The former liberation movements of southern Africa – the ANC in South Africa, SWAPO in Namibia, the MPLA in Angola, among others – have gathered in South Africa under the lofty theme:
“Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.”
On paper, it sounds noble. In reality, it reeks of irony.
For decades, these movements carried the dreams of their people, leading struggles that dismantled colonialism and apartheid. They promised freedom, prosperity, and dignity. Today, however, many citizens look at them and ask: What liberation gains are left to defend?
Liberation vs. Governance
The transition from liberation movement to modern political party has been dismal. Rather than evolving into democratic, citizen-focused organizations, many have remained trapped in the rhetoric of struggle while presiding over failing states. Corruption has eaten through their ranks, trickling down into the very governments they control. Public trust has eroded.
The ANC, once the beacon of African liberation, is now tethered to power through an “unhappy marriage” – a coalition with its political nemesis, the Democratic Alliance. It is a partnership born not out of vision, but out of desperation to cling to authority.
The Namibian Case
Closer to home, SWAPO, the pride of Namibia’s liberation, has watched its once unshakable two-thirds majority crumble. The 2024 elections forced the party into survival mode, barely holding onto power. President [NNN] inherited a weakened mandate and a Parliament short on capable allies. Her cabinet, by many accounts, is not her ideal team but the only one available given SWAPO’s reduced strength. To her credit, she battles valiantly with the hand she has been dealt – yet the cracks in the system are glaring.
Socio-economic development has stagnated. Youth unemployment festers. Corruption scandals linger. And the gap between promise and delivery widens by the day.
The Lost Moral Compass
There was a time when African leadership was anchored in moral clarity and selfless service. Leaders like Samora Machel, Sam Nujoma, Julius Nyerere, Robert Mugabe (in his early years), and Nelson Mandela embodied principled governance. They were not perfect, but they stood for something bigger than themselves.
Today’s liberation movements often stand for staying in power – at any cost. The moral compass has been replaced by political expediency.
Have They Run Out of Ideas?
The summit’s theme speaks of “advancing socio-economic development” and “strengthening solidarity.” Yet, these are the very areas where liberation parties have failed. If after decades in power they still need to “discuss” these issues, what does that say about their ability to deliver?
More troubling is the question of generational transition. Most of these parties are led by aging elites clinging to liberation credentials while failing to resonate with the young. The youth – who never experienced the struggle – are demanding jobs, innovation, and a voice in shaping their future. They are met with slogans from the past and leaders who seem stuck in yesterday.
Another Talk Shop?
Will this summit produce anything beyond a glossy communiqué? History suggests not. These gatherings have become ritualistic talk shops – high on rhetoric, low on tangible outcomes. Meanwhile, ordinary Africans wait for the “better Africa” that never comes.
The Hard Questions
As these liberation movements pat each other on the back, citizens must ask:
- Have these movements outlived their usefulness?
- Are they capable of reinventing themselves to meet the challenges of today?
- Or are they relics of a glorious past, now stumbling toward irrelevance?
The sad truth is that liberation history, however heroic, cannot forever be a license to govern. The people will not eat slogans. They need jobs, security, and leaders who govern with integrity.
Until these parties confront their failures, embrace generational change, and put citizens before power, summits like this one will remain what they have become: empty political theatre.
The liberation was won decades ago. The question now is: who will liberate us from the liberators?
