ECC NATIONAL CONFERENCE 1990

"BUILDING THE FUTURE NOT FIGHTING IT"24 - 27 MAY

MODDERPOORT CONFERENCE CENTRE, ORANGE FREE STATE

1• INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

Mandy Taylor and David Schmidt welcomed everyone to the conference, outlined the purpose of the conference and reviewed the agenda.

The purpose of the conference was identified as being:

* To establish ECC as a national organisation* To plan national campaigns* To determine future direction and policy* To get to know people from other regions.

In planning the agenda, emphasis was put on information and training, as well as determining policy and planning campaigns.

2 ■ A HISTORY OF ECC AND WAR RESISTANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Richard Steele facilitated this session by asking different people to anecdotally speak about ECC’s history. Examples of ECC’s creative campaigning were given, the international support ECC enjoyed, life under the State of Emergency, etc.

3 - "BUILDING__THE NON-RACIAL DEMOCRATIC SOUTH AFRICA: THECENTRAL ISSUES " Steve Silver, NUSAS National Organiser.

The aim of struggle in South Africa is the establishment of non- racial democratic South Africa and this is premised by the need to take power and place it in the hands of the people. It is important to find the shortest possible path to this goal and one of these paths is that of negotiations.Negotiations have emerged as a central issue in the last few years. It began to emerge to some extent when the Nats stated that they would be prepared to negotiate with any group providing that they renounced violence. This position and other latter statements have been the result of,

* Cuito Cunavale* Resolution of the conflict in Namibia* Re-emergence of the MDM* Threats of more sanctions and international isolation.

One again the state appeared to be in a corner and under this pressure the Nats response to negotiations was an attempt to regain the political high ground from the ANC.The ANC’S response was the Harare Declaration which many people have referred to as the greatest diplomatic coup of the ANC’s

history. The Harare Declaration outlines ways of advancinq to a democratic non-racial South Africa as well as stating the ANC*f preconditions for this process to begin. There preconditions are

t0 equalise the power of the two parties (AN? r I Harare Declaration has been endorsed by the OAU

the Conference of Frontline States, the Non Aligned Movement the Commonwealth Conference where it was noted and the UN where it was accepted with some changes.

I r , 9 ^ . T h e ts e haaree,OCCUrred 1" the h1St°ry °f forces* 2 Feb ANC and SACP un-banning* 8 Feb Mandela’s release.

°J?ar. ^ * 5 th® democrat1c movement was not prepared for what De Klerk did in February. His activities have allowed him

h C*u Political initiative and for the rest of Southt W°r t0 Wait to see what the ANC’S response is. The motivations for De Klerk’s actions seem to be partly a

response to, ^ d* The strengthening of more reasonable people within the NP* The questionable life expectance of Apartheid and De Klerks realisation that he is the last white President and has a responsibility to secure the best possible deal

for whites.* The need to act quickly while the MDM/ANC was still recovering from the emergency and repression.

The ANC was then faced with two choices, either:a. Wait until all the pre-conditions have been met, orb. return and work from inside South Africa

The ANC chose b.It is important to stress that the talks that have recently take place at Groote Schuur were simply talks about talks and were aimed at addressing the outstanding pre-conditions as laid out in the Harare Declaration discussion focus on, among other things,

* The release of political prisoners* The return of exiles* Repeal of security legislation* Armed struggle* Violence

When the ANC does enter into negotiations proper it will need to consult traditional allies as well as to have a mandate to discuss these issues. The Nats and the ANC agreed on a common commitment to ending violence and peaceful negotiation. The ANC wanted a redefinition of political prisoners as well as a range of other barriers to their safe return and full participation of ANC members. Importantly the Nats did not ask the ANC to unconditionally renounce armed struggle though they did see it as a stumbling block to negotiations.The ANC is now involved in the establishment of branch structures and in the near future many of the preconditions may well be meet. Many people have expressed concern that the talks about talks were in fact negotiations. It is important to explain at this time what is actually meant by "negotiations''

* Negotiations are not a substitute for struggle.

Negotiations need the participation of the masses which at the moment is lacking.* Need to look beyond negotiations. The aim of the current process is not to get to the point of negotiations but rather to see the establishment of a constituent assembly. At this point power is firmly placed in the hand of the majority.* In order for the current phase to be successful the most crucia structures, those of the internal movements need to be built and strengthened.* The ANC itself needs to take over the role as the peoples organisation with the UDF playing an interim role in this process.* The Natal conflict must be resolved.* International support must be built around the actual details of the ANC’s political programme

In the white community the need for as many whites to be involved in organisations working for change is still seen as a vital area of work. People need to stay and contribute as well as now return and contribute.Some of the key concerns of whites have been identified as

* Group Rights. At the moment many whites see this as their only hope. Task of the democratic movement to show whites that their interests lie with a non-racial democracy and not group rights.* The Economy. The need is for whites to address seriously the legacy of Apartheid and to win within this community a recognition of the need for some form of redistribution of wealth.* Violence. We need to remind whites of the causes of violence in South Africa and how these can be all traced back to the system of Apartheid, within this context the issue of the CCB has been lost and the white community needs to understand how the CCB and De Klerk are connected.

Steve then presented a series of questions that ECC members may want to address at the conference. These questions were not necessarily reflective of NUSAS.

* ECC needs to built non racialism and must look to the most effective way of doing this.* The question of the right wing and the isolation of the militarists within DE Klerk’s government.* Consider the experience of SANSCO and NUSAS in their work towards one organisation when exploring future scenarios of a non racial anti conscription organisation.* Need to gain an understanding of the new political terrain and the fact that the traditional issues of Apartheid have changed and restructured themselves dramatically.* What has been happening to the middle ground in the white community and how can we adapt our message to win these people back.* Recognise that the state still has control over the media and consider how to wrest this control away.* Importance of building and sophisticating our activist’s educati on.

4 - ECC’S ROLE IN A CHANGING SOUTH AFRTTA Input by David Shcmidt

qivln 1wyhfn?rheaSH0nhtati h" °f the main stren9ths and weaknesses was reports drawn out of the written and verbal regional

NEGATIVES* In some branches the activist core is made up of people who were around before the restriction, there is no new blood and our activists are worn out and unenthused.

In other branches the opposite is true where the branch is made up of completely new people, many with little of no ECC experience.* There is little sense of direction and no overallprogramme of action which binds us as a national organisation.* ECC if unclear about its role in the broader anti- apartheid movement and where it fits in to current political developments.* No sense of ECC as a national organisation and little inter regional interaction* Many of our activists are tired, over stretched and involved in many other areas of work as ell as ECC.

POSITIVES

* New areas of work are opening up for us, especially in Bloem, Stellenbosch and Pretoria.* There is enthusiasm and energy in our activists, particularly on the campus branches.* There is a sense of commitment and a strong desire for purpose and direction.* We are all now at Conference, where we can build and develop a national sense of our organisation and more of a feeling of community as ECC activists.

The experience ECC is going through was felt by many of the "old timers to be similar to COSG’s experience of 1983 where the foundation issues had shifted to the extent that the old organisation (COSG) could no long play the role it was and the need for a new organisation (ECC) was seen as a priority. It was stressed then that we needed to be flexible in our approach to the issues and the organisation.

2id a br'ief recaP of the years events that pertain to ECC. ECC reforms on Feb 2nd. Why (reasons):

* Needed action and not introspection around the issue of conscri ption.* ECC has a reputation that was news worthy and dynamic.* ECC bigger than conscription issue.* Needed to address the issue of today into the future objectors, conscripts and conscription.

2 ^ ° far -haS been a 9°od year for anti-conscription work and ECC. There is a real sense that we have been contributing to change and our work in the past has turned conscription and related issues into concerns that have to be addressed into the

: ^ rv c r ; ; r tyheof cz n 9z a* r ay by

A. Organisation in Transition.

down ECC. NO^^Voblematfca^as ^ We in ^ process of winding us ' issufs re"»ain. Conscription still with

P . e s -

ofCpo?it^csPwas characteM^e<?°by ̂°8 °f Pr°tSSt' Th** Mass mobilisation.* Spirit of non-collaboration and defiance.* focus« usually grievance based.* Broad based unity, anti-apartheid.* Constituency based.Much of the above approach will change as the politics of compromise and positive issues begins to emerqe. nity within anti-apartheid ranks could well develop into a more and more fragile entity. New organisations and initiatives need to go across race barriJrl Z n racialism need to develop into a tangible and visible component of organisations. 16

3. The new organisations of the 1990s will emerge out ofthe^en t r e ^ f" t h e ^ 008 ^ ^oalitions: e -9- 1983 COSG was tne centre of the war resistance movement in South Africaand drew together a coalition which formed ECC.

It was stressed that while the above was correct Err hah hoar.ear?vVeads in,9t8hee °f th* C W PO-nTve future'Lssag^asearly as 1986 with the W.J.P. (Working for a Just Peace?vourairinahtS" afSO deve1oped a service component with the "know your rights focus in 1988. What other organisations areIt™-?* , V m , 9 T ’i E,CC !° S°me de9ree was expiring9 four years ago

n .. .. ty to stategise creatively and look for the political gap and take it which ECC needs to ensure is maintained today in our strategising around our future direction.

B. An Agenda For the Future.

1. The new militarisation of SA society.The state has abandoned militarisation as a political strategy, but militarisation is taking place at aTh2 rat® ln t^e . right wing and not simply the AWB.

e Nats are not explaining to their constituency what i s^ r ' E C C ^ n d ^ h ^ 109 them ' thiS POS6S a major challenge J ? k or9anisations in the past operated in terms of symbols but now it appears as if the right winq?hrl US; T Sym^ 1S f°r their P°1 itical message. In terms of this Weikom becomes a crucial symbol of right wing

militarisation and something that needs to be challenged. Whites generally seem to be impotent with the symbols of the right. Analogies to the southern states of the USA and the challenges placed on such racism by the Freedom Riders of the north.Another element to the rise of militarisation is the role of Inkatha and the Natal violence.

2. Reconstruction and Reconciliation.The AAB experience of their ambulance and its tour of Europe to raise money and awareness of the situation in Namibia. Need to be considering these forms of action and developing a solid understanding of these concepts.

3. Policy Formulation.Need to recognise that in the current political climate the issue of clear and concise political positions becomes paramount. It is no longer good enough to say "end this, stop that, anti this and that". In order to sell our politics in the political market we need to have a clear set of reasons as to who the present is wrong and then how to resolve the present problems into future resolutions. This policy needs to be welded into every issue that we take up. in our programme.

"The times are now fragile. In the middle ground there is confusion and despair. ECC was a symbol of hope during the dark days in the past. We need to contribute to the hope for the future."

Discussion followed around such issues as the trust of the military re. a Coup, problem of the militant militarised left youth, the question of encouraging democrats within the armed forces, mass mobli1isation is still an important component of our work.Discussion then broke up into small groups which addressed a series of questions.

* What are the implications of the dramatic changes for anti conscription / objector work ?* How do we make the issues resonate with more impact ?* Is there a message or programme for the conscript community that we need to develop ?

5. NAMIBIA (Input by Danie Botha, a member of the Namibian pariiament)

Impressions shared:Elements of freedom are important eg. No SA flags at PO, etc. Namibian resolution due not only to SA’s defeat at Cuito Cuanavale but also because of growing organizational formation within the country. SA wanted Namibian independence before these organisations became too much of a threat.

Despite attempts by SA government to hijack independence process the process has occurred because of following:- small right wing element, but most whites adapted to sharing

facilities (even AWB)

Presence of DTA prepared peopleWell worked out peace plan (435) - made provision for different phases of independence process. Also due to international presence.return of exiles before elections helped prepare people. UNTAG played important role in monitoring activities of SWATF and SAP. peaceful election process.

NB to demystify the ANC in this transition phase in SA.

Major setbacks to independence:1 April 1989 - sense of independence not going to happen. Lesson: Plans must be clear and known to everyone.

Assassinations by CCB failed - planned more than just Lubowski’s murder.NB for reconstruction that the truth be revealed.Harms Commission should extend its ambit and political assassins should be brought to trial in Namibia.

Problems of Reconciliation

To build a new Namibia need reconciliation.We do not want a UNITA/RENAMO element.Reconciliation occurs due to necessity and pragmatism - black Namibians accepting presence of whites because SWAPO in power and also because whites have important skills for ongoing development of the country.Other problem areas;* integration of army and security forces especially with

respect to changed salary and working conditions. Also decided to have small professional army and therefore have excess soldiers.

* People want changes which affect their lives and don’t just want to know that leaders in Parliament are working for them.

Cautionary Note: new leadership mustn’t just take over trappings of old leadership.* Important to create appropriate symbols in terms of our

lifestyle and politics.* A necessary element of reconciliation - new black leadership

extending welcome hand to old oppressors of yesterday - not often understood by grassroots level people.

* War victims: emotionally and physically scarred people Question: How to integrate these people into new society.

* Walvis Bay: needs to be resolved* Returning exiles - needing to trace families; feeling that

they need special respect; feel alienated.* The land issue - good farms owned by white farmers; left and

now no land on return.Absentee landowners - land bought by Namibian government

* SWAPO detainees - has devastating impact on families - causes confusion and pain. Need to deal with it honestly. Can lead to inability to acknowledge mistakes. Sets bad patterns for the future.

* Economic parity

Right wing have moved to SA.

Service: idea to have community oriented service - can

still b f d e b a 3 i n yX * i ; mint.Creat10n "eeded' ThS 1SSUe 1,111

for'lndeplndenle"1^ R7°° milli°n dSbt a"d 9aVe R5 m1111on 91ft Environmental issue: war contributed to destruction of environment. Ministry of Environmental Affairs responsible for£heSwar Earthlife group‘ Never b^ " a major issue due to

war resisters working in Namibia as well as ECCembarking on reconstruction projects in Namibia £ repay the debtr l J T r J L llar, °'a Wa:; - ACT10N= National Team mandated by conference to discuss these issues further

6. International Ob.iector Issues

1* COSAWR ACTIVITIES AND PROPOSAL (Input by Gerald O ’Sullivan)

Gave background on his leaving SA and showed video on what its like to go into exile.History of COSAWR:Main reason for setting up was

to facilitate easing into foreign land. Committee set up in England, and a year later one set up in Amsterdam.

, be. 9]ven asylum takes a long time. With changing political climate in SA foreign governments may be less likely to give asylum.

Other areas of work:* Research* Document process of militarisation in SA and anti­

conscription work.* Issues included role of SADF in destabilisation of Frontline

States - provide factual information and analysis.* Monitored breaches of arms embargo.* Looked at post traumatic stress syndrome of returning

soldiers psychological damage and management of this by military 7

* Looked at mi 1itary-industrial complex.* Contributed to book "Brutal Force".* Campaign against conscription into SADF.

StructureNot membership organisation because of security reasons; too small and mainly pressure group. It consists of a committee which meets monthly to discuss issues of day and decide on programme of action. Sub-coms produce Resister; organise concerts, public meetings, Huddleston International Register.

Plans for 1990

March, 1990 consultative conference decided on 3 objectives.* Keep high profile to end apartheid war, support CO’s.* Organise group of returning CO exiles, called "Safe Return"

campaign. Campaign will force issue of negotiations and guarantees given by de Klerk. Exiled conscripts face double dilemma of having to face conscription.* Consider question of armed forces in period of transition. Done research into Dutch soldiers Movement and Portuguese soldiers Movement, plus Torch commandos here in SA.

ECC’s call to "Return and Contribute” could fall within COSAWR’s Safe Return campaign.

COSAWR DISBANDING ?

Majority of exiles returning have been core of COSAWR. Funding decreased. Therefore seems COSAWR will be closing down. Have to recognise that conscientious objectors will still be going into exile:- what is our responsibility to them ?_ what is going to happen to international component of anti­conscription work ?- what is going to happen to research component ?

ECC to discuss above issues in branches and report back to COSAWR.

Report on the Social Defence ConferenceWRI, Bradford Peace Studies and IFOR organised this conference. Key theme: need to move away from military dominated defence to civilian based defence. eg’s given for WW2. The strategies we’ve employed in changing an oppressive government must guide us in what kind of defence strategy we adopt.Transarmament - redirect arms factories to civilian based factories. 1200 factories contracted to ARMSCOR. Once SA free, won’t be same regional conflict or same need for military defence.

7. THE NATAL VIOLENCE Input by Howard Varney

Over 5000 people have died in Natal over the last years in what is essentially a struggle for political power.

Begi nni ngs:vigilante attacks at political funerals no police investigations into the attacks driving out of UDF structures

_ attacks on school teachers and children

Causes:Inkatha recruitment drive and the collusion of officialdom. Warlords/Chiefs not prosecuted.

Root cause: State policy in formation of Kwazulu.

March & April Black Sash figures for deaths and injuries for area of South coast and North coast

March173155

Apri 1 170 31

DeathsInjuries

drawn ^ r ^ s z T n d ' ? * ? t a t d ^ o n V " c a ^ c ' " 9 U“ dJ " Nata1’ bei"9 Pietersburg air?orce batanlon ’ * °rPS’ “h1te CamBers and

Pietermaritzburg A r e a

Hi story:ifff ' masjacre 5 ANC students killed by Inkatha1q« u .Ifunch. Challenge to Buthelezi

UboSr. arm001 8trike- Inkatha provided the scab

c?ass?a WaS l0Sing SUBport even fr°"i the black middle

1987 h m i nkiathHa forcin9 People to join up. Edendale is a free hold land area and became a UDF stronghold romraHaoattacked councillors and inkatha developed 'a vigilante

Over 3000 people have died in the Pmb area over the la<?t thro, pJopl^.3^ tW1C6 aS manV UDF pe°Ple have died than Inkatha

\ak®S place geographically. Often roads divide a UDF or Tnkath9 ar®aS ®° that peoPle hav® to travel through arise on these r o a d T ^ ^ t0 96t '° W°rk* Problemsoften UDF&bases.9enera^1y Inkatba bases, whilst urban areas areeg. Edendale is a UDF area, and rural Inkatha supporters have to c'lashls U9h Edenda1e to get to work. This often sparks off

1ion is a Zulu batallion, and there have been reports that they are UDF sympathetic. reports

The SADF is under the control of the SAP.

Last 2 months in PMB area Very high level of violence.7 day War (28 March):On 26 March Buthelezi summonsed his chiefs and ministers and

, regard tD se,f armi"9 and de?en« 2 dayslater an Inkatha bus was stoned and this was said to be thecatalyst. Inkatha embarked on heavy retaliatory raids killina theywar maklng. thouSands homeless. 15000 refugees resulted from one week. them U°F peop1e‘ 200 People died in the

t0 aCt’ and fact were very Partial to Inkatha. (Kitskonstabels were seen with Inkatha impi’s)hlon arrival oj the SADF, the violence decreased. There have rane<, rohhSP° ^stances of 32 batallion being involved in taking sTdes otherwise no reports of the SADF

Plenary

school bo%ottV.U°structuralbliJl the* f*" b®.traced back to 80’s

t x r J k i r t H I S f 1

no?9| e ™ 8tSabl oragaennisaedantage °f the situat’°"' but this does

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f n p u f ^ EAdele * r " LTURE ° F VT° ' FNCF

* How have we been affected by the culture of violence ?

The Main Forms and Causes of Violence in SA

We’ve come through a long period of war/conflict. The war

a low intens1ty0 "Vwari0nal " r- bUt haS be°" «

: Corpora 1 ̂ pun ishmentS f t SA

* Legal "police kin'in^s’ ’tlCal ^ haVe ClSar raCia1 c°"te"t-* without trial - tool to neutralise opponent* K r f ! J T J° attain ^formation and to destroy solidarity I nlath riCl!f a9a^nst organisations and individuals *

country^ assassinations inside and outside the

Harms and Hiemstra CommissionsCCBtUrnot°6f tha ̂ fhuman1ses the enemy. This is apparent in enemy") language used: "Take out/eliminate the

* There is a sense of distance, from the task of murder. murder-0 1S °f 3 spying/information nature rather than

* Abdication— of-- responsibility of those not directlyactions The h i * ™ I? m°ra1 vacuum regarding their actions. The hierarchical nature of structures is whatcontributes to this abdication.repentance °f feeling responsible leads to a lack of

None of us can escape this culture of violence. We are

exposed to it in many ways from war toys, TV, war games,

* In Natal, there are 2.8 million firearm licences.

S S , h fe r a r chy "and* v i'ol ence*" to ̂so 1 vehas its roots in a culture of violence Militarism

Nationally, the resolution of violence i«? a nrinrit,, ^

a f erfd f to ̂ t r u c t u r a V ^ f S i e n c ^ 1 ̂ F o r ANC iS

PIenarv*

*

*

9.

the^effect ofdth«®«nrSSUe?v,are Very related: (especially etc.) environment, nuclear power,

addre!sed°S’S th® townsh1ps is a crucial issue to be Militarism and war go hand in hand with women’s oppression.

| U M a r ^ _ report from steering Committee on nrnn~„. .»

Key Issues

1. Conscription - does not have same political clout as previously but two important issues remain-* Objector issue* Focus on conscripts eg. Right wing in military

CCB influence.2. New Focus

Hn'oI0nCV SSUe recurrin9 throughout conference and need to discuss how we take up this issue pragmatically.Informal militarisation (not from the State)- right wing- militant township youth

reconstruction^OW t0 PSaCe thr°U9h conciliation and

S. Non-racialism

Questions still to address* Flesh out violence issue more* How to address the violence issue* How to take up conscription issue* How to push the objector issue and what’s the role of

objectors in ECC’s overall programme.* What do we mean by peace content ?

Other issues: Planning policy for the future

Plenary discussion:

a) Violence IssueProbability of violence puts whole change process in jeopardy. Do we address only State violence against oppressed or do we address the whole problem of violence ?If ECC wants to intervene in this violence issue we need to be involved in changing peoples understanding of violence.Our focus must be against violence of State ie. conscription itself and address the violence in the white community (eg. right wing) - in dealing with violence in township should do this in alliance with community organisations.Should be involved in assisting with conflict resolution and this will contribute to building non racialism eg. taxi wars, etc.We must anticipate ending of conscription.Title "Building the Future, Not Fighting it" - this provides the link from opposition to conscription into reconstruction and reconciliation work. Need to come out of conference with clear programme of action. Concerned about taking up campaign on violence - our input can get lost and mi si nterpreted in the current negotiations process. ECC has responsibility to initiate focus and process (with other organisations) on intervening in cycle of violence. Deal with question of violence at level of symbols - AWB symbols need to be counteracted with other symbols. Few grassroots images of racial tolerance, non—racialism and peace.

Summary: Violence is an important issue for ECC to take up. Our focus should be on state violence. Broader issues around violence should be taken up in alliance with other groupings.

b) Conscription Issue

What message do we have for conscripts ?Unsure if we have the time to address them. Perhaps we need to put energies elsewhere.As long as conscription remains we still need to address the conscri pts.

What is the message for conscripts ?Who are we fighting now?Why are we still being conscripted ?

SWAPO and ANC were the enemy but seeing them on TV and with FW’s reforms, conscripts will be asking who is now the enemy?Basis for unity on this issue is still anti-apartheid and our focus must still be an opposition to conscription.Within military there is an ideological struggle:- those who think that the past must be regained- those who accept the changes

The latter category require support and possible to involve them in our campaigns as never before.Get soldiers to agree that the solution is political.ECC should go back to its roots: End Conscription /

Stop the Cal1 up

Our example needs to be: reconstructiongoing into conf 1 ict situations with our bodi esdevelop conflict resolution skills.

Political Role of Objection

Objector issue flip side of focus on conscription. Should encourage and support objector focus. Objectors should do concrete alternatives such as going to Welkom to act as buffers.

10- Developing a Programme of Action

Overview:

June: - WelkomJuly - Call up actionOct/Nov - return of exiles

Peace Festival ?

ongoing""issuesf' °CB campal9n and the Natal violence will be

771 July Action

* National objector action in Jhb on 28 July and regional actions on 29th July. s

* Actions on 28 aimed at recruitment for the register This should not undermine other ECC activities/programme The question of ECC participating/organising the march will be taken back to branches for discussion.

Weikom

* Need consultation within ECC and with local community organisations.

The issues: White right wing militarismRacial stereotyping and polarisation Threat to our future

Purpose: Offer support to help build up progressiveelements in Welkom.Demonstrate commitment by whites to non-racial future.Building non-racialism.

We need an action that is simple and symbolic and non- exploitative and sustainable.

Phases: 1. Consultation2. Exploratory meeting in Welkom3. Preparation and training4. The event (possibly 23 - 26 June)

5. Evaluation

In phases 1 - 3 , the event can be called off for good reason We need a coalition for the event.

1 or 2 reps per region as contact and co-ordinating people. National office to do overall co-ordination.

Report on Welkom by Jan Botes

* No existing progressive organisation in Welkom, only individuals.

* There are churches which would help us.* TAG has contact with the local youth congress.* A proposition for a Welkom campaign to be taken to local

organisations.* White union has met with NUM in an attempt to defuse the

situation.

Comments from buzz groups* Should include a call to disarm the right wing* Call for the support of high profile sportspeople, etc.* ECC’s name should not be publically associated with the

event.* Use this to get progressive individuals in Welkom together.* Students are writing exams at the time and so might not be

able to participate.

11. General Discussion on ECC’s Priorities and Message

1. What are our priorities ?2. What is our message ?

1. Priori ties:We are very objector centred and should be more conscript centred. How about a "Call to conscripts" campaign ?We should reach out to organisations like Jeugkrag. Grassroots mobilisation should become a priority.

Peace - WelkomNatal

- CCB

Conscriots - call up actionexile return objectors

Poli cy

2. Message:

* End conscription and build peace* Building the future, not fighting it* End conscription; Work for peace* End conscription - Peace Now !* Disarm apartheid.

Slogans can be used interchangeably and as appropriate.

12■ Report from Finance and Structures Subcommittee

* Present national structures to remain.* National, committee will meet approximately every 3 months.

This will have a rep from each branch.Every 2 weeks, national will put out a news brief.

* Branches are to phone the National office every second Friday.

13. Conference Evaluation

* Must find out rules of venue first* Good conference, but report backs in plenary sessions were

badly presented.* Conference has provided good direction* Conference was very well structured* Should have cleaned up after us* Special speakers must arrive* Dominating personalities in plenary* People wandered in and out of meetings* Must stick to original agenda* "Heavism and cliquism" a problem* Buzzing in plenary sessions is helpful* Regional non-intermixing is a problem. Perhaps the cultural

evening should not have been along regional lines.* Meetings were open and democratic.

1. Statement of principles of ECC.It was felt by the group that we needed to state clearly our principles as an organisation so that we could then see what we could make policy on and what we could not.Our statement of principles was proposed as

"We support the ideals of democracy, non-racialism, non­sexism, justice and peace. We commit ourselves to the ending of apartheid and to its replacement with a one person, one vote system of government in a unitary South Africa.We will challenge racism, sexism and militarism, and will campaign to end conscription in an Apartheid South Africa. We are dedicated to reconciliation between the people of South Africa and the reconstruction of our divided land."

It was stressed this statement was a proposal and should be discussed in the regions.

2. How do we formulate policy.a. How do we arrive at policy.The regions or the national office should decide when an issue needs policy research done on it. The region motivating should draw up a document that explains why such a policy position is needed within ECC and what use ECC could put to such a policy document. A majority of regions should agree to the particular request for policy formulation and research. The national office should establish a national policy group who will look at the most appropriate and timeous way of developing policy on the requested issue.The crucial point was made that policy formulation needs to involve every ECC member in every region for policy to:

* Really reflect the ideas and attitudes of ECC members* Be effectively owned by ECC so as to ensure that each ECC branch uses the policy documents in their campaigns.

It was stressed as well that the need for democracy should not slow down the process of policy formulation.b. Once policy has been formulated in which forums should it be ci rculated.

* All branches and sub-committees of the branches.* For discussion with our affiliates/allies for comment and more general discussion.

Policy should ideally be done at national gatherings, preferably at the National Conference, otherwise at National Committees. When this is not possible, policy should be adopted at each branch with the national office coordinating such adoption.A discussion document should be drawn up by national on policy research and policy uses in ECC for greater discussion among the regions around this crucial issue.

3. Current uses and targets for ECC policy1. The ANC and the Constitutional Planning section of the ANC. Contact should be made with Albie Sachs of the ANC and ECC’s policy material should be channelled to the ANC to facilitate their drawing up of political policy on conscription and

reU?;dncon«rn°sbjeCti°n ' " defenCe force a"d °ther ECC

2. The DP.Cape Town have already met with the DP to inform them of frr’casm to19hot at d current thinking. The DP were able to advise ECC

to how to approach the question of talks with the N P with regard to the question of conscription and ECC’s position

3. The NP

I??hC?I!ferenCe WaS informed of ECC Cape Town’s plan to hold talks h 3°vernrnent- Some discussion occurred as to how we should

r t r sCe \ ^ k s 1SWShrieani t What ^ ^ bS ^rengthen o°uWrWpeosUionZ- talks- While it was recognised that a larger deleaation including non ECC people such as the DP, churches universitip*cCnscrlotion^? C°Uld Vi"6 3 Wid6r P o t a t i o n of the ? s ^ e of

SSI * 3 Sma meeting with one or two cabinet members3 purely Ecc delegation should be sent If a

meeting was arranged with the parliamentary sub-committee on Defence then we should consider strongly the idea of a wider and representative delegation being sent.We should approach the question of pre talks publicity with caution so that we do not scare off the NP because of an strategic use of the press. The fact that the meeting takes place is more important than a press campaign before it.It should be emphasised that Magnus should not be approached as

through formal^meeting?9 M " r* ° " r th°" 9iVi"9

of of the4. The SADF.t h « t % r ^ ° H al .WaS discussed ^ the light of the good publicity that ECC had made meeting with the SADF in 1988. It was felt thatwe need to priorities talks with government as they make policyHow ever we should not discount the idea of meeting with the SADFaround the conscription issue or any other issue in the future.

5. ANCWe need to be winning the importance of our issue among ANC circles at regional and national level and examining ways to ensure that the ANC puts our issue on its agenda. Background was given to the meeting with members of the ANC working committee involved in the Groote Schuur meeting. The contradiotTon o? conscription into the SADF and the state demanding the ANC to suspend armed struggle was discussed.

6. Other groups.Around specific issues regions can take initiative. On widern S n t ? ^ ° r T™?,, or9anisations that we have had no previous contact we should get some discussion about the meeting in all our branches. a

The draft policy was then discussed.

unethorr?D°P 3t th8 conference motivated the importance of taking up the CCB as a campaign. The reasons for this are as follows:

Such actions must never be permitted to happen again. The best way of ensuring this, is to make the government responsible pay a high political price.

There can be no guarantee that such actions have indeed been suspended until there is full disclosure about the people involved, and the types of actions being planned. Such a guarantee is essential, particularly with the onset of negotiations, and the return of exiles.

In the run up to negotiations, it is important that FW de Klerk is not permitted to retain the moral high ground. Hethf cSS ti1 dlstanced himself and the government from the Hit Squad allegations.

The demands of such a campaign would be:

1■ Ful1 Pi sclosureThere can be no guarantee worth its weight in paper, that the activities of the CCB have been suspended, until thereJS+ue e 11 d 1 fc 1 osure the composition and activities

of the CCB and the SAP death squads.

In order to allow full disclosure of the truth, it will be necessary to extend the brief and the powers of the Harms Commission. In particular, the Harms Commission should be empowered to investigate activities carried out by the CCB and SAP squads outside the country.

2 • Suspension of those Responsible

In particular we would call for the suspension of Ministers Vlok and Malan, Generals Geldenhuys, Webb and Verster.

3. Guarantee

The public shoukd demand concrete guarantees that this will never happen again. This would involve full disclosure, but would also require a change in the laws which permitted such covert activities.

What we Want to Achieve

* The government and FW de Klerk must be made accountable for what happened.

* Malan and Vlok must go.Force full disclosure of cells and activities.

* Get a guarantee that activities suspended* Get rid of secrecy of SAP/SADF.* Restrict power of government to kill* Purge nation before/during negotiations

Prevent CCB aborting process to a post apartheid SA.*

* Protect returning exiles* Query whether government is serious about negotiations.

Ideas

We considered international ideas, national ideas and local i deas.

* The priority is to establish inter-organisational forums in each centre. ECC should play a catalyst role in encouraging other organisations to take up the issue.* Resignation of SADF officers of rank.* Pickets (in Pretoria, where commission sitting).* Letters to prominent people, Nat Mp’s* Get frontline states to put pressure of govt.* Video* Info packages (also to press)* Info to our own organisations (housemeetings)

Info to other organisations (workshops)* Petition calling for resignation of responsible people* Give newspapers contact numbers for ECC* Brief embassy people* Get to Bush (and challenge other interntional leaders)* Link up with anti-death squads elsewhere* Link issue to objector trials.* Challenge SADF to public TV debate* Use media/radio "Hoot against the hitsquads"* Radio talk show on issue* CT "pointing" idea* Guerilla theartre* Chalk bodies on sidewalks* March of people on hit-squad list to demand quarantees* Hit-1ist people to attend Harms Commission hearings* Statements from prominent people* Invite international jurists to monitor commission* Research into legal changes that should be made* Pavement art* Get theartre group to do a play* Public meetings - more conservative speakers

- victims* Publicise personal stories of victims* Give press new angles to take up

PressProvide: articles; new angles on issue; personal stories

General press package ECC press statement on issue

Work closely with two or three papersGive personal stories to magazines like Cosmopolitan, Fair Lady, etc.Encourage people to write letters to the editors.Get IBIIR factsheet to the pressWork through Afrikaans groupings to get initial contacts to the conservative press.

InternationalGet frontline states and European countries to pressurise the SA government. (Get issue raised at SADEC conference - work through

* Prosecution call could be made after Harms makes his recommendat i ons.* Demands should be clear and simple. Then other issues can be raised.* Important to emphasise difference between MK and CCB people.

AGREED: Call for suspension . Once the commission has presented its findings, call for prosecution.

RECONCILIATION AND RECONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP

Difficult concepts to define. In Namibia, two terms go together. Need to look at long term and short term. Oppressor needs to change attitudes in long term. Task of government. ECC could be involved in more short term symbolic actions. Justice of reconciliation and reconstruction needs to be demonstrated. Natal and Welkom violence are both symbols of violence.We need to create new symbols.Must consider engaging the right wing.

Ideas:

Welkom: Action with ECC and other organisations. Black community need to be shown they can own Welkom. Needs to give meessage of non-racialism. Perhaps have a church service. Next day walk through town. Needs to be non-threatening. ECC needs to initiate this. Need non-violent direct action training. Have to seize issue within 3 weeks. Consult with community. Leave it if we have not done it in 3 weeks. Will be a good training for other issues.

Natal violence: Educational work. eg. Meetings. Slot into campaign to disarm Buthelezi. Rebuilding: Independent peace force. Need to critique the role of the SADF.

ECC ambulance : go through every town in SA. Information about wars in Namibia and townships. Sell medical packages. Focus on community in Namibia. Donate ambulance to Natal.

ANS Projects : Use to symbolise reconciliation andreconstruction. Together with other organisations. Mobilise people through projects.

Facilitate setting up National Crisis committee for political violence.

Plenary:* Welkom

Need a non-confrontational softening up campaign A march would be too confrontational. Better idea for whites to stay in township as a sign of solidarity.It is a very serious and dynamic proposal. There is a need for a symbol of peace. The future of the country could be jeopardised by the right wing.When we leave Welkom, will black people be persecuted for the action ?Form of action is very important. March/walk is not a

the ANC)Feed into FW’s itinery (mainly through anti-apartheid groupings)d TT 6 t ©ITlDclSS 1 GSGet Mandela to raise issue on his tour Information packages to anti-apartheid groups International Committee of Jurists to to monitor Harms Commission. Human Rights Commission to approach them.Contacts with anti-hit squad groups elsewhere. Ask Amnesty International (contact Jacqui Boulle, WRI and COSAWR)

NationalResignation of rank : CT to look at whether they can assist the Northern suburbs group with co-ordinating action.

Pickets : ongoing - until people suspended from officeNational eg. Outside Wits Command, the Castle, etc.

Send copies of The Assassin vided' to each region.

Hoot against the Hit Squads" - contact Radio DJ’s re advertising (Action may be appropriate later)Should be a national action. Use a day with significance eg. Date of victims death, day Malan gives evidence, etc.

Talk shows - where individuals phone in.Monday 9h00 702 talk show.

RegionalRegions should look at list of ideas and choose those that are appropriate for them.

Time Frame

Buildup. The months of June — August should focus on grassroots awareness work. Eg. Press briefings, house meetings, embassy briefings, production of media, wide showing of video "The Assassin", etc.

September: The campaign would take on a higher profile - maybe with a petition, public meetings, march of people who were on hit-squad list, etc.

The campaign demands should feature from the beginning.

Plenary discussion

* Jhb should take up the Hiemstra commission* It would not be strategic to question Judge Harms’ conduct in the commission. ICJ can pose questions on functioning of commission. Front Line States should push for the commission to investigate external acts.* Jhb has pulled together an inter-organisational campaigning forum. Lawyers have warned groups that if terms of reference are extended, it could backfire on MDM.* UCT has discussed running a campaign with SANSCO next term* We should criminalise the SADF as they did the ECC

CT decided to call for the suspension of officials, who need to be removed from places of responsibility.

*

peaceful, non-confrontational actionAn alternative proposal is to engage in actions in our regions, saying "No Welkom here”.Need to consult with community (Black and white)Consult with Koinonia.

PEACE KEEPING WORKSHOP

What do we understand by the term ?Whilst it might not be the correct term, peace making was thought to be a bit arrogant.Definition of term: finding ways and means of de-escalating violence to allow for creative political process.Intervention could be controversial . Problem of what actions are appropriate for us to respond to. eg. Security force actions, city violence, taxi wars, etc. ECC should focus on security force issues, but this position can be reassessed when appropri ate.

What forms are appropriate ?- encounter experiences, eg Bussing people into townships- education- acting as a catalyst for peace.

Projects should not lead to violence. Need to monitor situation to gain trust of community. May lead to request for assistance from community. Presence of people in situations can be useful to curb security force interference.Important to develop peace making skills and to consult with other organisations involved in the issue.

3 Point Plan: * Monitor* Consultation* Training

Monitoring : other organisations are involved in this area. We must not duplicate roles.

ECC is not a peace keeping force, but we do need to help build a climate and culture of peace over the next few years.

The call for disarming of the AWB. We need to call for current legislation to be enforced. Draw together the MDM/ANC, etc. for a campaign around this.

Should consider Nambia and Mozambique. Should link up with COSAW.

Natal : Call to disarm Buthelezi should be directed at the police. Consider ANC’s call to dissolve the Kwazulu Police. ECC nationally needs to decide whether to participate in these calls. There should be a general call for neutral policing.The disarm Buthelezi campaign has just been formulated by the ANC. Durban should get more details and report back to the other regions.

Collection Number: AG1977

END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN (ECC)

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