Non-racialism and the African National Congress: views from the branch
Loading...
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis group
Abstract
South Africa’s ruling party is well known as an organisation that supports the ideal of
non-racialism. However, the extent to which the African National Congress (ANC)
has defined and instrumentalised the concept of non-racialism is contested. This article
looks at the history of non-racialism in the party and more recent interpretations by
ANC leadership, before examining how non-racialism is understood, 19 years into
democracy, by members of the party. Based on interviews with over 45 ANC branch
members, the article describes how members, broadly speaking, have deep-seated
concerns with non-racialism in the ANC and in society more generally. There is
recognition from ANC branch members that race relations have significantly
improved since the ANC moved into government; however, they feel not enough
change has taken place and that racial tensions are impeding social cohesion and
concomitant growth and progress in the country. There is division among members in
regards to the efficacy and impact of the party’s racially based policies such as
affirmative action as well as the manner in which race potentially influences
leadership opportunities within the party. Furthermore, the article shows that there is
lack of definition and direction on the part of the ANC in regards to the
instrumentalisation of non-racialism, and this deficiency has negative consequences
for racial cohesion in the party. The article concludes by discussing how investigations
into party branches through the lens of non-racialism, highlights more deep-seated
concerns about local-level party democracy and a party fractured at the grassroots.
Description
Keywords
Non-racialism, African National Congress, Branch member, Race relations, Democracy
Citation
Anciano, F. ( 2014). Non-racialism and the African National Congress: views from the branch. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 32(1), 35-55