The Crisis in South Africa: Class Defense, Class Revolution

Southern Africa: 20 Years Post-Apartheid (Introduction)

“…In the 1970s, apartheid South Africa entered a deep economic, social and political crisis, in the words of Saul and Gelb (1981) an "organic crisis". "Racial fordism" (Gelb 1991: 2), which had been based on mineral exports and import substitution industrialisation geared towards the white high income domestic market, reached its limits.…”

"Beyond our wildest dreams": the United Democratic Front and the transformation of South Africa

“…29 One significant aspect of this stay-away was the participation of the major trade union federations FOSATU and CUSA, which for the first time took an active part in an overtly politica! protest action.…”

“…29 The majority of the white population supported politica! parties and movements to the right of the ruling National Party (NP).…”

“…In his autobiography, Chikane counterposed "those who live at the expense of the blood, life and sweat of others" to the "classless society which could be compatible with the ideals of the Kingdom [of God]." 29 This egalitarian vision of the Kingdom of God was shared by some influential young activists for whom religious Inspiration i remained important in spite of their scorn for the church establishment. Sevt eral found an organizational home in the Young Christian Workers, a remarkable international movement that produced a synthesis of Christianity, Marxism, and militant social action.…”

“…29 With such an evil image, it is small wonder that the UDF and its advocates hastened to reject the dreaded label "petty bourgeois." Other authors, to whom social revolution is a less enticing project, take a more positive view of the role of the petty bourgeoisie.…”