Boesak declines invite to UDF’s 40th celebration

Struggle cleric Reverend Allan Boesak has declined an invitation to attend the 40th celebration since the establishment of the anti-apartheid movement, the United Democratic Front (UDF).

The organisation was founded by Boesak and other stalwarts in Mitchells Plain on the 20th of August 1983.

In a letter penned to veteran Popo Molefe, Boesak cites a variety of reasons for his decision. He says he’s still saddened by the African National Congress (ANC) decision to disband the UDF.

Boesak says many veterans have taken up government positions and made decisions about policies to the detriment of the majority.

He says they’ve gained privileges and riches beyond imagination over the past 30 years.

Boesak says he cherishes the memory of the UDF and would like to see its spirit rekindled for lasting and durable transformation.

He says faith communities, universities, students and the unemployed rose up in resistance 40 years ago, irrespective of their race, class, culture and religion.

Last month, Boesak urged South Africans to rise up through organisations similar to the UDF in order to bring about change.

More details in the report below: 

Ramaphosa cautions against bemoaning current state of affairs 

Recently, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa urged former leaders of UDF to stop comparing the current state of the mass democratic movement with the UDF, 40 years ago.

He was reacting to the call of some UDF founding members who bemoaned the current state of affairs in the country.

Last week, some of the organisers of the UDF40 Steering Committee sought to use the opportunity of its anniversary to reflect on how the current situation in the country had deviated from the core principles as their driving force against apartheid.