Rise of African Nationalism

Definition of Nationalism

• Nationalism: A sense of belonging to and identifying with a nation.
• Involves civil rights like the right to vote and own land.

Origins of African Nationalism

• Early 1900s: Development of African nationalism.
• Africans began to desire freedom and political inclusion compared to whites.
• Resistance to colonialism and segregation.
• Disappointment post-South African War due to continued white control.

Formation of Native Congresses

• Native congresses emerged in the four colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal.
• 1906: Transvaal Native Congress protested pass laws to British Parliament (ignored).

South African Native National Convention

• 1909: Meeting in Bloemfontein led by Walter Rubusana, JT Jabar Vu, John Dube.
• Demanded voting rights for all males and end to racial discrimination.

Formation of the Union of South Africa

• 1910: The Union formed with white control; non-whites excluded from political power.

Formation of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC)

• 1912: SANNC formed, John Dube as president.
• Goals: Unite Africans, oppose discrimination, and win political rights.
• Used peaceful protests through letters and appeals.

Early Delegations and Protests

• 1913 Land Act: Delegation to London to protest.
• 1919: Delegation to Paris Peace Conference for self-determination (unsuccessful).

Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU)

• 1919: Formed in Cape Town for dock workers.
• More support from working-class than ANC.

Transformation into the African National Congress (ANC)

• 1923: SANNC became ANC.
• Criticism for moderate approach; lack of attention to rural poor.

Rise of More Active Nationalism

• 1940: Dr. Alfred Zuma as ANC president, advocated for united front against discrimination.
• 1943: ANC's 'African Claims' document.
• Formation of Congress Youth League (CYL) by young leaders like Nelson Mandela.

Shifts in Strategy

• 1940s: Younger members called for more active nationalism.
• 1949: Program of Action adopted, advocating boycotts, strikes, civil disobedience.

Defiance Campaign and Freedom Charter

• 1952: Defiance Campaign against apartheid laws.
• 1955: Freedom Charter proclaimed, advocating non-racial South Africa.

Emergence of the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC)

• 1950s: Split from ANC due to differences in ideology.

Apartheid and Armed Resistance

• 1960: ANC and PAC banned; Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) formed as ANC's armed wing.

Renewal of Nationalism

• 1970s: Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) led by Steve Biko.

Final Push and Democratic Transition

• 1980s: UDF continued non-racial fight; COSATU mobilized workers.
• 1990: ANC and PAC unbanned, Mandela released.
• 1994: First democratic election; ANC won under Mandela; new constitution echoed non-racialism.

Conclusion

• Decades-long struggle culminated in achieving African nationalism.

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