Langa Dube Calls for Unity in the Fight for Land Reform as ANC Marks 113 Years

by Hope Ngobeni

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Langa Dube, grandson of Dr. John Langalibalele Dube, the founding president of the African National Congress (ANC), recently called for greater unity among black political and social formations in South Africa. Standing next to his grandfather’s grave, Dube reflected on the enduring legacy of Dr. Dube as the ANC marked its 113th anniversary. Dube emphasized the unresolved land question, which remains central to the ANC’s original mission. He pointed out that while the party has stayed true to many of his grandfather’s principles, the issue of land restitution for black South Africans remains a critical and unmet objective.

During his conversation with the SABC, Dube voiced his deep concern that the struggle for land was still far from complete. He highlighted that Dr. Dube was a passionate advocate for the return of land to black people, a cause that has continued to be a driving force behind various political movements. Dube urged black communities, including political organizations, churches, and other social structures, to come together and develop a clear strategy for addressing the land question. He stressed that the fight for land must not only continue but intensify, with a collective approach that honors his grandfather’s vision for a truly liberated South Africa.

Dube’s call for unity comes at a time when debates about land reform and restitution are becoming increasingly urgent in the national discourse. β€œLand must be finally returned to black people,” Dube asserted, urging the South African government to accelerate efforts to address historical land injustices. His comments echo the sentiments of many activists and communities who continue to demand tangible outcomes on the land issue, which has been a long-standing pillar of the ANC’s liberation agenda since its inception.

As part of the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebrations, various party leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, visited Robben Island, the historic site where key figures like Dr. Nelson Mandela were imprisoned. The ANC’s commemorations also include a rally to be held at Mandela Park in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, this Saturday. These events serve as a moment for the party to reflect on its storied history and the struggles of the past, but also to renew its commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality, with a particular focus on the promises made to the people during the liberation struggle.

Dr. Langalibalele Dube’s legacy as a founder of the ANC and a staunch advocate for education and land reform is cemented in South African history. His establishment of Ohlange School, where his grave and former home are situated, stands as a testament to his vision for the empowerment of black South Africans through education. His leadership of the ANC in its formative years set the foundation for the struggle that would span generations. His contributions to the nation’s political and social fabric continue to inspire calls for a more equitable society, particularly in the areas of land restitution and social justice.

The connection between Langa Dube’s reflections on his grandfather’s values and the larger struggle for land restitution resonates powerfully with the history of the ANC. In 1994, when Nelson Mandela voted in South Africa’s first democratic elections, he did so at Ohlange School, standing at the grave of Dr. John Langalibalele Dube to salute the man who had laid the groundwork for the nation’s freedom. Mandela’s tribute, β€œMy president, I am here to inform you that South Africa is now free,” encapsulated the deep respect for Dr. Dube’s legacy and his pivotal role in the fight for a liberated, self-determined South Africa. Today, the call for land remains one of the most pressing issues that the nation must address to fulfill the promises of freedom and equality made so many years ago.

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