Kabwe, Zambia, June 1985

This message, from the leaders in Pollsmoor and Robben Island prisons, and
signed on their behalf by Nelson Mandela, was read to the Conference and later presented to a press conference in Lusaka on 25 June 1985 by the
President of the ANC, Oliver Tambo.

We were most delighted to hear that the ANC will soon have another
Conference. We sincerely hope that such an occasion will constitute yet another
milestone in our history. It is most satisfying, especially in our present
position, to belong to a tested organisation which exercises so formidable an
impact on the situation in our country, which as established itself firmly as
the standard bearer of such a rich tradition, and which has brought us such
coveted laurels.

As you know, we always try to harmonise our own views and responses with
those of the movement at large. For this reason, we find it rewarding indeed to
know that, despite the immense distance and the years which separate us, as well
as the lack of effective communication channel, we still remain a closely knit
organisation, ever conscious of the crucial importance of unity, and of
resisting every attempt to divide and confuse.

We feel sure that all those delegates who will attend will go there with one
central issue uppermost in their minds: that out of the Conference the ANC will
emerge far stronger than ever before. Unity is the rock on which the African
National Congress was founded; it is the principle which has guided us down the
years as we feel our way forward.

In the course of its history, the ANC has survived countless storms and risen
to eminence partly because of the sterling qualities of its membership, and
partly because each member has regarded himself or herself as the principal
guardian of that unity. All discussions, contributions and criticism have
generally been balanced and constructive and, above all, they have been
invariably subjected to the over-riding principle of maximum unity. To lose
sight of this basic principle is to sell our birthright, to betray those who
paid the highest price so that the ANC should flourish and triumph.

In this connection, the positions taken by Oliver Tambo on various issues and
also stressed by Joe Slovo inspired us tremendously. Both drew attention to
vital issues which, in our opinion, are very timely. They must be highlighted
and kept consciously in mind as we try to sort out the complicated problems
which face the movement, and as we try to hammer out the guidelines for future
progress.

These remarks are the clearest expression of that enduring identity of
approach of members of the movement wherever they may be, and a summary of
achievements of which we are justly proud. In particular, we fully share the
view that the ANC has raised mass political consciousness to a scale unknown in
our experience. It is in this spirit that we send you our greetings and best
wishes. We hold hands firmly across the miles.

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