A new upsurge in the struggle of the oppressed masses
Declaration of the United Secretariat of the Fourth International
DOCUMENT. There have recently been new developments in the struggle of the oppressed in South Africa. In the space of a few weeks we have seen the combination of:
mobilisations for the boycott of elections to the 'Coloured' and 'Indian' assemblies (these assemblies do not concern the 20 million blacks);
school strikes and school student demonstrations; rebellions in certain townships; and now the miners are preparing to go on strike. All this is taking place in a period marked by the growing number of workers struggles in the workplaces, the strengthening of independent non-racial trade unions and the progress made in their unification.
The most striking proof of the population's resolute opposition to and gut rejection of Apartheid has just been shown -apart from anything else — by the boycott of the racial elections at the end of August 1984. Less than 20% of the Coloureds' and less than 10% of the Indians' voted in the masquerade organised by P. Botha. The latter is nevertheless pursuing the implementation of his constitutional reforms and has just been designated President of the Republic at the head of a parliament separated into three chambers based on racial criteria. Emboldened by its diplomatic success that has made possible the signing of agreements with Angola and Mozambique and Botha's trip to Europe, the racist regime thought it could peacefully organise a 'facelift' of Apartheid. It has benefited from the support of the Reagan administration and in general of all imperialist governments.
Today, however, it is faced with problems on the domestic front. In fact, these cosmetic reforms are deepening racial discrimination and have not sown any illusions South African masses, whose degree of organisation is increasing. The recent mobilisations confirm the central role already being played by the independent trade unions and civic associations. Hundreds of thousands of workers, women and youth are now in these organisations.
Recent struggles have also shown the need for political centralisation: In their own way the United Democratic Front Increasing militancy of blacks on all fronts (DR)
and the National Forum are seeking to fill this vacuum. This immediately subjects them to repression, in the same way as the underground ANC militants.
One of the most important lessons of recent events is the combination of social, economic and political demands that emerged, as well as the simultaneous entrance into struggle of a wide range of mass movement sectors. School students have demanded the recognition of school student councils and an end to corporal punishment; township dwellers have refused the rent increases; and miners are demanding a wage increase. But all these demands combine with the struggle for democratic and trade-union rights — a struggle that is understood by all these sectors as a central confrontation with the racist regime.
This demonstrates the explosive nature of the situation, the breadth of the accumulated social tensions and the intensity of the national question. This combination of demands shows that the oppressed masses do not want a reform of the regime but the overthrow of Apartheid and exploitation.
The arrests of dozens of leaders and hundreds of demon strators and the assassination of dozens of blacks in the recent demonstrations show the real face of the 'democratisation' of Apartheid. This is the only response of the racist regime to each and every mobilisation. Consequently it is a necessity for the oppressed masses of South Africa that they receive systematic international support. The workers and democratic movements must give ongoing support to the organisations formed by the black masses of South Africa. And they must organise mobilisations against all types of collaboration of the imperialist and other countries with the South African regime.
We must give the greatest attention to South Africa.
The Fourth International calls on all its sections and members to participate in all the solidarity mobilisations with the oppressed people of South Africa and to defend all their organisations.
United Secretariat of the Fourth International Paris, September 9, 1984