By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) is hosting the Liberation Movement Summit in Gauteng, as the world grapples with a number of challenges from the rise of unilateralism, protectionism and conflicts.
Convened under the theme: defending the liberation gains, advancing integrated socio-economic development, strengthening solidarity for a better Africa.
The gathering is attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and ex-Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano.
The leadership of the MPLA from Angola, FRELIMO from Mozambique, SWAPO from Namibia, CCM from Tanzania and ZANU-PF from Zimbabwe will take part as well.
Delivering the keynote address, Mashatile challenged the liberation movements to reflect at their legacies, and whether they still serve the people who entrusted them with freedom.
“We did not fight to liberate our people only to create space for the enrichment of elites,” he said, warning that the rise of factionalism and internal power struggles threatens to erode the moral authority these movements once held.
Mashatile called on the parties to reflect not only on how they led in the past, but how they are leading now—and what kind of future they are shaping for the next generation.
“It is not enough to wear the badge of liberation,” he said. “We must ask: Are we still advancing justice, or merely clinging to power?”
“We must ask ourselves: are our movements still vehicles of justice, or have they become platforms for status and convenience?
“This gathering therefore stands at a cross roads, consequently, it must serve not only as a remembrance but also as a recommitment. A commitment to address remaining challenges and focus on sustainable development,” he said.
Mashatile called for the renewal of liberation movement ideological clarity and the reclaimant of the narrative of transformation and commitment to international solidarity not as a memory of the past but as a living force for change in the present and future.
He called on the liberation movements to continue to lit torches of freedom in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and far beyond.
Chissano was honoured for his outstanding leadership and immense contribution to the liberation of the African continent.
He was presented with a portrait in appreciation of his pivotal role in Africa’s freedom struggles.
In his speech, Chissano reminded delegates of the sacrifices that shaped the region’s shared journey to independence and development.
Chissano also paid special tribute to Mbeki, lauding his strategic vision and unwavering commitment to Africa’s development. He described Mbeki’s leadership as “an inexhaustible source of inspiration” for the continent.
The summit’s will continue with multiple sessions addressing political issues concerning liberation movements worldwide and strategies to confront global challenges for a better and more just world.