OUR REVOLUTION
By Paul Petersen (real name Basil February) – more relevant to the current circumstances.
(Basil February [aka “Paul Petersen”] who was discovered by Rhodesian Security Forces in Zimbabwe while on his way to South Africa, on 15 August 1967, refused to surrender and fought single-handed until his ammunition ran out and he was killed. Among his papers was this article which formed one of a series of lectures he delivered to members of his UMKHONTO WE SIZWE Unit).
The African National Congress (ANC) and its allies have committed themselves to the revolutionary liberation of the people of South Africa. It is not today that they decided this. In an earlier discussion we mentioned the importance of preparing the people for revolution, of convincing them of the historic mission that they have to perform. The carrying out of these tasks were part and parcel of the revolution. The revolution does not start when the first bullet is fired. In any case, many bullets have already been fired in the course of the struggle.
But the fact that this period is relatively peaceful does not mean that it was not, or is not part of the revolution. It is true that in the past people did not inevitably face death when they carried out this work. But does that mean that they would not willingly have faced death? Let us think of those who have already given their lives, Mini, Looksmart, Khayinga, Mkaba, Babla and many other brave and heroic men and women. These were men
