Voices from the past

I have almost given up for the day, but I'm unwilling to leave without making some progress with my research, so I pick a book at random and begin to skim it.

I stop at a page titled "Call to the Congress of the People," a leaflet issued in 1955. I print it out, and take it back to my room. It's taped to the noticeboard in front of me now.

Sometimes the voices of the past can be heard so clearly, its a though they are standing just behind you, whispering in your ear.

This is one of those times.


Call to the Congress of the People

We call the people of South Africa black and white — let us speak together of freedom!

We call the farmers of the reserves and trust lands. Let us speak of the wide land, and the narrow strips on which we toil. Let us speak of brothers without land, and of children without schooling. Let us speak of taxes and of cattle and of famine. Let us speak of Freedom!

We call the miners of coal, gold and diamonds. Let us speak of dark shifts and the cold compounds far from our families. Let us speak of heavy labour and long hours, and of men sent home to die. Let us speak of rich masters and poor wages. Let us speak of Freedom!

We call the workers of farms and forests. Let us speak of the rich foods we grow, and the laws that keep us poor. Let us speak of harsh treatment and of children and women forced to work. Let us speak of private prisons, and beatings and of passes. We call the workers of factories and shops. Let us speak of the good things we make, and the bad conditions of our work. Let us speak of the many passes and the few jobs. Let us speak of foremen and of transport and trade unions; of holidays and of houses. Let us speak of Freedom!

We call the teachers, students and the preachers. Let us speak of the light that comes with learning, and the ways we are kept in darkness. Let us speak of the great services we can render, and of the narrow ways that are open to us. Let us speak of laws, and governments, and rights. Let us speak of Freedom!

We call the housewives and mothers. Let us speak of the fine children that we bear, and of their stunted lives. Let us speak of the many illnesses and deaths, and of the few clinics and schools. Let us speak of high prices and of shanty towns. Let us speak of Freedom!

Let us speak together. All of us together — African and European, Indian and Coloured. Voter and voteless. Privileged and sightless. The happy and the homeless. All the people of South Africa; of the towns and the countryside.

Let us speak together of freedom. And of the happiness that can come to men and women if they live in a land that is free. Let us speak of freedom. And how to get it for ourselves, and for our children.

Let the voice of all the people be heard.