GARETH VAN ONSELEN: Guilt-free SACP
In the amoral universe of local politics, socialism (unlike colonialism) does not seem to have to answer for the dreadfully bloody effect it has had, over many years, on countries and people around the world
In the course of these commemorations [of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution], the SACP noted the absolutely central and selfless role played by the Soviet Union in the struggle against colonialism and white minority rule in Southern Africa." — SACP annual augmented central committee statement, December 3 2017. Colonialism featured prominently in 2017 as a great historical evil and, remarkably, the argument goes, as a very real contemporary threat. So ubiquitous is the idea, in general terms it seemed to enjoy more prominence than even apartheid itself, long since rebranded as "colonialism of a special type". Helen Zille did most to heighten debate on the subject. In a series of clumsy tweets she argued in March that some benefit stood to be accrued from the legacy of colonialism, infrastructure-wise, if only one were able to look past all the accompanying pain. Unfortunately, no-one was willing to look past the pain, both real and imagined, and the public mind melted down into goo in re...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.