Listening to the silent majority

[37]

I asked John Gogotya of FIDA, why blacks were being swallowed by factionalism. ‘Unfortunately,’ said John, ‘a great power game is being played between blacks. A large measure of egotism takes its toll. There are some truly towering egos taking part in our struggle. Personal pride and envy demand a heavy price at the expense of the liberation movement. There is a great deal of one-upmanship. Some people want a solution as long as it comes only from them. That's one aspect. Some want a solution only on their own terms. Some people want to be seen as initiators, not as participants. These are some of the issues we must try to settle amongst us blacks. Mind you, the ANC sees itself as the only voice for black South Africa. Likewise, the black consciousness movement sees itself as the sole voice. The UDF, and even an organisation like Inkatha in Natal, both see themselves as the only true voices of black South Africa. It's obvious that blacks must move towards the politics of negotiation. Embodied within the principles of fair negotiation is compromise. Unless our people are prepared and have become fully aware

[p. 45]

of the necessity to meet at the conference table, or are ready to relinquish some influence, and accept the fact that they are not the only bulls in the “kraal”, there will be no solution.’

Gogotya continued, ‘I might not agree with others, but I am prepared to sit down and talk. A certain black leader (Mangosothu Buthelezi) will not speak to another black leader (John Mavuso), because the latter supposedly works with political structures set up by the present government. Yet, that very black leader, who is refusing to meet his black compatriot is prepared to meet Mr FW de Klerk. What arguments does this leader (Buthelezi) use to justify his attitude? This is also, why we, in FIDA condemn those who go and talk with the ANC, while those same people refuse to talk to the PAC. Why do these people choose to only negotiate with the ANC?’ Gogotya asked. ‘It all goes to show,’ I replied, ‘how poorly the principles of “one man, one vote” are actually understood by most, and how much education and plain information must be channelled into black minds, not only in South Africa, but in Africa as a whole, before the democratic process of parliamentary democracy will become realistically operational.’