National Convention Must Mark Beginning of National
Liberation Movement", South African Worker, 27 June 1936

The African National Convention must receive the whole hearted
welcome of all people both Native and European. Herein lies the
beginnings of National Liberation. It is the answer to the further
encroachment upon the oppressed African people, expressed in the
anti-native laws passed during the recent session. It must mark
the beginning of a permanent movement for liberation from all oppressive
laws and administrative acts and from perpetual violence practiced
against the Native.

There Must Be No Division!

Compounds, pass laws and acts of Parliament limiting Native movements,
the imposition of poverty and illiteracy slums in the filthiest
of surroundings, eating at delicate children's lungs, driving Natives
to early graves - ALL MUST GO. The African Convention at Bloemfontein
can give the answer. There must be no divisions. Chiefs or headmen,
Native representatives or others who receive remuneration from
the Government must refuse to become politically isolated from
Native interests. They will become richer, intellectually and materially,
by serving the people from whom, they sprang. They cannot be free
while the mass of the Natives are oppressed. To free the Native
means to let loose wider opportunities for all. Intellectual and
professional people can advance only with expanding liberaties.

WE WANT BREAD, WORK LAND AND FREEDOM'

DEMAND "BREAD AND WORK, LAND AND FREEDOM!"

These can be got by organising. To unite the Native people in a
struggle for economic uplift and political rights must be the aim
of the convention. don't underestimate Native desires and aspirations.
The government of imperialists act as if they were non-existent.
Let the Convention be otherwise.

Natives Must Have the Right to Organise
Demand the right to form Native Trade Unions of Native Workers
in all industry, and unity with the white workers where possible.
Form peasant organisations in the rural areas. Create your own
political councils in the Reserves, locations and compounds. From
these send militant and loyal Natives to the Native Representative
Councils etc. limited as they are. Make the limited hybrid councils
a political issue in every place where Natives congregate.

United Action Will Strengthen The Cause of The People

Expose those who are responsible. To elect representatives to them
by no means implies acceptance. They are there. Use their limited
possibilities. They give you the right to recommend. See all your
recommendations are aimed to liberate the Native people. Political
activity around the issues of the work and bread, land and freedom
will embarrass the imperialists, and advance the Natives interests.
This activity will educate, strengthen and develop the people and
enable them to drive on the National liberation
movement. Connect your movement with the Workers and Peoples United
Front to fight against War and Fascism.