Sol Wachtler
judge
South African politician (1926-1995)
Yossel Mashel Slovo (23 May 1926 – 6 January 1995), commonly known as Joe Slovo, was a South African politician, and an opponent of the apartheid system. A Marxist-Leninist, he was a long-time leader and theorist in the South African Communist Party (SACP), a leading member of the African National Congress (ANC), and a commander of the ANC’s military wing uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
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Yossel Mashel Slovo (23 May 1926 – 6 January 1995), commonly known as Joe Slovo, was a South African politician, and an opponent of the apartheid system. A Marxist-Leninist, he was a long-time leader and theorist in the South African Communist Party (SACP), a leading member of the African National Congress (ANC), and a commander of the ANC’s military wing uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
Slovo was a delegate to the multiracial Congress of the People of June 1955 which drew up the Freedom Charter. He was imprisoned for six months in 1960, and emerged as a leader of uMkhonto we Sizwe the following year. He lived in exile from 1963 to 1990, conducting operations against the apartheid regime from the United Kingdom, Angola, Mozambique, and Zambia. In 1990, he returned to South Africa, and took part in the negotiations that ended apartheid. He became known for proposing the “sunset clauses” covering the 5 years following a democratic election, including guarantees and concessions to all sides, and his fierce non-racialist stance. After the elections of 1994, he became Minister for Housing in Nelson Mandela’s government. He died of cancer in 1995.
Socialism is undoubtedly in the throes of a crisis greater than at any time since 1917. The last half of 1989 saw the dramatic collapse of most of the communist party governments of Eastern Europe.
South African politician (1926-1995)
The whole of that part of Southern Africa which is controlled by racial minorities is experiencing either consistent and regular guerilla activity or is faced with advanced preparation for its commencement.
South African politician (1926-1995)
However, the combination of civil resistance, of large-scale mass activities and strikes, with a certain degree of revolutionary violence, could provoke a crisis in the enemy’s camp that would ultimately lead to essential changes.
South African politician (1926-1995)
On the other hand, one factor helps us that no other liberation struggle in this region could count on – our liberation front is characterized by relatively highly developed class forces, tested in political struggles.
South African politician (1926-1995)
It’s not difficult in South Africa for the ordinary person to see the link between capitalism and racist exploitation, and when one sees the link one immediately thinks in terms of a socialist alternative.
South African politician (1926-1995)
We believe the currently one cannot speak of a revolutionary situation, just as there is no concrete possibilities of an immediate and comprehensive assumption of power by the people.
South African politician (1926-1995)
You can’t go to a negotiating table pointing a gun, but you’ve got to keep it over your shoulder.
South African politician (1926-1995)
Some may seek revenge, but this is not our policy.
South African politician (1926-1995)
One thing is obvious: Our policy, which is directed at making the country ungovernable, has started to bear fruit. The process that has been initiated is irreversible.
South African politician (1926-1995)
No movement finding itself in this stage of struggle can operate by getting authority from the leading body of the political organs for even minor action that is taken and we don’t even know in the case of the actions which have publicize whether they are in fact our people.
South African politician (1926-1995)
As a result, ways out of the crisis are being intensively searched for at all levels – ways, which, however, aim at maintaining the whites’ control over the country.
South African politician (1926-1995)
Eventually, it is found out but it takes time especially in the conditions when communication is difficult, when the enemy is making it extremely awkward for information to come out, to go.
South African politician (1926-1995)
But as you say, the fundamental stumbling block is the question of the future of the economy. And it’s not just the sort of economic laboratory question, of what kind of system would best generate growth, which is the way it’s presented.
South African politician (1926-1995)
The ANC, we believe, stands at the head of the whole liberation front, the whole Mass Democratic Movement.
South African politician (1926-1995)
We need to respond to the mood of the people – that we must take the lives of the other side as well.
South African politician (1926-1995)
It has been demonstrated that no system, not even the most inhuman, can continue to exist without an ideology.
South African politician (1926-1995)
One of the regime’s most important tactics is the creation of a third force in the country.
South African politician (1926-1995)
No matter what vision one has of South Africa, the first thing that must be done is to destroy racism.
South African politician (1926-1995)
We are of the opinion that an important and irreversible process is taking place among the white population. Just as with the blacks, the whites, too, are currently overcoming a psychological barrier.
South African politician (1926-1995)
Therefore, our fight must primarily be a political mass struggle with revolutionary goals.
South African politician (1926-1995)
I think it is tragic that a situation should arise where civilians on any side are killed. But it is almost a cliche to say that it is virtually unavoidable and this isn’t unique to us alone.
South African politician (1926-1995)
When a man has been consistently battering his wife, he shouldn’t expect a bouquet of roses from her the morning after he promises to stop.
South African politician (1926-1995)
There are only two sorts of people in life you can trust – good Christians and good Communists.
South African politician (1926-1995)
Sometimes, if you wear suits for too long, it changes your ideology.
South African politician (1926-1995)
Reality shows that, contrary to other countries in southern Africa, we have no basis for a classical guerilla struggle. We have never had a hinterland, and we do not expect to.
South African politician (1926-1995)