable the ANC to function without calling attention to itself. There is no place in the ANC for those opposed to the "M" Plan.
Occasion - Address to the Conference of the Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa Summary - This address summaries the assistance that the international community, especially African states, has given to the freedom fighters in South Africa. It outlines the political and social situation in South Africa and the ANC's responses and move from policies of non-violence to the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe. The people's resolve to fight is steadfast but the continued support of PAFMECA is crucial.
First public speech by Mandela in 27 years, after his release from prison. Mandela ends this address with a quote from his speech from the dock given at Rivonia trial in 1964. Note he is quoting from the prepared speech and not as he actually delivered at the trial. Both the verbatim and prepared speeches are reproduced.
Occasion: First address in Durban after his release from prison Presentation notes: Text in CAPITALS indicates where the address was delivered in Zulu. Pangas referred to in the text are machetes, widely used in Natal's sugar growing areas for cutting cane. Rev. John Langalibelele Dube, first President of the ANC and Pixley ka Isaka Seme, ANC founder member and its President between 1930-7, are referred to in paragraph 5. The "1986 Indaba solution" was a proposal for a change in the structure of regional government in Natal "Asinamali", means we have no money, and was a slogan of the 1983 campaign against rent increases in Durban townships.
Conference convened by the Consultative Business Movement on the theme "Options for Building an Economic Future". Over 300 executives attended the Conference
Occasion - Briefing to fifth session of the OAU Ad Hoc Committee on southern Africa Summary - In a speech to the fifth session of the OAU Ad Hoc Committee on Southern Africa,Nelson Mandela dealt with the wave of violence in South Africa, and said that certain elements in South Africa were behind the rise of a movement similar to that of Renamo which had caused enormous death and destruction in Mozambique. They had incited massacres in the Transvaal, irrespective of tribal origins and political affiliations. Death squads were prowling around the country. There was also violence from the state agencies. As a result of the failure of the government to take firm action against these elements, there was a widespread demand, especially from the youth, that the people should be armed. He continued as in transcript.
The transcript on page one of the Transcript section comes from the South African Government Information Website. The transcript on page two of the transcript section is from the ANC website. It is assumed that page one was the version actually presented but this has not been confirmed.
