African Nationalism and Political Consciousness

Introduction

• African nationalism emerged as a response to colonial rule and the desire for self-determination.
• It evolved from local settings to the concept of Pan-Africanism, advocating for a unified Africa.

The Birth of African Political Consciousness

• African nationalism coincided with the political awakening of South Africa's black majority during the Mineral Revolution.
• The migrant labor system exploited African workers in the gold fields, depriving them of political rights.
• By the late 19th century, indigenous South Africans lost much of their political and economic independence.
• Harsh taxes and reduced wages were imposed, alongside encouragement of Chinese immigration to weaken African resistance among mineworkers.
• Mission-educated black elites, like John Tengo Jabavu, took the lead in advocating for the political rights of the black population.

John Jabavu

• Jabavu founded Imvo Zabantsundu, one of the first African newspapers, to voice political opinions and share views.
• The newspaper played a vital role in reflecting the lives and aspirations of Africans.
• Before Imvo Zabantsundu, missionary journals were the only African-language newspapers focused on literacy/Christianity and ignoring cultural issues.

The African Political Organisation (APO)

• The APO, founded in Cape Town in 1902, became a significant organization advocating for Coloured rights.
• Early objectives included emphasizing "civilizing" methods, advocating for unity among Coloureds, opposing discriminatory legislation and defending their social, political, and economic rights.
• Though influential for decades, the APO collapsed in the 1940s, giving way to more radical groups.

Union of South Africa

• Discussion towards the Union of South Africa took place between 1908 and 1909.
• African, coloured, and Indian communities protested against the exclusion from the constitutional discussions.
• A delegation led by William Schreiner was sent to London to persuade the British government against the proposed Union.
• Their efforts failed, and the Union of South Africa Act was passed in 1910.

The South African Natives National Congress (SANNC)

• The SANNC formed in 1912 to advocate for equal rights for Black South Africans.
• Composed of prominent black citizens, advocating for racial equality and equal treatment under the law..
• The meeting was the first of its kind, bringing together numerous black representatives, marking a significant step towards united Black action.

The 1913 Native Land Act

• The 1913 Native Land Act reserved a small percentage of land for Black communities.
• This limited their access to land ownership and forced them to reside in designated areas
• The SANNC challenged the Act, but their petition to British government and parliament proved unsuccessful.

World War II

• World War II significantly influenced African political aspiration for independence.
• Fighting in the war, Africans contributed to the decolonization efforts.
• The war highlighted the hypocrisy in claiming "freedom" for one while suppressing another.

The Atlantic Charter, 1941, and its Influence

• The Atlantic Charter, with its emphasis on self-determination of peoples, sparked debate and political consciousness amongst African communities in South Africa.
• The charter raised awareness amongst African communities concerning their own desires and rights.

African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and the Freedom Charter

• The formation of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) emphasized African nationalism over racial unity.
• The Freedom Charter, adopted at the Congress of the People in 1955, marked a significant step towards a more assertive call for black political participation.
• Its ideology aimed for a multiracial South Africa through shared beliefs, not race.

The Formation of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC)

• Disagreement over the inclusion of other racial groups in the Freedom Charter led to the formation of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in 1959.
• The PAC emerged under the leadership of Robert Sobukwe with ideology focused on African nationalism and independence.