History of the African National Congress

The African National Congress (ANC) is South Africa’s oldest political party and a key player in the struggle against apartheid, the system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Founded in 1912, the ANC became the leading movement in the fight for freedom, justice, and equal rights for the country’s Black majority. Over time, it evolved from a moderate lobbying organization to a revolutionary movement and, eventually, the ruling party of post-apartheid South Africa. The ANC’s history is closely intertwined with the fight against colonialism and apartheid and the pursuit of democracy and social justice.

Origins and Early Years (1912–1940s)
Formation: The ANC was founded on January 8, 1912, as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It was established by a group of Black South African leaders, including John Langalibalele Dube (its first president), Pixley ka Isaka Seme, and Sol Plaatje. The organization was formed in response to the exclusion of Black South Africans from political and economic power following the Union of South Africa in 1910, which united British colonies but only allowed rights for the white minority.

The SANNC aimed to promote unity among African people and advocate for the rights and interests of the Black population. Its main objective was to engage the government through peaceful petitions, lobbying, and appeals for political inclusion, land rights, and fair treatment.
Name Change to ANC: In 1923, the SANNC was renamed the African National Congress (ANC). During its early years, the ANC worked primarily as a moderate pressure group, seeking to influence government policies through nonviolent means. It appealed to the British Crown and the South African government for equal rights and the protection of African land.

Limited Success: In the 1920s and 1930s, the ANC struggled to gain mass support, largely because of its focus on legal appeals and moderate strategies, which failed to achieve significant improvements for Black South Africans. The organization was also hampered by internal divisions and a lack of resources.

Growth of Mass Mobilization (1940s–1950s)
Youth League and Radicalization: In 1944, the ANC underwent a major transformation with the formation of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). Led by younger, more radical leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu, the Youth League advocated for a more militant approach to resistance. They called for mass action, strikes, and protests to confront the increasingly repressive policies of the South African government, which was implementing apartheid laws.

The Rise of Apartheid: In 1948, the National Party came to power in South Africa and formalized the system of apartheid, which imposed strict racial segregation and discrimination against non-white populations. Under apartheid, Black South Africans were denied citizenship, forced to live in designated “homelands,” and subjected to severe restrictions on movement, employment, and political participation.

The Defiance Campaign (1952): In response to apartheid, the ANC launched its first major campaign of mass civil disobedience, the Defiance Campaign, in 1952. Organized in collaboration with the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) and other anti-apartheid groups, the campaign involved peaceful protests and defiance of apartheid laws, such as pass laws that restricted the movement of Black people. The campaign marked the beginning of mass participation in the struggle against apartheid and significantly increased the ANC’s popularity.

The Freedom Charter (1955): In 1955, the ANC, together with allied organizations, held the Congress of the People in Kliptown, where delegates adopted the Freedom Charter. This document became the guiding vision for the anti-apartheid movement, calling for a non-racial South Africa, equality before the law, redistribution of land, and democratic rights for all citizens. The Freedom Charter’s ideals laid the foundation for the post-apartheid constitution of South Africa.

The Shift to Armed Struggle (1960s)
Sharpeville Massacre (1960): On March 21, 1960, the South African police opened fire on a peaceful protest against pass laws in Sharpeville, killing 69 unarmed protesters. The massacre marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle. In the aftermath, the government banned the ANC and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), forcing both organizations to go underground.

Formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (1961): With nonviolent methods proving ineffective, the ANC leadership made the difficult decision to adopt armed resistance. In 1961, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), meaning “Spear of the Nation,” was established as the armed wing of the ANC, with Nelson Mandela as one of its founders. MK carried out sabotage operations against government installations and infrastructure as part of its strategy to undermine the apartheid regime.

Imprisonment of ANC Leaders: In 1962, Nelson Mandela was arrested, and in 1964, he and other senior ANC leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment during the Rivonia Trial. This was a major blow to the ANC, as many of its key leaders were either imprisoned or forced into exile. Despite this, the ANC continued its struggle through underground networks and international activism.

Exile and International Support (1960s–1980s)
ANC in Exile: After being banned in South Africa, the ANC operated from abroad, establishing offices in countries like Zambia, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom. From these bases, the ANC maintained diplomatic efforts to rally international support against apartheid and organized armed resistance through Umkhonto we Sizwe.

International Solidarity: The ANC received widespread support from the global anti-apartheid movement, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. Countries like the Soviet Union, Cuba, and other African nations provided military training and financial aid to the ANC, while Western nations imposed sanctions and boycotts against the apartheid regime. The United Nations condemned apartheid and adopted resolutions calling for an end to racial discrimination in South Africa.

Internal Resistance: Within South Africa, despite the ANC’s ban, resistance to apartheid continued to grow. The Black Consciousness Movement, led by Steve Biko, and labor strikes by Black workers helped keep the struggle alive. In the 1970s and 1980s, the ANC helped organize mass uprisings such as the Soweto Uprising in 1976, where thousands of Black schoolchildren protested against the forced use of Afrikaans in schools. The violent crackdown on these protests drew international condemnation and further isolated the apartheid government.

The Road to Democracy (1990–1994)
Release of Nelson Mandela: By the late 1980s, international pressure, economic sanctions, and internal unrest had weakened the apartheid regime. In 1990, under President F.W. de Klerk, the South African government began negotiations to dismantle apartheid. One of the key steps was the release of Nelson Mandela from prison on February 11, 1990, after 27 years in prison. The ANC was also unbanned, allowing it to operate legally once again.

Negotiations and the End of Apartheid: From 1990 to 1994, the ANC participated in negotiations with the government and other political parties to create a new, democratic constitution for South Africa. This process, known as the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), led to the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a transitional government.

1994 Democratic Elections: On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first fully democratic elections, in which all citizens, regardless of race, could vote. The ANC won the election in a landslide, with Nelson Mandela becoming South Africa’s first Black president. The end of apartheid marked a new chapter in the country’s history, with the ANC now leading a democratic government.

Post-Apartheid Era (1994–Present)
ANC in Power: Since the 1994 elections, the ANC has been the ruling party in South Africa, consistently winning national elections. Its leadership, including presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, and Cyril Ramaphosa, has faced the challenge of transitioning the country from apartheid to a democratic society. The ANC government has implemented policies to address the legacies of apartheid, including land redistribution, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation.

Challenges: Despite its accomplishments, the ANC has faced significant criticism in the post-apartheid era. Issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and unemployment have led to growing dissatisfaction with the party. Under the leadership of Jacob Zuma, the ANC faced numerous scandals, leading to a decline in its popularity.

Advertisement:

No products found.

We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.