/ 1 January 2002

We’re free, but still in chains, says the PAC

The PAC wanted Africa’s youth to be assisted with ”genuine liberation”, PAC deputy leader Motsoko Pheko said in Gauteng on Sunday.

Speaking at the Tsakane Stadium at a rally to commemorate Soweto Day, Pheko said South Africa should devise the type of education that armed the youth for the future.

”Those from poor homes must receive free quality education instead of being put behind bars for demanding affordable fees for their education,” Pheko said.

Leaders should be developed as they were the future leaders of the country and of the African continent, he said.

”The PAC is here today, this 26th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, to make the African Youth realise that our struggle has been derailed by the ruling party, and is therefore, unfinished,” Pheko said.

The national struggle should therefore continue, not only politically, but also economically, socially and technologically. He said colonialism had damaged the country and continent, in ways that included mental colonisation.

”Africans… now easily accept to be treated as inferiors in their own country,” he said.

Pheko said black people should look at the homes, schools hospitals and jobs of whites and Indians in South Africa to see who controlled the riches of Africa.

”The PAC believes Africa will be taken to unprecedented heights of prosperity and power only when Africans of the future ? the youth of today — take control of their affairs and stop regarding themselves as third class citizens in their countries,” Pheko said. – Sapa