Documents - Part One: The All Africa Convention

Document 12. Proceedings and Resolutions of the A AC, June 29-July 2, 1936

(24) Programme of Action.

After a full dress debate on the Programme of Action, the Convention passed the following set of resolutions, submitted by the Executive Committee:

1. This Convention of African chiefs and other leaders desires to record its profound disappointment with the Government in its enactment of the Representation of Natives Act and the Native Trust and Land Act without due regard to the views of the African people as expressed both in the regional conferences held by the Government ostensibly for the purpose of consultation and in the resolutions of the All-African Convention presented by a deputation to the Prime Minister at the beginning of the recently concluded session of the Union Parliament.

2. In brief the objects of the Native Trust and Land Act is presumably to improve the economic position of the African people. We believe, on the con­trary, that the result of the application of this Act, in so far as it will drive large numbers of Africans now on European farms and in urban areas into the already congested Native Reserves and into the meagre released areas set aside for, and already largely in Native occupation, will accentuate the precarious economic status of the African people and will be prejudicial to the interests of all sections of the African population, the White no less than the African, the Coloured and the Indian. We are convinced that the Poor White Problem cannot be solved by doing what is calculated to lower the economic level of any section of the people.

3. The Representation of Natives in Parliament Act purports to provide, through the Native Representative Council, machinery for the ascertaining of Native Views on legislative measures affecting their welfare. The method of election of the members of this Council will not give adequate scope for the representation of the various interests and aspirations of the African people--an object which can only be achieved by broadening the basis of voting for its members. This convention re-affirms its conviction that the only way in which the interests of the various races which constitute the South African population can be safeguarded is by the adoption of a policy of political identity. Such a policy will ensure the ultimate creation of a South African State in which, while the various groups may develop on different lines socially and culturally they will be bound together by the pursuit of common political objectives. The Convention contends that this object can- only be achieved by the extension of the rights of citizenship to all the groups. This latter objective--common and citizenship rights for all--we make no apology for reiterating, and we are deter­mined in no way to relax our efforts in working for this end.

Therefore we instruct our Executive Committee to call upon all organisations affiliated to the Convention to devise ways and means of co-operating with it in this task. In the struggle for the attainment of these objectives the Executive is authorised to explore all effective avenues of action.

Now therefore this All-African Convention solemnly resolves to pick up the gauntlet thrown before it by the White Parliament of South Africa.

Thursday July 2.
After discussion by Messrs. Mapikela, Ramutia, Mbete, Tunzi, Klaaste, Mrs. Godlo, Mrs. Gool, Mrs. Bhola, Mrs. Lesabe, Mapitsa, Chief Chuene, Mancoba, Nyezi, Msimang, Leepile, Kabane, the motion was adopted unanimously on the proposal of Mr. L. Mfeka seconded by Mr. Rajuili.

(27) On Abyssinia.

(a) The All African Convention hereby expresses its utmost condemnation of the savage, unprovoked and unwarranted attack made by Italy upon Abyssinia and declares as its considered opinion that the ruthless action of Italy can only be regarded as large scale violence against fundamental human rights.
(b) Further this Convention sees in this action of Italy a continuation of the game of grab which the imperialist nations of Europe have played in this continent whereby millions of inhabitants have been deprived of their land, exploited and robbed of their labour.
(c) This Convention hereby declares its conviction that imperialism which has thus resulted in the ruthless destruction of life, in violent acts of robbery, in increasing exploitation and in the destruction of African culture is an evil force to be exposed, condemned and resisted.
(d) The All African Convention recognises the value and desirability of establishing contacts with Africans and African organisations in other parts of the world. To this end the All African Convention believes that a call to international conference of Africans and overseas peoples of African descent should receive the serious consideration of the Executive Committee.

(28) Overseas Contacts

Having in mind the desirability of establishing and maintaining contacts with other African peoples and organisations and overseas peoples of African descent can be safeguarded is by the adoption of a policy of political identity. Such a policy will ensure the ultimate creation of a South African State in which, while the various groups may develop on different lines socially and culturally they will be bound together by the pursuit of common political objectives. The Convention contends that this object can-only be achieved by the extension of the rights of citizenship to all the groups. This latter objective-common and citizenship rights for all-we make no apology for reiterating, and we are deter­mined in no way to relax our efforts in working for this end.

Therefore we instruct our Executive Committee to call upon all organisations affiliated to the Convention to devise ways and means of co-operating with it in this task. In the struggle for the attainment of these objectives the Executive is authorised to explore all effective avenues of action.
Now therefore this All-African Convention solemnly resolves to pick up the gauntlet thrown before it by the White Parliament of South Africa.

Thursday July 2.

After discussion by Messrs. Mapikela, Ramutia, Mbete, Tunzi, Klaaste, Mrs. Godio, Mrs. Gool, Mrs. Bhola, Mrs. Lesabe, Mapitsa, Chief Chuene, Mancoba, Nyezi, Msimang, Leepile, Kabane, the motion was adopted unanimously on the proposal of Mr. L. Mfeka seconded by Mr. Rajuili.

(27) On Abyssinia.

(a) The All African Convention hereby expresses its utmost condemnation of the savage, unprovoked and unwarranted attack made by Italy upon Abyssinia and declares as its considered opinion that the ruthless action of Italy can only be regarded as large scale violence against fundamental human rights.
(b) Further this Convention sees in this action of Italy a continuation of the game of grab which the imperialist nations of Europe have played in this continent whereby millions of inhabitants have been deprived of their land, exploited and robbed of their labour.
(c) This Convention hereby declares its conviction that imperialism which has thus resulted in the ruthless destruction of life, in violent acts of robbery, in increasing exploitation and in the destruction of African culture is an evil force to be exposed, condemned and resisted.
(d) The All African Convention recognises the value and desirability of estab­lishing contacts with Africans and African organisations in other parts of the world. To this end the All African Convention believes that a call to international conference of Africans and overseas peoples of African descent should receive the serious consideration of the Executive Committee.

(28) Overseas Contacts.

Having in mind the desirability of establishing and maintaining contacts with other African peoples and organisations and overseas peoples of African descent.

(32) The term "non-European."

During the discussions, a rather novel idea of designating Europeans in South Africa was mooted, with appreciable effect. One delegate strongly contended that it was erroneous to describe the Africans in South Africa as "Non-Europeans" when to all intents they formed the indigenous population of the continent of Africa. He urged the Convention in all sincerity to adopt the nomenclature of "Non-Africans" for all Europeans as distinct from Africans, arguing that here they lived in Africa, and not in Europe where the term "Non-European" is conceivable and tolerable for strangers in the continent of Europe. This sign of an awakening race-consciousness may well be discussed next year in December.

(33) Closure.

In closing the Convention, the President gave an exhortation saying the delegates must bear in mind the motto "No cross, no crown" which meant they must be prepared to face hard work and cast away racialism. The only evidence we can see from anyone professing sympathy with us is the arrival of his shilling or more as proof of his loyalty. By this Convention we may create as many friends as enemies, but let us not look to the right or left but go onward undaunted till we reach our goal.

The Convention was finally closed at 6:30 p.m., Thursday 2nd July with the singing of the African National song Nkosi sikelel' i-Afrika.

<<MENU / DOCUMENT 11 / DOCUMENT 12 / DOCUMENT 13 >>