Contents
- The SANNC and the South Africa Act
- The 1913 Land Act and deputations to London
- Continued resistance and internal criticism
- Rejuvenation of the ANC and intensification of the struggle
- The ANC and the early development of apartheid
- A change to armed struggle and the state's intensified repression
- Armed Struggle; 1970s - 1980s :The revival of armed activity
- Armed Struggle; 1984-1990: The anti-apartheid struggle accelerates
Reference
African National Congress
Early Resistance: The 1913 Land Act and deputations to London
The first restriction that the SANNC aimed to contest was the Land Act, as it was an urgent issue that would affect all black people. The SANNC sent petitions and held deputations, but were not able to prevent the passing of the Land Act in 1913. Another deputation was sent to London, which was received by the Secretary of State for Colonies, Lewis Harcourt, in June 1914. It however became clear that the British were no longer prepared to involve themselves with the internal affairs of South Africa.
After WW1, it was decided to send yet another deputation to London. The president of the SANNC, SM Makgatho, felt that the 1914 deputation had been a failure because the British had been distracted by WW1. A petition was drawn up, where the SANNC described both their loyalty to the British during the war, and put forward their grievances. However, once again the British said they were not prepared to interfere in the internal affairs of South Africa.
However, The SANNC did manage to win the sympathy of some, and Lloyd George discussed the matter with Jan Smuts - and stated that their legitimate grievances should be dealt with. After this deputation, the SANNC realised that deputations to Britain were futile- therefore the first phase of SANNC action was brought to a close.