Greetings to all those participating in the Ruth First Leadership Development Programme across South Africa.
Like the entire world and all its inhabitants, South Africa and its people live in an ever-changing environment where we witness the evolution of society, the advancements of technology, the effects of climate change, but also rich growth of layered cultural development. Our constitutional democracy is laid out in the design of the Constitution the Republic and through the pages of the constitution we realise that the ideals of The Bill of Rights to protect us, nurture us, and build us as a nation are not simply a given. We understand that democracy is not a destination, but a process, and it is never guaranteed – we all must play our part and work at it — it is in a constant state of becoming.
In our quest to contribute to building a socially just society for all, we are obliged, as political beings and social activists, to sharpen our senses, hone our political understanding, whet our tools of public service, and focus our energies on the ability to respond to ongoing change and uncertainty.
The energy and spirit of the ANC is and always has been largely fuelled by a power of political consciousness. The ANC also remains a pivotal force in the transformation of African intellectualism and modernity, and the origins of African political consciousness are rooted in the organisation and its political education.
So, as we spend our time in dialogue and examining the School’s course work material , we may discover that our past is punctuated with challenging situations that are often overwhelming for any individual as well as for the ANC, and it is for this reason that our political education is so important.
As we strive for political education in the modern world of today, we need to understand the depth and breadth of the curriculum needed to meet objectives of cadreship development, capable of making the necessary and required contribution to the progress and growth of both our movement and country. For this we need to put more thought into making enough time available for the effectual political education that is comparable and consistent with the demands of the current historical stage in our revolution.
It is important to note that political education was not just meant for an individual to be politically prepared. It is the aim of political education to arm individuals with knowledge so that they in turn could use it to further grow political consciousness, to help with the development of their fellow comrades, and thus enhance the aggregate impact on the organisation as well as communities.
As we understand it, our political consciousness is a worldview, guided by a commitment to human rights and justice, with a unique perception of power and inequity within the context of oppression and the struggle against apartheid.
This political outlook and relationship with power and inequity in social, political and economic systems, is an ongoing struggle today and into the future, in our quest for an equitable and inclusive South Africa for all.
But how does political consciousness and political participation intersect in our daily lives as active citizens?
What is the impact created in the way we think about and act on politics and our political engagement?
We must always remember that certainly, our participation does contribute to the development of a political consciousness.
The answers to these questions and the solutions to the enduring challenges that face our country lie in the the exploration of your own political consciousness and your own political participation.
Comrades, I encourage you to approach your daily activities within the School modules, at home and in your communities with a an energy of curiosity, compassion and humanity towards others, in conjunction with our dedication to promote and advance the ANC.
There is a delicate art in balancing our common quest for dignity and the struggle for freedom on the one hand, with our political allegiances shaped by political forces on the other.
There is a certain complexity in fighting for justice and the systems and structures that uphold it, and at the same time fighting for the expression of our liberation organisation.
Enjoy this journey of discovery and learning and embrace the lessons that may unfold over the coming days and as a foundation for your own evolution of consciousness.
I thank you.
