EDITORIAL: By J P Louw, Editor
The writing “If you don’t know, learn. If you know, teach” are attributed to Pan-Africanist and pro-progressive books seller Una Mulzac. Her bookshop, named Liberation, had a logo that featured an upraised, shackled black hand breaking free from a chain with these insightful words inscribed to it.
As recently appointed Editor of Umrabolo, one finds meaning, comfort, challenge and myriad of possibilities well captured in Liberation’s slogan. Whilst one brings teachings earned through experiences from the mass democratic movement’s progressive media sector to the publication, a maiden editing experience has also left an invaluable appreciation about the level of insight amongst progressives on what is the state of our nation and what it demands for full realisation of the national democratic revolution. There is a determined drive to tap deep into this wealth of knowledge to ensure it is duly documented and shared widely through future editions of Umrabolo.
To that extend, this edition’s articles are focused on the theme of corruption, state capture and unethical leadership that has vexed South Africa’s public discourse. Whilst it lays the foundation of his article, Ethical Leadership in Social Transformation, Joel Netshitendzhe ‘s pointed questions essentially captures what this edition of Umrabolo seeks to resolve. He asks what is the ethical foundation of South Africa’s democratic society? In what way is this rooted in the struggle against apartheid colonialism? How do we define state capture; and what are the prospects for society and the ANC to re-assert ethical leadership?
Professor Richard Levin contextualises answers to these questions under Ethical Leadership, The Colonial Unconscious and Revolution whilst in How State Capture Becomes State Capture, Otsile Matlou argues for perimeters which affirms when what constitutes state capture cannot be argued against.
From problematizing the issues, we also explore sustainable solutions. In Re-Imagining Tools Needed to Discourage Corrupt Practices in ANC, Bayanda Mzoneli draws attention to interventions needed to address corruption and state capture. Both Reneva Fourie ( It’s Time For A People-Centric Corruption and State Capture Busting Approach) and Mandla Nkomfe (ANC Self-correction Needs Partnership with Progressive Civil Society Formations) takes this thinking a step further as they talk to the need for civil society’s integral role in ANC’s renewal agenda.
An equally interesting read is Muxe Nkondo’s Repositioning Intellectuals in the African National Congress who defines the notion of an intellectual in the ANC and how their attributes should be embedded in the workings of the organisation.
We are keen to receive your feedback. Please send us your comments on any of the published articles at Umrabolo@gmail.com where you can also submit proposals of your articles for future publications. Remember to include a contactable number in your submissions.
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