Nkosinathi Nhleko
THE African drumbeat of history is loud, and its echoes carry a profound question: How do we reclaim our dignity? As the MK Party approaches its one-year anniversary on December 16, 2024, we pause to reflect on the profound journey that has brought us here.
This milestone is more than a celebration—it is a testament to people’s trust, resilience, progress, and their unwavering commitment to the People’s Mandate. At the heart of this mandate is the sacred task of reclaiming our dignity.
Dignity, long stripped from African people through colonialism and apartheid, lies at the core of MK Party’s mission to build the long awaited just and equitable South Africa.
It is a call that reverberates through the ages, echoing the wisdom of ‘amathongo’ and the collective dreams of Africa’s future generations.
The Legacy of Dignity Denied
This country’s past is a painful reminder of how dignity was systematically stolen. From the violent expropriation of land, the theft of our stories, the suppression of African languages and traditions; every aspect of our identity was undermined. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, speaking of cultural reclamation, tells us - "Language, any language, has a dual character: it is both a means of communication and a carrier of culture."
In the same spirit, Mkabayi ka Jama, Iqili lako Jama ("The Clever One of Jama"), warned us of the consequences of abandoning our heritage. With tears streaming down her face, she lamented - "Those who worship foreign gods shall be swallowed by them."
These words, filled with grief and foresight, challenge us to hold steadfast to our traditions, our identity, and our values. They remind us that reclaiming dignity is not just about land or politics—it is about embracing who we are, rooted in the wisdom and strength of those who came before us.
Molefi Asante, the father of Afrocentricity once remarked - "Afrocentricity is a frame of reference wherein phenomena are viewed from the perspective of the African person."
MK Party embraces this philosophy, championing policies that restore dignity not as a gesture but as a fundamental human right. Reclaiming land and empowering communities are not just political acts— they are sacred spiritual imperatives that honour our ancestors and the sacrifices they made.
A Year of Transformative Leadership
The MK Party’s one-year anniversary marks a period of transformative leadership. Under the guidance of our President, Jacob Zuma, we have charted a bold course to restore balance and equity. President Zuma often reflects on the spiritual and material dimensions of land and identity - "The land question is not just about property; it is about our identity, our dignity, and our future."
Through his leadership, MK Party has established itself as a unifying force, demonstrating that dignity can only be reclaimed through justice and humanity. The People’s Mandate has laid a foundation for this journey, ensuring that every policy serves the collective good and advances the rights of the marginalized.
Ubuntu in Action: Our People’s Mandate
Again, as we celebrate this anniversary, we must highlight how the MK Party embodies ubuntu. This principle—too often reduced to rhetoric—guides our actions and policies in meaningful ways.
Reclaiming Resources: Through our advocacy for land reform, we will ensure that South Africa’s wealth benefits its people rather than a select few.
Building Communities: From empowering women in rural areas to revitalizing township economies, the MK Party will put dignity into practice.
Elevating Voices: Our focus on grassroots engagement ensures that the People’s Mandate reflects the lived experiences of all South Africans including people with disabilities; creating policies that resonate with their realities.
This is ubuntu in action—a practical demonstration of our belief that progressive forces must rise together and unite for the general good.
A New Era of Awakening
As the world transitions into the Age of Aquarius, marked by collective consciousness and transparency, South Africa is uniquely positioned to lead. This era aligns with African cosmological principles of harmony and justice, calling us to reclaim not only our dignity but our place as a guiding force on the continent and the world. For black women, this reclamation is even more urgent. It is about dismantling the hierarchies that have confined them to the bottom of society. It is about restoring their rightful place as leaders, nurturers (izinzala bantu), and builders of homes and communities.
It is about ensuring that their voices, often silenced, become the chorus that leads this nation to a brighter future. Again, President Jacob Zuma reminds us - "Dignity is the foundation of a just society. Without it, we lose not only our humanity but our future."
The MK Party is spearheading a movement that ensures that the wisdom of our ancestors informs the path forward.
We must remember that this journey belongs to all Africans and MK Party stands as a beacon of hope and a custodian of justice; leading the charge towards a future where every person is valued, respected, and empowered.
Let this anniversary inspire us to continue the struggle—not for ourselves alone, but for the ancestors who guide us and the generations who follow. Let us rise with the strength of those who came before us, reclaiming our dignity, restoring justice, and forging a united country and continent rooted in humanity, equity, progress, and prosperity. By achieving these goals, we will empower our children to sing the anthems of our rivers, mountains, and rolling hills, carrying forward the legacy of our shared heritage.
Gwaza Mkhonto!
Amandla!!!
Happy One Year Anniversary.
* Nhleko is the National Chairperson of the uMkonto weSizwe Party