African Nationalism Tutorial

Africanism: Anton Lembede

Nationalism

• loyalty and devotion to a nation especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups

• a nationalist movement or government

Why did Lembede view nationalism as a positive force for change?

1. Philosophical

2. Scientific

3. Historical

4. Economic

5. Democratic

6. Ethical

Lembede identifies basic principles of African nationalism - expand on what he means

Achieving National Unity

1. One language

2. Colour

3. Inhabiting one and the same country

4. Common origin

5. Domination by the same spirit

The cardinals of national unity

• Africa is a blackman's country

• Africans are one

• The Leader of Africans will come from their own loins

• Co-operation between Africans and non-Europeans on common problems may be desireable

• The divine destiny of the African people is National Freedom

• Africans must aim at national progress or advancements

• Socialism comes after nationalsim: Africans are naturally socialistic

Is national unity possible in a multicultural country like South Africa? (Group One)

To what extent are the cardinals of national unity true or applicable? (group 2)

The time for fine talk is over

And fine talk is no longer the plan

A place in the sun for me

The rights of a free man

Die tyd vir mooipraat is verby

En mooipraat is nie meer die plan

'n Plekke in die son vir my -

Die regte van 'n vrye man!

AG Visser: Afrikaans poet

What is the significance of lembede quoting an afrikaans poem at the end of his article? (Group 3)

What is the meaning behind the poem in relation to information in the atricle? (Group 4)

What are the broader strengths and weaknesses of Africanism and nationalism