Documents - Part One: Leaders and Chiefs oppose government plans

Document 2. News Report and Resolution of the Conference called by the Transvaal African Congress, June 8, 1935

An important gathering held under the auspices of the Transvaal African Congress took place last Thursday and Friday at Pimville Native Township, Johannesburg, over 100 delegates attending from all parts of the Province.

The Congress discussed Native grievances, the Native Bills, and the problem of the Protectorates. The following significant resolution was passed:

"That this meeting unanimously resolves that a national convention of all African chiefs, leaders and organisations, namely, the African National Congress, Native Advisory Boards' Congress, Ikaka la Basebenzi, Communist Party, Cape Voters Association, Bantu Union, Bantu Women's League, African Vigilance Associations, Independent I.C.U., United I.C.U., I.C.U. yase Natal, Interdenominational African Ministers' Association, Joint Council of Native Ministers, African Dingaka Association, Non-European Conference, African People's Union, and other bodies, as well as representatives from Basutoland, Swaziland and Bechuanaland, be held at Bloemfontein on December 16, 1935, to consider the Government's new Native policy and the incorporation of the Protectorates."

Mr. T. M. Mapikela, the veteran speaker of the African National Congress moved this resolution as an unopposed motion after a most appealing speech to African leaders and masses to unite, and to bury all political differences in this time of national crisis. He said that too much fault-finding and criticism impeded the forward march of the African. As a result they were losing even the meagre rights they once had. It was time to put the African house in order.

Among the many Reef leaders who met in conference were Messrs. L. T. Mvabaza, C. S. Mabaso, D. T. Mweli Skota, C. Dunjwa, the Reverends S. Mdolomba, J. Mdelwa Hongwane and Twala, all representing the T.A.C.; G. S. Mabeta, Western Native Township, African Vigilance Association; E. Mahlanza, Benoni, African Vigilance Association; S. P. Mqubuli, the Native Advisory Boards' Congress; J. B. Marks and J. Ngedlane, the Communist Party; M. M. Kotane and A. Chuenyane, Ikaka la Basebenzi; I. B. Muroe, I.C.U.; and representatives of other bodies.

Mr. Matseke, President of the T.A.C., presided.

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