Oliver Tambo: Call to Revolution

Oliver Tambo: Call to Revolution

(Extracts of a New Year Message from O.R. Tambo, Acting President-General of the African National Congress of South Africa, January 1968)

“We have not embarked on our present struggle lightly. We know that the revolution in South Africa will be a long and bitter one calling for maximum sacrifices from all lovers of freedom. Yet our national organisation with full support of the vast majority of the nation has chosen this path as essential if we are to lead our country out of the nightmare of White oppression.”

“… Except for a small number of traitors who are prepared to sell their souls for a mess of pottage, Africa will help us to free ourselves. Today the African drums of freedom are beating their message right inside the White-ruled countries of Southern Africa. The day of reckoning for White supremacy has arrived.”

“… The enemy will do everything to divide and cause confusion among the oppressed with the help of the few traitors ready to sell themselves for money and favours from the oppressors. But our policy will be to secure unity in struggle among all oppressed people.”

“… Revolution calls for supreme vigilance, organisation and capacity to sacrifice. The movement needs men and women willing to fight and to perform all the tasks of war. In the political sphere we need organisers, propagandists and activists who will spread the message of struggle all over the country, in towns, rural areas and farms. Men and Women, Students, Workers, Peasants, religious people – all must join the struggle and find a place in it.”

“… The battle lines have been drawn up. There can be but one result: victory over the fascist oppressors and the establishment of a democratic state in South Africa! Towards this victory we will fight to the bitter end.”

“Our battle cry is and shall continue to be: VICTORY OR DEATH! WE SHALL WIN!”

– Oliver Tambo (January 1968) –

Source:
Oliver Tambo, “Call to Revolution”, Sechaba, Vol. 2, No. 1, January 1968.

Castro Khwela
Good morning fellow Compatriots!🙏🏾✊🏾👊🏾