ANC strengthening position after the reverses of the early 1970s

Question 1

Main task of the ANC in exile

Answer 1

ANC were operating in exile & needed to stay relevant to ordinary SA’s. Tambo was responsible for ensuring that they didn’t lose focus or significance.
(Recent historians say don’t overstate ANC decline in this period).

Question 2

Difficulties in exile

Answer 2

• Early 60’s ANC established a number of offices abroad (London an important center.
• Within Africa, ANC activities were in Tanzania & Zambia.
• Some exiles (Tambo – acting president after Lithuli’s death) – was based here from 1967.
  This worked well: was near SA & Kenneth Kaunda sympathetic to their cause & cheap to house.
• MK moved to Zambia (for two failed Wankie & Sipolio campaigns)
  This had repercussions, Zambia became concerned about its role in allowing MK to operate here & the potential SA retaliation, so a manifesto was published outlining continued sympathy BUT stressing MK find new bases.

Hani survived Wankie campaign & criticized ANC leadership (accused them of ‘careerism’).

Question 3

Internal Reorganization & External Legitimacy

Answer 3

• Leadership of MK responded with hostility to Hani’s accusations & Tambo faced a crisis in the organization.
• Tambo took a personal responsibility but youthful rebels expelled from ANC.
• 1969 Tanzania Conference – Tambo resigned as president but re-elected without opposition.
• ANC agreed to admit all races (no longer 4 separate conferences) – group advocating Africans only were expelled (created a new movement that quickly dissolved – Makiwane never returned).
• The movement adopted ‘strategy and tactics’ – affirmed importance of armed struggle but need for political leadership, education & unity.
• Hani & rebels reinstated but future armed incursions stopped.

Question 4

Oliver Tambo & ANC

Answer 4

• Tambo a quiet but determined man; tried to listen & lead (deeply conscious of the need for unity).
• Firm believer in ANC philosophy of non-racialism & worked with exiles from all of SA’s communities.
• Realized the value of internal solidarity & ways of reinserting the ANC into politics on the ground of SA.
• PAC had no comparable figure.