Black First Land First president Andile Mngxitama is no stranger to the political scene of the unapologetically African, a concept which embodies having total control of one’s narratives as a black African and not apologising for embracing your culture, heritage and consequently acknowledging your history.
At its core is about the fight for justice, equity and economic inclusion, and freedom in all its varied forms, just as it’s about collectively resisting white societal norms, notably the systematic disenfranchisement that still exists post democracy.
The beauty and the curse of South Africa, however, as far as being able to fully embrace this ideology (the affirmation of black identity) goes lie in the broad political spectrum that exists in our so-called rainbow nation.
While the democratic ability of being able to vote for who you want is a blessing on its own, the curse is that no single group of people or most specifically black party gets to be effectively monolithic. So when the votes are spread across the ballot you end up with ineffective coalition governments that are bound to fail its residents like what we see happening now in the City of Johannesburg.
Speaking during our #NowInSALive Twitter space live discussion on Wednesday, the former Economic Freedom Fighters MP believes this is happening due to two political scenarios he describes as the “white and the black blocks”.
The black block consists of many pro-black parties from the BLF (Black First Land First) to the EFF and Land Party, he pointed out. The white block on the other hand consists by and large of only two ‘white’ parties: VF+ and the Democratic Alliance, whose voters usually vote within their race demographic and in numbers.
Mngxitama has been somewhat making great strides in his attempts to unify parties that represent the needs of black native South Africans in order to marshal the black vote so it can mean more and have more economical and legislative say.
“Putting black people first is the first step towards deliberation of our people making sure that the land is returned. We must stick with these fundamentals to ensure that our economy is returned,” he charged.
While Mngxitama seems to have toned down the rhetoric of radical black consciousness (and nationalism) he was known for over decades and often courts controversy, his messaging appear nonetheless more refined. He is still fiery and passionate but less alienating in order to attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.
Some suggest his recent battle with Covid-19 changed his outlook on the meaning and value of life, and essentially what he spends most of his time doing.
Reasons you should vote Black Fist Land First (BLF) come 2024
In the wake of reports that the BLF was in talks with the Land Party, who they might enter into an agreement with to contest the 2024 elections under one banner, below are reasons South African citizens should give their vote to Mngxitama
▪️Serious about restoring dignity to the poorest, the largest demographic in South Africa: As Mngxitama indicated during our Twitter space discussion, BLF is open to working with any ‘left’ political party with black consciousness and pan-Africanist outlook (anti-capitalist) who are serious and unapologetic about restoring the dignity to the poorest, which are majority black people. Adamant that land and agriculture is the silver bullet that can take the poorer out of their misery, Mngxitama believes sustainable and radical socio-economic transformation of the South African economy will be achieved if poor black South Africans share in the country’s minerals wealth and rich natural resources.
▪️Land reform: Consider BLF is you’re a South African citizen looking to actively take part in the wealth of our land below and above the ground. This incorporates agricultural activities such as subsistence and commercial farming, as well as mining rights for the rich minerals below the ground. This is a sure way for radical socio-economic transformation of the South African economy can be achieved, which could result in proper dignified living spaces for all Africans as opposed to the sprawling informal settlements.
▪️Economic reform: Mngxitama believes if African parties unite, they can reel in the ANC and help re-focus their efforts to implementing impactful economic policies that will benefit black businesses and consumers. Not only that, but also bring more representation in business boardrooms and institutional structures.
