FORCES UNITE IN SOUTH WEST AFRICA
A National Liberation Front, also known as SWANLIF, has been formed in South West Africa, The objective is formation: ef an effective fighting alliance between SWAPO [South West Africa Peoplés Organization] and SWANU [South West Africa’ National Union]. Organization of the united front has been sought since 1961,
The National. Executive Committee of SWAPO hailed the achievement and urged that it be extended to“include as many organizations as possible, constituting an Anti-South Africa United Front.
“YEvery single organization irrespective of its composition or background, which was not collaborationist and did not support South African rule and which supported the policy of full independence for South West Africa and equal rights for all (irrespective of race, colour or creed), should be a member of the great Anti-South Africa United Front," the Committee said. It pledged that it would. “work towards this * goal with all the energy at its disposal,"
The National Executive Committee has introduced some changes in
~1LOm
the program of SWAPO. These involve the organization's attitude toward the United Nations, the nationalisation of foreign’ industries and the land of South West Africa, |
"The previous aims of involving U.N. Trusteeship in SWA [South West Africa], and the U.N. presence in SWA were deleted from the programme," said the Committee. “We demand nothing less than full | national sovereignty and independence Now}" - On ownership of industry, the leadership of SWAPO said: 'There shall. be publicly owned industries, as well as privately owned indus~ tries in SWA. —
"Basic industries at present under public ownership shall remain under public ownership.
“While privately owned industries shall be permitted, the development of STATE-controlled industries shall receive priority. Foreign capital may be allowed in SWA if it will be invested in such industries as are controlled by the STATE,"
SWAPO! s new aims with regard to the land are as follows:
"There shall be land reform in SWA, The land of absentee owners, farmers who used convict or forced contract labour and. parasites who allow the land to lay idle while the masses starve, shall be con-~ fiscated and shall be distributed by the State to those who work and ‘Live on the land,
‘tthoge indigenous farmers who own the land and work the land shall be allowed to retain ownership of this land and no foreigner shall be allowed to own land (i.e., farms) in SWA.
"All settlers and indigenous land-owners who oppose the liberatory struggle of the people of SWA, shall have their land confiscated."
Aside from these issues, "the basic aims of SWAPO remain virtually unchanged; i.e., to establish a free, democratic government in SWA founded upon the will and participation of all the peoples of our country, and to co-operate to the fullest extent with all national liberatory movements in Africa and progressive forces throughout the world to rid our continent of all forms of foreign domination and to rebuild it according to the desires of our people,
"That every man and woman over the age of 18 years, irrespective of race, property, colour, education or creed, will have the right to vote; i.e., the right to elect and be elected to parliament, This is what SWAPO means by tone man, one vote.! People guilty of betraying and opposing the liberatory struggle will not be given the vote,
"All forced and contract labour shall be abolished, The full programme has been published as a separate document,"
The following statements were made on a new programme of action:
- alle
Oeetin the National Executive Committee reaffirmed its attitude that the- struggle for our freedom and independence must be fought - oR the soil of SWA.
"The major functions ofall members abroad, including Executive “members outside SWA, is to assist this struggle from abroad in each and every way possible,’
"All the oppressed’ and exploited must be approached. in order to bring them into the liberatory struggle and to form a mass force opposed. to white domination and South African Rule.
tthe formation of the Anti-South Africa United Front, together with all progressive. organisations of our people is a goal which must receive major attention from every member. Every member should do his or her utmost to build this Anti-South Africa United Front.
"The National Executive Committee is confident that the organised mass of our people, united by SWAPO, SWANU and all other progressive organisations ih SWA shall be engaged in such action that will achieve our freedom and independence within the shortest possible time,
. UThe. National Executive Committee shall determine, as the situa | tion requires, such action as it deems necessary to carry through our struggle to victory, - “The National Executive Committee is determined to usé each and every form of struggle available in order to free our country and does not bind itself in advance to one particular form of struggle only. "
GOLONIALISTS JOIN