King Shaka Day: Embracing Our True History and Liberation Ideals
In a world that often seems to blur the lines of authenticity, there are moments when we must pause and reflect on our roots, on the history that has shaped us as a nation. As South Africans, we are not just defined by recent events or political compromises; our identity is deeply rooted in the struggle against colonialism and the fight for justice. One crucial aspect of our history, often overshadowed by modern rhetoric, is King Shaka Day.
King Shaka: A Central Figure in Our Liberation Struggle. ARETA’s perspective
The African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance (ARETA) firmly believes that to understand our path forward, we must first acknowledge our history. Our liberation struggle did not begin a mere century ago; it dates back much further, entangled with the anti-colonial wars and land disputes fought by our indigenous people. And at the heart of these struggles, one figure stands central: King Shaka.
The Renaming of King Shaka Day: A Historical Mistake
During the negotiations for a democratic South Africa, a pivotal moment occurred when King Shaka Day was renamed Heritage Day. This decision, in our view, was a significant error. It reflected a broader pattern of concessions made during those negotiations, including the rejection of nationalization and the acceptance of property rights. These compromises, often driven by external pressures, led us astray from our true path.
Recognizing Historical Intent and Authenticity: Sharpeville Day
We must not sugarcoat our history. It is essential to recognize the pain and suffering our people endured under apartheid. The Sharpeville Massacre, a dark chapter in our past, should not be whitewashed into a Day of National Reconciliation. To do so would be historically incorrect and a disservice to the memory of those who suffered.
The Role of History in Shaping Our Future
Our history is our map, guiding us through the tumultuous storms of imperialism and the continued dominance of white monopoly capitalism. History teaches us that these forces are intertwined, with the same roots in colonialism. To navigate these challenges successfully, we must embrace our history as a compass, leading us to the right conclusions.
Standing Up and Fighting for True Liberation
On this 24th of September 2023, let us remember King Shaka’s commitment to the land. Ownership of the land is intertwined with our economic self-sufficiency and independence. Just as Shaka knew, the land shapes us, and it is on this land that we will build our future.
A Historical Perspective on Our Struggle
To delve deeper into the significance of King Shaka Day and our struggle, it’s important to understand the historical context. King Shaka’s leadership and the Zulu nation’s defiance against colonial oppressors, particularly the United Kingdom, represent a crucial chapter in our history.
The resistance against colonialism was not limited to one region or one leader. It was a collective effort spanning centuries, involving various indigenous communities across South Africa. These communities fought against oppression, exploitation, and the theft of their land at gunpoint. King Shaka’s role in this resistance was pivotal, and his legacy cannot be separated from the broader narrative of our liberation struggle.
The Weight of Historical Mistakes: From King Shaka to Heritage Day
The decision to rename King Shaka Day as Heritage Day was not merely a superficial change; it carried significant implications. It was emblematic of a larger trend during the negotiations for democracy, where compromises were made that compromised our economic approach, particularly the rejection of nationalization and the embrace of property rights.
Similarly, the rebranding of Sharpeville Day as the Day of National Reconciliation came with its own set of issues. These compromises, which I opposed at the time as a member of the African National Congress, cast a shadow over our pursuit of true economic and political freedom.
Celebrating Our Complete History
To honour our history is to acknowledge the full spectrum of our past, both the triumphs and the tribulations. King Shaka Day is not meant to undermine the various cultures and nations within our country; it is a celebration of our shared history and the battles we fought against colonialism.
By embracing King Shaka Day, we are not negating the importance of cultural diversity; instead, we are reaffirming the historical intent behind this day and its connection to the liberation struggle. Our diverse cultures are part of our strength as a nation, but they should not overshadow or erase our history of resistance and the fight for land ownership.
A Call to Action
On this King Shaka Day, let us recommit ourselves to our true history and the ideals it represents. We must stand up and fight against comprador capitalists, white monopoly capitalists, and imperialists who continue to exert control over our economy. As indigenous people, especially African people, we must unite to forge a path toward our genuine liberation.
Ownership of the land, as King Shaka understood, is at the heart of our economic self-sufficiency and independence. It is on this land that we will build a future that reflects our values and aspirations.
In closing, we reiterate our stance: King Shaka Day should not be obscured by the broader term Heritage Day. We must embrace our history, both the victories and the pain, to understand the real struggle we face today. To forget our history is to become like a tree without roots. As South Africans, we must stand together against comprador capitalists, white monopoly capitalists, and imperialists.
Our commitment to celebrating King Shaka Day and recognizing our history is a declaration of our intent to work towards our true liberation. Aluta continua – the struggle continues. It is only by remembering our past that we can shape a just and equitable future for all South Africans.
* Mr. Carl Niehaus is President of the African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
