BLACK WOMENIN SOUTH AFRICA

and the case of

WINNIE MANDELAWinnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition

IntroductionThroughout the world women sl

pression and discrimination . We arestatus jobs . We are traditionally respokeeping house, whether we want tolack of public childcare facilities, poon publicly funded abortion, weaklyand unsafe streets keep us from effEequal human beings.

Here Black women suffer the woision — as Black people and as wornAfrica are oppressed by the system ofbut Black South African women cartpression.

Winnie Mandela is a Black South ,all black South African women sufferwomen who have led the fight againsthem . Like women in this countryagainst them—like Joan Little, Anothers—she has been constantly pe gshe is opposing.

We write about Winnie Mandelanot only because we can identify wipeople, but because the system whichsystem which oppresses us.

To understand the life of Winniestand the context in which she livesmust start with a description of aparth(

Women marched on Pretoria to pr

ABOUT THIS PAMPHLET

This pamphlet was collectively written by the Winnie MandelaSolidarity Coalition as a basic introduction to the struggle for Liber-ation in South Africa . We have chosen the life of Winnie Mandelato highlight her particular courage as well as that of countlessnamed and unnamed women political prisoners in SouthAfrica—whose only `crime' was to advocate for political, humanand economic rights under an unjust and inhuman system. Wehope to inspire women in the United States and elsewhere to uniteand act in solidarity and support of their sisters in South Africa who,with their people, struggle today for basic human rights.

Cover picture:

Winnie Mandela looking through the gate of her house where sheis a prisoner.

Any part of this pamphlet can be reproduced, but please credit us.

Credits

Typesetting by Community Access Graphics107 Brighton Ave . Allston, MA 254-9648

Photographs in this pamphlet are taken from Magubane 's SouthAfrica unless otherwise credited.

The printing of this pamphlet was paid for by a grant from theHaymarket People's Fund.

RED SUN PRESS 172

IntroductionThroughout the world women suffer and struggle against op-

pression and discrimination . We are given the worst paid, loweststatus jobs . We are traditionally responsible for raising children andkeeping house, whether we want to or not . In the United States,lack of public childcare facilities, poor social services, restrictionson publicly funded abortion, weakly enforced affirmative action,and unsafe streets keep us from effectively asserting ourselves asequal human beings.

Here Black women suffer the worst discrimination and oppres-sion — as Black people and as women . All Black people in SouthAfrica are oppressed by the system of apartheid that operates there,but Black South African women carry the greatest burden of op-pression.

Winnie Mandela is a Black South African woman who suffers asall black South African women suffer, and she is also one of manywomen who have led the fight against the system which oppressesthem . Like women in this country who fight the discriminationagainst them—like Joan Little, Angela Davis, Ella Ellison andothers—she has been constantly persecuted by the governmentshe is opposing.

We write about Winnie Mandela and women in South Africanot only because we can identify with them as women or Blackpeople, but because the system which oppresses them is part of thesystem which oppresses us.

To understand the life of Winnie Mandela we have to under-stand the context in which she lives and struggles . Therefore, wemust start with a description of apartheid.

Women marched on Pretoria to protest the pass laws, 1955.

vely written by the Winnie Mandelatroduction to the struggle for Liber-chosen the life of Winnie Mandela

urage as well as that of countlessen political prisoners in SouthIs to advocate for political, human

unjust and inhuman system . Wekilted States and elsewhere to unitet of their sisters in South Africa who,y for basic human rights.

,h the gate of her house where she

uced, but please credit us.

3hics

en from Magubane 's South

lid for by a grant from the

1

The System of Apartheid

2

THE LAND IS SEIZED

The land known as South Africa was originally populated byseveral African peoples. It was first colonized by the Dutch (nowcalled Afrikaners) in the mid-1600's . The English soon followed andtogether with the Afrikaners conquered the African peoples livingthere . The discovery of diamonds and gold brought massive whiteimmigration into the country . As Europeans moved inland, theyseized land from the Africans, who fought back in long, bitter warsto keep their land . Because the whites had guns, the Africans wereeventually defeated . In much the same way as Native Americans inthis country were forced onto reservations over time, Africans havebeen increasingly restricted to specially created reserves . Manyoppressive laws, designed to control and restrict the African maj-ority, were passed to form the system of apartheid .

yal SEF 1~T asIN lug BEST rtitam

'~oNr YoU

WHAT IS APARTHEID?

Apartheid (pronounced `apart-hthe system set up by the white minorilto control and exploit the Black poSouth Africans protect their power an

South Africans are divided by lavgories : White, African, Asian and Coland white ancestry) . People in each giarate communities. They are not allsignated for another race without a sare over 70% of the population, Afric13% of the land . Like Indian reservattionally the least productive : infertThese scattered reserves are divided itcalled Bantustans . Each homeland is fgroup. The white government is clairrthese `homelands', in reality depriving`white' South Africa.

The African people in South Africown land . They are not allowed to hejobs either in government or in privaAfricans do not even earn the minim.tence. Separate and vastly inferior facischools, transportation, stores, and hextreme poverty, malnutrition, seveand poor education . White South Afithe highest standards of living in thew

4?

SOUTH AFRICA : LAND POPULATION

POPULATIONMI AFRICAN 18 .6

Million

=WHITE

.3

COLORED 2 .9(Mxed BJacK (re)

INDIAN

0.7

TOTAL 26 . l

LANDAFRI„CA"4 AREAS037o of /a-4 cv~t )

q WHITE AREAS(877 oFland a ced)

i

Apart heid

h Africa was originally populated byas first colonized by the Dutch (now1600's . The English soon followed and:onquered the African peoples living)nds and gold brought massive whitey . As Europeans moved inland, they, who fought back in long, bitter warsle whites had guns, the Africans werethe same way as Native Americans inreservations over time, Africans haveto specially created reserves . Manycontrol and restrict the African maj-system of apartheid.

- LAND.1AFRtCAI'J AREAS

(%370 of /a,' a.e.t.)=WHITE AREAS

(87% of /and area)

POPULATIONMIAFRICAN 18-G

/h on

=WHITE

y ,3

COLORED 2 .9(Mxed 8/R,c., ( wh , re)

INDIAN

0,7

TOTAL 26 .1

LAND 1 POPULATION

WHAT IS APARTHEID?

Apartheid (pronounced `apart-hate ' ) means separateness . It isthe system set up by the white minority government of South Africato control and exploit the Black population . It is the way whiteSouth Africans protect their power and privilege.

South Africans are divided by law into four official `race' cate-gories : White, African, Asian and Coloured (people of mixed Blackand white ancestry) . People in each group are forced to live in sep-arate communities. They are not allowed to enter any area de-signated for another race without a special permit . Although theyare over 70% of the population, Africans have been allocated only13% of the land . Like Indian reservations here, this land is inten-tionally the least productive : infertile, and with little industry.These scattered reserves are divided into 9 `tribal homelands', oftencalled Bantustans . Each homeland is for people of the same ethnicgroup. The white government is claiming to give independence tothese `homelands', in reality depriving all Africans of citizenship in`white' South Africa.

The African people in South Africa are not allowed to vote or toown land . They are not allowed to hold managerial or supervisoryjobs either in government or in private business . About 80% of allAfricans do not even earn the minimum wage necessary for subsis-tence. Separate and vastly inferior facilities are provided for Blacks:schools, transportation, stores, and hospitals . Africans suffer fromextreme poverty, malnutrition, severely inadequate health care,and poor education . White South Africans, however, have one ofthe highest standards of living in the world.

?o(3 sE THAT asIN Y

tx*'r/OU't

a

3

4

REPRESSION AND IMPRISONMENT

The South African government needs strict controls backed bya brutal and powerful police force and army in order to maintainthe system of apartheid . There are countless repressive laws,enacted to keep tight control over all aspects of people's lives.Black people are denied basic human rights and freedoms . They arenot free to live where they choose . They cannot join recognizedlabor unions, and do not have the right to strike.

All Black people over 16 must carry passbooks at all times . Pass-books are special identification papers which show to what area anindividual is restricted . They are the key to the maintenance of apar-theid . Passbooks are used to control residence, movement, andwork. Blacks cannot move, travel, or change jobs without theappropriate stamp in their passbooks . They live under constant fearof police harassment, arrest, and imprisonment . Three out of everyfour Black people have been arrested at least once in their lives forviolations of Pass Laws.

People who try to fight the system of apartheid are imprisoned,killed, or banned . Banning is a special restriction used by the SouthAfrican government. It is applied to individuals, organizations, andpublications . Banned individuals are restricted to a very small area:one neighborhood or town . They cannot meet with more than twopeople at a time, speak in public, teach, write for publication, or bequoted by the press . Banned organizations or publications cannotlegally exist in South Africa. There are over 20,000 banned publi-cations. All newspapers, books, movies, etc ., are strictly censored.All Black political parties are banned.

Under the Internal Security Act and the Terrorism Act, peoplecan be held for indefinite periods of time, without a charge, for

interrogation . All the security laws aactivity can be considered a crime aimprisoned . Steven Biko, a non-violLuther King, was arrested under the Ias a result of police brutality and tortur

MIGRANT LABOR

Although all Africans are assignerhalf of them actually live in the rurzAfrica needs their labor . Black peoplea plentiful supply of cheap labor whipSouth Africa one of the richest nationsprovides huge profits for U .S . and othdoing business in South Africa.

All Africans are migrant workers,long as they are needed in the workf(who come here from Mexico and edone they are no longer welcome . CIthe unemployed (regarded by whitesforcibly removed to rural reserves, evin the same place for two or threeforced removals destroys family life b)and children from living together.

Woman waits for transportation . Shecause her land is wanted for some oth

interrogation . All the security laws are so vague that almost anyactivity can be considered a crime and any person arrested andimprisoned . Steven Biko, a non-violent Black leader like MartinLuther King, was arrested under the Internal Security Act . He diedas a result of police brutality and torture on September 12, 1977.

MIGRANT LABOR

Although all Africans are assigned to a `homeland', only abouthalf of them actually live in the rural reserves since white SouthAfrica needs their labor . Black people are regarded as no more thana plentiful supply of cheap labor which is necessary to keep whiteSouth Africa one of the richest nations in the world . This system alsoprovides huge profits for U .S. and other multinational corporationsdoing business in South Africa.

All Africans are migrant workers, staying in white areas only aslong as they are needed in the workforce. Like temporary workerswho come here from Mexico and elsewhere, once their work isdone they are no longer welcome. Children, the old, the sick, andthe unemployed (regarded by whites as `useless appendages') areforcibly removed to rural reserves, even if their families have livedin the same place for two or three generations. This system offorced removals destroys family life by preventing husbands, wives,and children from living together.

Woman waits for transportation . She has been forced to move be-cause her land is wanted for some other purpose.

MENT

iment needs strict controls backed byforce and army in order to maintainsere are countless repressive laws,DI over all aspects of people's lives.human rights and freedoms . They arehoose. They cannot join recognizedthe right to strike.

ust carry passbooks at all times . Pass-n papers which show to what area ane the key to the maintenance of apar-control residence, movement, andtravel, or change jobs without the;books . They live under constant fearnd imprisonment . Three out of everyIrrested at least once in their lives for

system of apartheid are imprisoned,I special restriction used by the Southied to individuals, organizations, andas are restricted to a very small area:hey cannot meet with more than twoic, teach, write for publication, or be

organizations or publications cannot[- here are over 20,000 banned publi-:s, movies, etc ., are strictly censored.anned.

ty Act and the Terrorism Act, people!Hods of time, without a charge, for

5

In the reserves, those who can, getake jobs in industry, in the mines, ofworker is generally a man, who leavereserve—not because he wants to, 131does not allow `useless appendages' tThus, both South African employerations can keep wages down and profipaying men a wage only just sufficierforcing the rest of the family to rely cserves . With the family in the reservethe South African government can sproviding basic social, health, educati,

The burden of survival and of rzworkers falls on the women . Separat(to scratch out a living from the poor laito have land. They must also care forwho have no legal place in South Afrwomen become isolated and lonerfamily members who become caughtin town - a struggle that can lead tothe breakup of families . Often thesesevere emotional anguish.

IN THE URBAN AREAS

Faced with this situation, some v\their husbands or other loved onesOften, women are traveling illegallynot allow such visits, or will allow orFor example, more than 20,000 wive!month contracts left their `tribal horncamp called Crossroads . They wantewho worked in Capetown . I n Septeminight to try to bulldoze the camp . Whman was killed . Women, including prand 300 people were arrested.

Women also go to `white' townforced to leave their children behindwoman, who may be too old or overlying women find jobs as servants liv` madam's ' backyard . They typically weallowed to have overnight visitors, e'band or child . For such work, Africanmonth.

6

The Life of Black WomenIN THE RESERVES

"Widowhood—a life of void and loneliness ; a periodof tension, unbalance, and strenuous adjustment . Andwhat can it be to those thousands of Africanwomen—those adolescent girls married before they reachwomanhood, thrown into a life of responsibility beforethey have completely passed from childhood to adult-hood; those young women in the prime of early woman-hood left to face life alone, burdened with the task of build-ing a home and rearing a family ; those young womendoomed to nurse alone their sick babies, weep alone fortheir dead babies, dress and bury alone their corpses? Whatcan it mean to those young brides whose purpose has beensnatched away, overnight, leaving them bewildered andlost, leaving them with a thirst and hunger that cannot bestilled?

And yet this is the daily lot of tens of thousands ofAfrican women whose husbands are torn away from themto go and work in the cities, mines, and farms—husbandswho because of the migratory labor system cannot taketheir wives with them and because of the starvation wagesthey receive, are forced to remain in the work centers forlong periods—strangers in a strange land—but equallystrangers at home to their wives and children ."Phyllis Ntantala, "The Oppression of Women in South

Africa . "

Woman watching her baby.

k Women

of void and loneliness; a periodand strenuous adjustment . Andthose thousands of African

It girls married before they reach`o a life of responsibility beforeassed from childhood to adult-en in the prime of early woman-

burdened with the task of build-a family; those young women

their sick babies, weep alone forId bury alone their corpses? Whatg brides whose purpose has been4, leaving them bewildered andthirst and hunger that cannot be

'ally lot of tens of thousands ofisbands are torn away from themies, mines, and farms—husbands

.ratory labor system cannot takebecause of the starvation wages

o remain in the work centers forin a strange land—but equallywives and children .")ppression of Women in South

Africa . "

In the reserves, those who can, get passes for work and leave totake jobs in industry, in the mines, or on white-owned farms . Theworker is generally a man, who leaves his wife and children in thereserve—not because he wants to, but because the apartheid lawdoes not allow `useless appendages' to live in `white' South Africa.Thus, both South African employers and multinational corpor-ations can keep wages down and profits high by separating families,paying men a wage only just sufficient for their own upkeep, andforcing the rest of the family to rely on meager farming in the re-serves . With the family in the reserve, an `independent' country,the South African government can shrug off the responsibility ofproviding basic social, health, education, and sanitation services.

The burden of survival and of raising the next generation ofworkers falls on the women . Separated from their men, they haveto scratch out a living from the poor land — if they are lucky enoughto have land . They must also care for the old and the sick — thosewho have no legal place in South African society . In this situation,women become isolated and lonely . They are uncertain aboutfamily members who become caught up in the struggle for survivalin town - a struggle that can lead to alcoholism, prostitution, andthe breakup of families . Often these women in the reserves suffersevere emotional anguish.

IN THE URBAN AREAS

Faced with this situation, some women will go to town to findtheir husbands or other loved ones who are on labor contracts.Often, women are traveling illegally because the government willnot allow such visits, or will allow only extremely restricted visits.For example, more than 20,000 wives and children of men on 11month contracts left their `tribal homelands' to settle in a squattercamp called Crossroads . They wanted to be near their husbandswho worked in Capetown . In September, 1978, the police arrived atnight to try to bulldoze the camp . When the squatters resisted, oneman was killed . Women, including pregnant women, were beaten,and 300 people were arrested.

Women also go to `white' towns to look for work . They areforced to leave their children behind, often in the care of anotherwoman, who may be too old or overburdened to cope . Most work-ing women find jobs as servants living in tiny quarters in their`madam's' backyard . They typically work 60-hour weeks and are notallowed to have overnight visitors, even if the visitor is their hus-band or child . For such work, African women receive around $50 amonth .

7

Women cooking outside their houses in Soweto.

If women can ' t find other kinds of work, they desperately try tomake ends meet by doing white people's laundry (without the helpof any machines) or by brewing and selling traditional beer, whichis illegal . A small percentage of women find slightly better payingjobs in industry, hospitals, or as clerical workers . As Africans theyface legal and enforced wage and job discrimination ; as Africanwomen, they also receive the lowest wages.

Many women, like men, are forced to live in single-sex hostelsfor the period of their contracts . These `hostels' are like concen-tration camps — bleak, cramped, cold, guarded, and isolated fromoutside contact . Even the few women who are allowed to live withtheir families in the Black townships have a very insecure position.A woman has no right to rent a house in her own name . If her hus-band dies, she is likely to get evicted — even if she is working andcan pay rent . Only if she has a son, she may escape eviction by regis-tering the house in his name.

Thus apartheid means not only inequality and separation ofBlack from white, but also separation of Black men and womenworkers from each other and their families.

8

Black Resistance tc

Black resistance began with thetake over the country . The African rland and cattle, but their weapons ccEuropean guns. In 1912 the African 1established to unite all Africans to rsettler state. At first the ANC organizftance, but as repression increased, themilitant mass action . The Pan Africani$in 1959. Both organizations were bzSharpeville Massacre, when policenstration against the pass laws . Theturning point in the history of the resiable to operate legally inside South /took up armed struggle from neighbo

the late 1960 's and early 70 ' s . The BCmood and heightened militancy . UnaPeople ' s Convention (BPC), which haworker, parent and student groupstance. In Soweto in 1976 students tooimposition of Afrikaans as the languagspread to other Black townships . TAfrican, Indian and Coloured commuurban/rural lines . Led by students, the

The Black Consciousness Moven-

ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERATIO

Black women in South Africa are fsion of being Black and female . One Bitical struggle in South Africa, has corbetween national liberation and wonequality :

"In different parts of the woimanding equal recognition with nrejecting a home-shackled exist(everyone else in the world—wh(jecting the home-centered life,even that . ..

But what have our men don(this double load of oppressiAdmittedly, in many spheres of sless to please us and give us our ri

houses in Soweto.

kinds of work, they desperately try toe people 's laundry (without the helpg and selling traditional beer, which)f women find slightly better payingas clerical workers . As Africans they

and job discrimination ; as AfricanDwest wages.

re forced to live in single-sex hostelscts . These `hostels' are like concen-ed, cold, guarded, and isolated fromwomen who are allowed to live with(ships have a very insecure position.house in her own name. If her hus-victed — even if she is working and

on, she may escape eviction by regis-

)t only inequality and separation ofparation of Black men and womenieir families .

Black Resistance to Apartheid

Black resistance began with the earliest attempts of whites totake over the country . The African peoples tried to defend theirland and cattle, but their weapons could not match the power ofEuropean guns . In 1912 the African National Congress (ANC) wasestablished to unite all Africans to resist the power of the whitesettler state. At first the ANC organized peaceful protest and resis-tance, but as repression increased, they realized the need for moremilitant mass action . The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) was formedin 1959. Both organizations were banned in 1960 following theSharpeville Massacre, when police fired on a peaceful demo-nstration against the pass laws . The Sharpeville Massacre was aturning point in the history of the resistance movement . No longerable to operate legally inside South Africa, Liberation Movementstook up armed struggle from neighboring Black-ruled countries.

The Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) developed duringthe late 1960's and early 70's . The BCM has created a new defiantmood and heightened militancy . Under the umbrella of the BlackPeople's Convention (BPC), which has since been banned, church,worker, parent and student groups organized protest and resis-tance. In Soweto in 1976 students took to the streets to protest theimposition of Afrikaans as the language of study . The uprisings soonspread to other Black townships . These uprisings encompassedAfrican, Indian and Coloured communities ; they crossed tribal andurban/rural lines . Led by students, they also involved workers.

ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE

Black women in South Africa are faced with the double oppres-sion of being Black and female . One Black woman, active in the pol-itical struggle in South Africa, has commented on the relationshipbetween national liberation and women's struggle for dignity andequality :

"ln different parts of the world today women are de-manding equal recognition with men in all walks of life andrejecting a home-shackled existence . But we are behindeveryone else in the world—where other women are re-jecting the home-centered life, our women are deniedeven that . ..

But what have our men done to reduce the impact ofthis double load of oppression on their women?Admittedly, in many spheres of social life they are power-less to please us and give us our rights . They cannot, for in-

9

Women at a demonstration against pass laws in Soweto.

stance. give us a better quality education ; they could notsave us from crime and violence ; they could not give usgreater justice and greater dignity„better homes and bettersocial institutions ; they are powerless and they could notgive us decision-making positions ; they themselves havenone. Were our women to launch a frontal attack on menand join hands with all the women of the world at this stage,would they attain their liberation? If they did, would it notbe the same oppression as that of their men? Do ourwomen really want to share the dismal position of theirmen—do we want to be equal to such abysmal humil-iation? Certainly not . We are then left with one optiononly, and that is to fight side by side with our men for ourNational Liberation . This all-encompassing oppression ofthe white man has got to go first; the dignity of our men hasgot to be regained; our national heritage and our self-determination has got to be restored to us . Our right tochoose who is to govern us and what social system to createis paramount . Therefore, our first struggle for liberation isour National Liberation . "

Woman's Conference on Women in South Africa,Botswana, 1976

10

In Vietnam, Mozambique, andworld, women have played a major roliberation . In South Africa throughotapartheid Black women have also bees

In 1913 women successfully resiste

In 1943 women took part in a bemidwinter Black workers from a Blauburg walked 18 miles to and from worlfares.

In 1949 there was a spectacularwhich women were active, to protest t

Women took part in the bus boys

THE PASS LAW CAMPAIGN

In 1955 African women were toldpasses . By law men had already beenrestricted and controlled their movenlaws involved for men, women refusThe Pass Law Campaign was led by t'Women's League as well as the FWomen, African women across tprotested against passes . The first maj n1955 when 20,000 women marched toin Pretoria, the capital . They said, "Strwhen you have touched a woman ."

Near the small town of ZeerusWomen refused to accept passbooks,In reprisal, the police raided their he

i

1

iinst pass laws in Soweto.

aality education; they could notiolence; they could not give usdignity„better homes and better.e powerless and they could notDositions; they themselves have

launch a frontal attack on menwomen of the world at this stage,Aration? If they did, would it notas that of their men? Do ourire the dismal position of theirequal to such abysmal humil-are then left with one option

de by side with our men for ourall-encompassing oppression of) first; the dignity of our men hasnational heritage and our self-be restored to us. Our right toand what social system to create

Dur first struggle for liberation is

nn Women in South Africa,Botswana, 1976

In Vietnam, Mozambique, and Angola and throughout theworld, women have played a major role in the struggles for nationalliberation . In South Africa throughout the history of resistance toapartheid Black women have also been very active in the struggle.

In 1913 women successfully resisted having to carry passes.

In 1943 women took part in a boycott of buses . For 9 days inmidwinter Black workers from a Black township outside Johannes-burg walked 18 miles to and from work to protest an increase in busfares.

In 1949 there was a spectacular national work stoppage, inwhich women were active, to protest the system of apartheid.

Women took part in the bus boycott and walked to work.

THE PASS LAW CAMPAIGN

In 1955 African women were told that they would have to carrypasses . By law men had already been forced to carry passes whichrestricted and controlled their movements . Knowing what the passlaws involved for men, women refused to be subjected to them.The Pass Law Campaign was led by the ANC . Through the ANC'sWomen's League as well as the Federation of South AfricanWomen, African women across the country organized andprotested against passes . The first major demonstration occurred in1955 when 20,000 women marched to the Prime Minister . Strijdom,in Pretoria, the capital . They said, "Strijdom, you have struck a rockwhen you have touched a woman ."

Near the small town of Zeerust, the struggle was intense.Women refused to accept passbooks, or, if forced to, burned them.In reprisal, the police raided their homes, burned their property,

11

The Life of Winnie II

Winnie Mandela with her daughterZi

beat, shot and arrested them . It was a prolonged struggle butwomen were eventually forced to accept the passes because with-out them they could not travel, work, or register the birth of theirchildren.

The militancy of African women has continued to the present.During the Soweto uprising young women along with young menorganized, protested and were jailed . Older women were active informing the Black Parents Association to show solidarity with Blackyouth and act as an umbrella for other Black organizations focusedon education and community affairs . The number of women beingimprisoned and leaving to join military training programs of theliberation movements shows that the level of their participation inthe current struggles of South Africa is high.

WOMEN POLITICAL PRISONERS

Women have not escaped arrest, interrogation, solitaryconfinement, or torture . Dependents of arrested women are oftenleft stranded, or in the care of those too young or old to cope.

"In one home, the young woman was arrested lastyear; her small children, aged 2, 3, and 4, remained in thecustody of their grandmother . The old woman had to carefor her own five children and three grandchildren . Thenthe worst happened. The old woman was arrested. All herchildren and the three grandchildren were stranded; the17-year old daughter had to take charge of the familywithout money . . . "

South African newspaper, in For Their Triumphs and TheirTears.

The list of over 300 women, detained without trial, banned,exiled, held under house arrest, imprisoned and otherwisedetained or charged with political offenses is too long to includehere.

We highlight the life of Winnie Mandela as an example of thecontribution of women toward the struggle for the liberation ofSouth Africa.

12

Winnie Mandela is a leading Iwomen activists . Her life stands as anpersecution that the South African re iwho refuse to bow to its tyranny andcontinues to oppose that regime . Winconed and her movements have beenthough she has never been convicttechnical violations of her banning or,have been very brief, but they have sheconviction.

Nomzamo Winnie Mandela was krural area . Moving to Johannesburg, sscience and became a social worker.

In 1958 she married Nelson MarLater that year she participated aloAfrican women in a demonstration apregnant at the time, Mrs . Mandela witwo weeks in jail .

The Life of Winnie Mandela

Winnie Mandela with her daughter Zindzi.

Winnie Mandela is a leading light among South Africanwomen activists . Her life stands as an example both of the ruthlesspersecution that the South African regime brings down on peoplewho refuse to bow to its tyranny and of the undaunted spirit thatcontinues to oppose that regime. Winnie Mandela has been impri-soned and her movements have been restricted time and again, al-though she has never been convicted of any crime except fortechnical violations of her banning orders . Her moments of libertyhave been very brief, but they have shown her to be steadfast in herconviction.

Nomzamo Winnie Mandela was born in 1934 and grew up in arural area . Moving to Johannesburg, she earned a diploma in socialscience and became a social worker.

In 1958 she married Nelson Mandela, a leader of the ANC.Later that year she participated along with hundreds of otherAfrican women in a demonstration against passbooks . Althoughpregnant at the time, Mrs . Mandela was arrested and had to spendtwo weeks in jail.

1 . It was a prolonged struggle buti to accept the passes because with-I, work, or register the birth of their

'omen has continued to the present.Jung women along with young menjailed. Older women were active in

)ciation to show solidarity with Black)r other Black organizations focusedaffairs . The number of women beingin military training programs of thehat the level of their participation inkfrica is high.

RS

aed arrest, interrogation, solitaryndents of arrested women are oftenlose too young or old to cope.

Dung woman was arrested lastged 2, 3, and 4, remained in theher. The old woman had to careand three grandchildren . Then

old woman was arrested. All herandchildren were stranded; the1 to take charge of the family

in For Their Triumphs and Their

n, detained without trial, banned,irrest, imprisoned and otherwisetical offenses is too long to include

innie Mandela as an example of thed the struggle for the liberation of

13

In 1960 the ANC was banned and Nelson Mandela went under-ground . He was arrested a year later and has remained in prisonever since . He is serving a life sentence at the infamous RobbenIsland Prison.

BANNED

On January 28, 1963, Winnie Mandela was served with a two-year banning order . This meant that she could not leave the Jo-hannesburg area, attend meetings, or communicate with otherbanned persons . Special permission was required for her to visit herhusband.

Two years later, a stricter five-year banning order was issued.Now Winnie Mandela could not leave the Orlando area of Soweto.She was not allowed to enter any school or publishing house . Shelost her job as a social worker.

In 1966 Mrs. Mandela was granted permission to visit her hus-band on Robben Island with the condition that she travel by train toCape Town . Finding the train full, she took a plane instead so thatshe could reach her husband before the permit expired . As aresult, she was charged with violating her banning order and sen-tenced to 14 months imprisonment, all but 4 days suspended . This isjust one example of the arbitrary and inhuman rules imposed by theapartheid regime.

POLITICAL PRISONERS TORTURED

In May 1969, Winnie Mandela was arrested along with 40others under the Internal Security Act . She spent the next 491 daysin detention, most of it in solitary confinement, although she wasnot charged with any crime . Two of the detainees, a Moslem leaderand a trade union leader, died during interrogation in prison.

In October, 1969, Winnie Mandela and 21 other African de-tainees were charged with furthering the activities of the ANC . Mrs.Mandela stated that she had been cruelly interrogated for five daysand five nights despite a heart condition . Other detainees testifiedthat they had been tortured.

The court acquitted all the accused in February, 1930.However, they were immediately re-detained under the TerrorismAct, which empowers the police to hold people indefinitely.Nationwide protests greeted this act . In June of that year, WinnieMandela and 19 others were charged under the Terrorism Act.They were acquitted once again in September.

Only two weeks later, Mrs . Mandela was again banned for 5years and placed under house arrest from 6 p .m. to 6 a .m . on week-days and from 2 p .m. to 6 a .m. on weekends and holidays . She was

arrested three times in the next few yeher banning orders with charges suchher sisters who came to help her when

Family and friends of Winnie Maconnection with visits made to her orher. Her sister, Nomyamise MadikizEfinement and threatened with 10 yeatestify against her.

BLACK PRIDE AND UNITY

Winnie Mandela was free from1976—her one period of liberty sincageously for South African liberationrevolt of June, 1976, she was activeBlack Parents Association (BPA) . In aBPA Winnie Mandela called for blackthe oppressors.

"It is only when all black grotwith one voice that we shall be awill decide its own destiny. This isshall maintain our oneness . We laspirations are dear to us. We anrule ; it is our right, we shall have itthat the road before us is uphill,bitter end for justice . ..

Young women take part in Soweto upris

14

ed and Nelson Mandela went under-ar later and has remained in prison

sentence at the infamous Robben

nie Mandela was served with a two-3r-It that she could not leave the Jo-etings, or communicate with otherission was required for her to visit her

five-year banning order was issued.of leave the Orlando area of Soweto.any school or publishing house . She

granted permission to visit her hus-le condition that she travel by train tofull, she took a plane instead so thatd before the permit expired . As aiolating her banning order and sen-nent,all but 4 days suspended . This isry and inhuman rules imposed by the

URED

andela was arrested along with 40rity Act . She spent the next 491 daystary confinement, although she wasvo of the detainees, a Moslem leaderduring interrogation in prison.

Mandela and 21 other African de-hering the activities of the ANC . Mrs.een cruelly interrogated for five dayscondition. Other detainees testified

the accused in February, 1930.ely re-detained under the Terrorism)olice to hold people indefinitely.his act . In June of that year, Winniecharged under the Terrorism Act.

n in September.

.s . Mandela was again banned for 5arrest from 6 p .m . to 6 a .m. on week-on weekends and holidays . She was

arrested three times in the next few years and convicted of violatingher banning orders with charges such as receiving visits from one ofher sisters who came to help her when she was sick.

Family and friends of Winnie Mandela have been harassed inconnection with visits made to her or for refusing to speak againsther. Her sister, Nomyamise Madikizela, was held in solitary con-finement and threatened with 10 years in prison if she refused totestify against her.

BLACK PRIDE AND UNITY

Winnie Mandela was free from September; 1975 to August,1976—her one period of liberty since 1962 . She spoke out cour-ageously for South African liberation at that time . After the Sowetorevolt of June, 1976, she was active in founding and leading theBlack Parents Association (BPA) . In a speech at the founding of theBPA Winnie Mandela called for black pride and black unity againstthe oppressors.

"It is only when all black groups join hands and speakwith one voice that we shall be a bargaining force whichwill decide its own destiny . This is the only way in which weshall maintain our oneness . We know what we want, ouraspirations are dear to us. We are not asking for majorityrule ; it is our right, we shall have it at any cost . We are awarethat the road before us is uphill, but we shall fight to thebitter end for justice . . .

IYoung women take part in Soweto uprisings .

15

Apartheid and the U

WHAT DOES WINNIE MANDELA HAV

We in the United States are connElives and struggles of Winnie MandebAfrica. Corporations benefit from racSouth Africa alike . Employers encouralto divide workers and keep wages lo ,United States are denied equal accessAfrica mirrors a more extreme veninjustices found in our own country.

DisorientalionUC Bi

CAPITALIST NATIONS PROP UP SOU'

We live in a country which (alon;Great Britain, France, West Germanymakes it possible for the South Afri(These nations provide South Africa wi .the maintenance of apartheid . TheyAfrican mineral wealth — gold, diasupply technological know-how, minology. For example, computers prgraphic equipment from Polaroid enament to implement its system of passfactured by General Motors are usedwithin South Africa . Banks give dirergovernment and to companies opeUnited States, United Kingdom, FWestern nations allow South Africeconomically by routinely vetoingcalling for an economic boycott of Sot.

Let us leave this meeting with the spirit of rebirth, ofpurification from the humiliation of domination . If you areto free yourselves, you must break the chains of oppressionyourselves . Only then can we express our dignity; onlywhen we have liberated ourselves can we cooperate withother groups . Any acceptance of humiliation, indignity, orinsult is acceptance of inferiority. We have to think of our-selves as men and women . As one quotation goes, `Oncethe mind is free, the body will soon be free .' -

BANISHED TO BRANDFORT

Winnie Mandela was arrested again in August, 1936, underthe preventive detention clause of the Internal Security Act, usedby the government to stifle unrest by removing the leadership . Sheremained in prison for four months but was never charged . Afterher release in December, she was served with a five-year banningorder.

Justice Minister Kruger then decided that ` it was better to haveher out of Soweto at the present time .' She believes she was chosenas a scapegoat for the Soweto uprising. In May, 1977, she wasarrested and driven 200 miles to the small town of Brandfort . Shelives there with her teenage daughter, Zindzi, the youngest of her 4children, far from friends and relatives, restricted to meeting withno more than one person at a time . The people of the town areafraid to talk to her . She is unable to find work and has to live on asmall pension . She is constantly watched by the police.

While in Brandfort, in 1977, Winnie Mandela was charged withthe ` crime ' of having taken part in a conversation about a chicken inthe presence of two other people, and with unlawfully receivingvisitors — who came to see her daughter . The courtroom over-flowed with supporters at her trial . She received international atten-tion and support as well . She was given a six months' suspendedsentence . Police had to disperse a spontaneous demonstration ofsupport on the day the sentence was pronounced.

STAY AND FIGHT

The South African government has stated that it would not stopWinnie Mandela from leaving for exile . However, she is dedicatedto remaining in her country and fighting for change . As she said, `Ifanyone should leave, it is not me, it ' s the settler government . '

16

Apartheid and the United StatesWHAT DOES WINNIE MANDELA HAVE TO DO WITH US?

We in the United States are connected in very real ways to thelives and struggles of Winnie Mandela and other women in SouthAfrica. Corporations benefit from racism in the United States andSouth Africa alike . Employers encourage and use racism and sexismto divide workers and keep wages low . Blacks and women in theUnited States are denied equal access to education and jobs . SouthAfrica mirrors a more extreme version of many of the sameinjustices found in our own country.

DisorientationUC Berkeley Disorientation Fall 1977

CAPITALIST NATIONS PROP UP SOUTH AFRICA

We live in a country which (along with other nations such asGreat Britain, France, West Germany, Israel, Canada, and Japan)makes it possible for the South African white regime to survive.These nations provide South Africa with support that is essential forthe maintenance of apartheid . They provide markets for SouthAfrican mineral wealth — gold, diamonds, and uranium . Theysupply technological know-how, military aid, and nuclear tech-nology . For example, computers provided by IBM and photo-graphic equipment from Polaroid enable the South African govern-ment to implement its system of pass laws . Military vehicles manu-factured by General Motors are used to put down Black resistancewithin South Africa . Banks give direct loans to the South Africangovernment and to companies operating in South Africa . TheUnited States, United Kingdom, France and other powerfulWestern nations allow South Africa to survive politically andeconomically by routinely vetoing United Nations resolutionscalling for an economic boycott of South Africa.

ing with the spirit of rebirth, offiliation of domination . If you are;t break the chains of oppression1 we express our dignity; onlyurselves can we cooperate withnce of humiliation, indignity, orriority. We have to think of our-

As one quotation goes, `Oncevill soon be free. —

rested again in August, 1936, underse of the Internal Security Act, usedrest by removing the leadership . SheMonths but was never charged . Afterwas served with a five-year banning

n decided that ` it was better to haveIt time.' She believes she was chosento uprising. In May, 1977, she wasto the small town of Brandfort . Sheughter, Zindzi, the youngest of her 4relatives, restricted to meeting witha time. The people of the town areble to find work and has to live on awatched by the police.

7, Winnie Mandela was charged witht in a conversation about a chicken inople, and with unlawfully receivingter daughter. The courtroom over-rial . She received international atten-was given a six months' suspendedrse a spontaneous demonstration of:e was pronounced.

ment has stated that it would not stopfor exile . However, she is dedicated

Id fighting for change. As she said, `Ifne, it's the settler government . '

17

UNITED STATES INVESTMENT IN APARTHEID

The United States has had investments in South Africa sincelong before World War II . Now the United States has $1 .8 billionworth of direct investment in South Africa . While over 400 UnitedStates firms have interests in South Africa, the 13 largest account forover three quarters of total United States direct investment there.The 13 play an important role in the United States economy, as theydo in South Africa . They are Caterpillar, Chrysler, Firestone, Ford,General Electric, General Motors, Goodyear, IBM, ITT, 3M, Mobile,Texaco and Standard Oil of California and Union Carbide . UnitedStates companies also have an unknown amount of indirect invest-ment in South Africa through European firms.

United States banks have approved at least $3 billion in loans toSouth Africa in the last 6 years . At the same time, they refuse loansto city and state governments, forcing them to cut back on socialservices . For example, the First National Bank of Boston has ad-mitted to $28 million in loans to South Africa, including at least $14million directly to the South African government . It has also givenloans to the Foxboro Corporation of Massachusetts, enabling it tosupply South Africa with nuclear technology . The same banks arebeing reviewed by the United States Department of Labor for dis-crimination against women and minorities . It also provides loans toMassachusetts businesses which decide to relocate overseas wherelabor is cheaper and there are no unions . It denies mortgages in lowincome areas of Boston and Massachusetts . This is only one of manyUnited States banks with such practices.

18

- u..L64AL © t8 i.NS

Foreign companies enforce apart)and benefit from the cheap labor apartcorporations have been making enorrrments in South Africa—higher thanMany corporations claim that they caltheid from within by introducing refoiof these attempts have had any impstated that the only way for corporatiowithdraw completely.

UNITED STATES INTERVENTION IN SC

United States interests in Southbasis for United States policy towardagain, in Southeast Asia, Chile, Angola,we have seen that the United States wior secretely to protect its business intment in South Africa brings us dangervolved once again on the wrong sidedom .

IN APARTHEID

d investments in South Africa since)w the United States has $1 .8 billionSouth Africa . While over 400 United)uth Africa, the 13 largest account fornited States direct investment there.n the United States economy, as they:aterpillar, Chrysler, Firestone, Ford,ors, Goodyear, IBM, ITT, 3M, Mobile,alifornia and Union Carbide . Unitedunknown amount of indirect invest-

European firms.

approved at least $3 billion in loans toAt the same time, they refuse loansforcing them to cut back on social

rst National Bank of Boston has ad-:o South Africa, including at least $14\frican government . It has also givenItion of Massachusetts, enabling it totear technology . The same banks arei States Department of Labor for dis-Id minorities . It also provides loans toch decide to relocate overseas whereno unions . It denies mortgages in lowassachusetts . This is only one of manypractices .

Foreign companies enforce apartheid in their daily operationsand benefit from the cheap labor apartheid provides . Multinationalcorporations have been making enormous profits from their invest-ments in South Africa—higher than anywhere else in the world.Many corporations claim that they can change the system of apar-theid from within by introducing reforms inside their plants . Noneof these attempts have had any impact, and Black leaders havestated that the only way for corporations to weaken the system is towithdraw completely.

UNITED STATES INTERVENTION IN SOUTH AFRICA A DANGER

United States interests in South Africa provide the materialbasis for United States policy toward Southern Africa . Again andagain, in Southeast Asia, Chile, Angola, and elsewhere in the world,we have seen that the United States will act militarily either openlyor secretely to protect its business interests . United States invest-ment in South Africa brings us dangerously close to becoming in-volved once again on the wrong side of a people's fight for free-dom .

19

IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

just as international capitalist support is crucial in maintainingthe racist South African regime, international support for the libera-tion struggle in South Africa can make an important difference. Inthe words of Winnie Mandela:

can tell you from my own personal experience overthe past 15 years, when I was confined and restricted, that Igot my inspiration from the very knowledge that one is notalone. The knowledge that the struggle is an internationalstruggle for the dignity of man and that you are part of thisfamily of man—this alone sustains you . In our particularstruggle these outside groups have a tremendous psycho-logical effect on the masses, on us as individuals just thatknowledge alone that we belong to a family of man in asociety where we have been completely rejected by a min-ority."

Already our campaigns in the United States and the progress ofthe liberation struggles are having an impact on United States in-vestment in South Africa . United States banks and corporations,fearful of losing credibility here and of the consequences of a massuprising in South Africa, are beginning to ease themselves out ofSouth Africa . More and more universities and organizations, likeunions, are divesting from corporations involved in South Africa.But we have to keep the pressure up, for the corporations' deci-sions are not based on morality, but on their profits .

What Can We Doin the United States?Join anti-apartheid groups and support

1. The Winnie Mandela Solida2. Local campaigns against ban3. Campaigns to get universitik

companies doing business ii4. Liberation support groups.

Have your local organizations (school,etc .) pass resolutions condemning apartporate support of South Africa, and dendrawal of all support for South Africa.

Write letters to your representatives amUnited States support for South Africa.

Be informed and inform others (see re ppamphlet) . Rent a film or invite a speak non South Africa to your organization, ch

Readings and Sourcc

SToFJ'',NK,1\16,

ot,

A-Pil kil t

U.v-

U IcTbR4 To-Tlte

_JM y

cpf

For Their Triumphs and for Their Teartional Defense and Aid, 1975 . An accoun70 pages.Mrs. Winnie Mandela : Profile in Couralof United Nations Center Against Apartdela 's political life. Feb . 1978. 12 pagesSouth Africa and U .S. Multi-national CcSeidman . Lawrence Hill and Co . 1978 . Atical economy of Southern Africa . 240 paSouthern Africa, Black America: Sam(Sales . Black Liberation Press . 1977 . 72 paEWindow on Soweto Joyce Sikakane. Inte1977 . A personal account of life in the BIpages.Time Longer Than Rope Edward RowPress . 1964 . A history of the Black peoplSouth Africa . 470 pages.The Fight for Freedom in South Africworkers in the U.S.) Boston Organizing (

IONAL SUPPORT

alist support is crucial in maintaininge, international support for the libera-:an make an important difference . In

fly own personal experience overvas confined and restricted, that Ie very knowledge that one is not

at the struggle is an internationalman and that you are part of this

ne sustains you . In our particularoups have a tremendous psycho-;es, on us as individuals just thate belong to a family of man in aen completely rejected by a min-

the United States and the progress ofwing an impact on United States in-iited States banks and corporations,re and of the consequences of a massbeginning to ease themselves out of

universities and organizations, like1rporations involved in South Africa.;sure up, for the corporations' deci-)1, but on their profits .

What Can We Doin the United States?Join anti-apartheid groups and support their activities:

1. The Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition2. Local campaigns against bank loans to South Africa3. Campaigns to get universities to divest stocks in

companies doing business in South Africa.4. Liberation support groups.

Have your local organizations (school, union, church . social club,etc.) pass resolutions condemning apartheid and united States cor-porate support of South Africa, and demanding United States with-drawal of all support for South Africa.

Write letters to your representatives and senators, urging an end toUnited States support for South Africa.

Be informed and inform others (see reading list at the end of thispamphlet) . Rent a film or invite a speaker from a local organizationon South Africa to your organization, church, or community.

Readings and SourcesFor Their Triumphs and for Their Tears Hilda Bernstein . Interna-tional Defense and Aid,1975 . An account of women in South Africa.70 pages.Mrs. Winnie Mandela : Profile in Courage and Defiance Documentof United Nations Center Against Apartheid . Details Winnie Man-dela 's political life . Feb . 1978 . 12 pages.South Africa and U.S. Multi-national Corporations . Ann and NevaSeidman . Lawrence Hill and Co . 1978. An introduction to the poli-tical economy of Southern Africa . 240 pages.Southern Africa, Black America : Same Struggle, Same Fight BillSales . Black Liberation Press. 1977 . 72 pages.Window on Soweto Joyce Sikakane . International Defense and Aid.1977 . A personal account of life in the Black township of Soweto . 70pages.Time Longer Than Rope Edward Roux . University of WisconsinPress . 1964 . A history of the Black people's struggle for freedom inSouth Africa . 470 pages.The Fight for Freedom in South Africa (and what it means forworkers in the U .S.) Boston Organizing Committee . 1979 . 40 pages .

21

Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition

The Winnie Mandela Solidarity Coalition came together in1977 in Boston . It arose in response to interest generated by a forumon Repression in South Africa, held by the Third World Women'sOrganization. The goals of the Coalition are to build a campaign tofree Winnie Mandela and other women political prisoners in SouthAfrica; and to educate, organize, and involve individual womenand women's organizations in support of South African liberation.The Coalition seeks a diverse and broad-based membership ofwomen and representatives of women's organizations with local,national, and international affiliations.

Activities of the Coalition to date have included educationalprograms and production and dissemination of leaflets and aposter . In addition, on International Women 's Day, March 8, 1978,the Coalition held a press conference at the First National Bank ofBoston. This action demonstrated our solidarity with Winnie Man-dela and other women political prisoners throughout the world,and our support for South African liberation, and for United Statescorporate withdrawal from South Africa .

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