Solidarity in the face of Coloniality

The tribalism imposed during colonial and apartheid rule through racial labour systems and spatial planning is still evident today. The effects are embedded in our societal mental fabric. This manifests in social instability and instead of turning to the ruling elite for answers, we are increasingly becoming a dog eat dog society. The ongoing mayhem of violent crimes, domestic violence, xenophobia, and gangsters is the result of colonialism, apartheid, and ongoing imperialism.

The signing of the Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act (TKLA) in 2018, which, according to its critics, sought to bring back the 'apartheid Bantustan' system is used to justify actions the traditional authorities take. 

The late Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini is among those who wanted the Corporal Punishment Act reinstated. Also, he was a fierce defender of racially inscribed boundaries, which treated black people like tribal subjects rather than equal citizens. The Black Administration Laws benefited tribal officials and administrators. During imperialism, colonialism, and apartheid, they wanted administrators on the ground for cheap labour supply, to impose tax collection, facilitation of land dispossessions, and so on.

In Limpopo, a traditional leader (formerly a Bantustan Chief) blocked water pipes passing through their areas of jurisdiction, resulting in over 50 villages without access to water. The fact that water is a fundamental human right does not apply. This is in discrepancy with the constitution, which the president claims this act is in line with.

The burning of three young Zimbabweans in Vembe district, Limpopo, was followed by a chasing spree of Zimbabwean nationals. In the same vein, a huge protest took place at Elim Mall, which is under the jurisdiction of Chief Njhakanjhaka and Dhavani. Its residents demanded that jobs be assigned to them instead of people from other areas. This time, the blame was placed on their fellow poor South African workers and again the ruling elite directly responsible for these miseries – are off the hook!

The residents of these villages and rural townships were angry for a long time. They’ve been living with water outages for decades and they still are. For those in the township, sewage pipes, roads and electricity power lines are never repaired.

One day, the people from the same areas had a big march to the mayor at the municipal offices in Makhado. There were some individuals from the tripartite alliance (wearing ANC, SACP, and COSATU regalia) who strategically positioned themselves as leaders of the march. In the following moments, they were embraced on the porch area of the municipal building by the mayor, other politicians, and comradely welcomed.

The march was over and that was that! 

Politicians, like traditional authorities, are gatekeepers of mass action directed directly at the ruling elites, resulting in unbearable frustrations manifesting themselves into self-destruction. As long as there’s oppression anywhere in the world, the masses will rise up, and they are awakening.

That’s why the ruling elite want to keep on making decisions for us to keep us divided. Because they are scared that when our diverse cultures come together, they will ultimately form robust, resilient, and resistant cultures. Like our revolutionary ancestors did in the past. We need to unite with our fellow workers in China, Africa, Europe, America, and South America - united we stand, divided we fall!