WeeklySA_AdminSOLIDARITY: The Pan Africanist Congress founder challenged the notion of South African exceptionalism, asserting that the plight of its indigenous people was intertwined with that of other Africans on the continent and the Diaspora…
By Xola George Tyamzashe
In the history of Africa’s struggle, few figures shine as brightly as Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe. As a leader, thinker, and visionary, his profound insights and unyielding commitment to the liberation of all Africans resonate deeply today.
His legacy transcends the specific struggles of apartheid in South Africa, tapping into a broader critique of colonialism and imperialism championing the cause of Pan-Africanism. His teachings echo the sentiments of Kwame Nkrumah, yet elevate them to a level that insists on a holistic understanding of African identity and unity.
Sobukwe was a formidable intellectual force, who understood that the struggle against apartheid was not merely a South African issue, but part of a larger, continent-wide battle against colonialism and oppression. His articulation of the African experience went beyond the confines of national borders, recognising that South Africa is inexorably linked to the rest of the African continent.
He challenged the notion of South African exceptionalism, asserting that the plight of South Africans was intertwined with that of all Africans in Africa and the diaspora. This perspective is essential in understanding the interconnectedness of African struggles and the need for a collective response.
One of Sobukwe’s most significant contributions was his ability to conscientise Africans about their history and identity. He encouraged a re-examination of the colonial narrative, urging people to understand the full impact of colonialism—not just as a historical event, but as a continuing legacy that shapes contemporary realities.
His belief that Africans are not merely subjects of history but active agents capable of shaping their own destinies is a powerful lesson that remains relevant today. Sobukwe gave us a task as Africanists that, in his own words: “We must be the embodiment of our people’s aspirations. And all we are required to do is to show the light and the masses will find the way”.
In Sobukwe’s vision, Pan-Africanism emerges as the antidote to the divisive legacies of colonialism and imperialism. He recognised that the solutions to Africa’s problems could not be found in the remnants of colonial structures or in isolationist ideologies. Instead, he advocated for a united African front, grounded in shared experiences and collective aspirations. This vision of Pan-Africanism is not merely a political ideology, but a profound affirmation of African identity, culture, and heritage.
Sobukwe’s teachings remind us that being African is not simply a matter of geography; it is a conscious choice to embrace one’s heritage and the struggles that come with it. He taught that we are not merely Africans, but Africanists—individuals who actively engage in the fight for justice and true liberation across the continent.
This perspective challenges us to reject the comfortable narratives that often seek to compartmentalise African identity into isolated national identities, instead urging us to recognise our shared history and destiny.
Sobukwe’s legacy is a clarion call for a new generation of leaders and thinkers. In an era where global challenges often overshadow local struggles, his vision of a united Africa stands as a reminder that our collective future depends on our ability to work together.
As we grapple with the remnants of colonialism and the ongoing impacts of systemic inequality, Sobukwe’s teachings serve as a guiding light, encouraging us to advocate for a Pan-African approach that recognises our interconnectedness.
As we honour Sobukwe, we celebrate not just his contributions to the struggle against apartheid, but his broader vision of an Africa united in purpose and identity.
His teachings compel us to confront the legacies of colonialism with a spirit of solidarity as Africans. In embracing our roles as Africanists, we reaffirm our commitment to Pan-Africanism ideals, and need to, as Sobukwe said, fight for freedom – for the right to call our souls our own.
Today, as we commemorate what would have been Sobukwe’s 100th birthday, we honour a leader, thinker, and visionary whose profound insights into the struggle against imperialism continue to resonate. He boldly declared war on the forces that usurped African land and identity, emphasising that the fight for freedom is not just a momentary struggle, but a generational commitment.
He envisioned an Africanist Socialist Democracy, where the interests of the indigenous people take precedence over those of foreign entities, ensuring that the land rightfully belongs to its original stewards.
His call for a socialistic framework was a recognition of the vital role that workers play in the nation’s wealth, insisting that their needs must outweigh those of private employers. His insistence on a democratic framework underscores his belief that true state power should be wielded by the common people—the majority whose interests are inherently aligned and non-antagonistic.
As we reflect on his legacy today, we are reminded of our duty as Africanists to carry forward his vision, ensuring that our sons and daughters and their sons and daughters continue the fight until victory is won, and the dream of an Africanist Socialist Democracy is fully realised.
In conclusion, let us carry forward Sobukwe’s enduring legacy by fostering a consciousness that transcends borders, recognising that our struggles as Africans are interconnected and that our victories will be collective.
As we strive for a truly liberated Africa, we remember that in our unity lies our strength, and in our shared identity lies the promise of a brighter future of a United States of Africa.
* Tyamzashe is a former member of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army, the military wing of the PAC, and a political commentator
