From: linda@frcs.Alt.ZA (Linda Jacobson)
Subject: A question for ANC supporters (re: Bisho)
Organization: Onderstepoort School of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 92 18:15:15 GMT

I'd like to know, from people who are currently active supporters of,
and preferably members of, the ANC, how they would explain a few
things that are sticking in my throat after Bisho. Just to explain
where I am coming from: The ideas I hold are in many areas similar to
those espoused in the Freedom Charter. I find myself increasingly
feeling that the direction the ANC is taking is one which alienates me
from them. The gap seems to grow wider by the day. I find myself
unable to understand what they are doing, and why, and what they hope
to achieve. Worse, I find myself looking at them in an Orwellian kind
of nightmare, where they take on the shapes and sounds of the
government we have been trying so feverishly to unseat. So I am not an
ANC-basher by any means, but I don't believe any political party
deserves special treatment when its actions appear unacceptable.  

As regards Bisho:

As I understand events, there was one abortive march a while ago, then
a second which succeeded in reaching Bisho (correct me if this is
wrong). When I heard about the most recent march, I could not
understand what purpose it would serve. Several things did not make
sense. Firstly, why should the ANC be concentrating its energies on
the homelands now? Surely it should be concentrating them on creating
a climate fit for negotiating a constitution which would allow for
re-incorporation of the homelands, or at least some way to canvass
opinions about this among homeland dwellers? Second, if they managed to
overthrow a homeland "government", what would they do? They couldn't
install a dictator and maintain credibility. They couldn't hold
elections in a "country" they don't recognise. They couldn't just
leave the daily bureaucratic things to run themselves.  

Third, and to my mind most alarming: It was abundantly clear to me
(and obviously I wasn't alone in this), in the build-up to the march
on Bisho, that the possibility of bloodshed was high - that, in fact,
bloodshed was almost inevitable. It's extremely unlikely that the ANC
leadership could have been unaware of this. If they _were_ aware of
it, and they must have been, then they were wittingly sending their
supporters to their deaths. Why? I can't imagine what they hoped to
gain, other than sensationalistic media coverage, disruption of the
federalism talks, further reasons not to return to the negotiating
table and / or to force more concessions out of De Klerk.  

The Bisho march, in my mind, had nothing to do with the Ciskei at all.
It was a cynical political manoevre, aimed at gaining political points
for the ANC. In the war of words that has followed, this impression
has been strengthened. I am nauseated beyond measure by the kinds of
things people are saying on all sides. They are throwing our country
to the dogs in order, as Zac de Beer aptly pointed out, to garner
support for an election which might never be held.  

*	*	*	*

Diatribe over! These are the things I have had in my mind since the
massacre. I'm NOT trying to prove anything, or win any arguments, and
I'd appreciate it if anyone who wants to bicker could stay out of
this. I would like to know from ANC supporters in particular, whether
they can honestly and objectively see things differently, and if so,
how they would respond to the above.

Linda
 
       
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