Black Journal

Focus: South Africa

The program begins with a black-and-white documentary film, "South African Essay," about the impact of the apartheid system on black South Africans, followed by a panel discussion with two American scholars and three exiled South African activists. The film, which was produced in 1963 and 1964, was smuggled out of South Africa. The film includes the following: population statistics for South Africa; the pass laws under apartheid; the quality of life in the black townships and the Bantu territories; and government relocation plans for black South Africans in order to maintain the segregation of the races. The film also features a profile of the Transkei region (which is strategically important for South Africa) and a discussion about the diamond industry and economic relations between South Africa and the international community, particularly the U.S. The film then examines the African nationalist movement, including the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), the massacre at the Sharpeville demonstration, and the "ninety-day law." Also included are quotes from Albert Lithuli, who once served as president of the ANC, and excerpts from interviews with exiled ANC and PAC activists. The film concludes with examples of laws and regulations that promote inequality between white and black South Africans. After the film, a panel discussion takes place; topics discussed include the following: the negative effects of heavy U.S. investments in South Africa; the importance of solidarity between black South Africans and African-Americans; U.S. policies regarding immigrants and political refugees; the inevitability of armed black struggle in South Africa; factionalism that has arisen among African nationalists; and the role that African-Americans can play in black South Africa's liberation.