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It is now fifty-six years since the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress. If our departed comrades, who were part of the original decision to embark on the military campaign against the apartheid regime, were with us today, they would be shocked by the crisis that is gripping the ANC.

Members of Umkhonto we Sizwe did not join out of self-interest, they joined a racially diverse and integrated organisation dedicated to overthrow apartheid and create a democratic society based on equal opportunities for all people of South Africa.

Since its formal disbandment and the formation of the South African National Defence Force, Umkhonto we Sizwe’s principles of self-sacrifice and service to the country have been undermined by a small minority of ex-members, who regularly denigrate everything for which our comrades fought.

They have recruited and trained individuals who have no right to be called members of Umkhonto we Sizwe, many of whom are far too young to have served their country in MK.

As stalwarts, who included the late Comrade Kathrada, and remain honoured by the continued presence and support of Comrades Denis Goldberg and Andrew Mlangeni, survivors of the Rivonia Treason Trial, we congratulate and stand in solidarity with those who are working tirelessly to build a principled unity of all who served with honour in Umkhonto we Sizwe and wish to reclaim our history for the sake of our future.

We look forward to their presence at the National Consultative Conference on the ANC that will take place between the 17th and the 19th of November.

Issued by ANC Stalwarts and Veterans