Justicia Shipena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger alliances and collective strategies to resist economic exploitation and foreign-backed calls for regime change.
Speaking at the Liberation Movements Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, she urged sister parties to stand united against external interference targeting Africa’s political stability.
“We must share with each other strategies on confronting the evil calls for regime change in our respective countries by some foreign forces through opposition parties and civil society,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The summit, held under the theme “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa,” brought together heads of state, political party leaders, and veteran revolutionaries from across Southern Africa.
Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that former colonial powers use political and economic tools to undermine the region’s liberation parties.
“Our resoluteness has bruised the ego of the former occupying powers… who seek to avenge the humiliation they suffered from African National Liberation Movements,” she said.
She highlighted misinformation campaigns targeting youth and the rise of neo-colonial influence disguised as development aid.
She stressed the need for liberation movements to prioritise youth engagement, social justice, and inclusive development.
“We must challenge each other to deliver governance that prioritises the needs of our citizens, tackling unemployment, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and addressing the aspirations of our youth and indigenous minority,” she said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed the call for unity and ideological renewal.
He urged liberation movements to stay relevant by addressing current socio-economic challenges.
“We cannot become custodians of yesterday’s glory while today’s youth are unemployed, disillusioned, or migrating,” Ramaphosa said.
He warned against growing global inequality driven by unregulated technologies and external debt.
“Debt has replaced the chains of slavery. AI and technology, if left unregulated, will create a new digital divide deeper than apartheid ever was,” he said.
Both leaders reaffirmed solidarity with Palestine, Western Sahara, and Cuba.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also called for the immediate lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba and reiterated support for global movements advocating sovereignty and independence.
The summit concluded with a call to revitalise liberation movements, strengthen democratic institutions, and build regional cooperation.
