Delegates 'tune' conference
2007-12-18 21:26
Polokwane - An outstanding feature of the ANC's national conference has been the playlist of revolutionary songs delegates belt out, from the crack of dawn to late at night.
Regardless of blazing Limpopo sun in Polokwane, pouring rain, and calls for order by the party chairperson, the delegates sing. Loud.
Dedela abanye (Give others the opportunity) sang a group standing a distance away from the polling booths where delegates where choosing between Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki for their new president.
Far enough from the polling booths to not be in contravention of voting rules, they sway perfectly in time, appearing not bothered by the soaking rain running off the tips of their noses.
"It's important, it motivates people," said Godfrey Mavundla, chairman of KwaZulu-Natal's Bhambatha region, standing under a thorn tree with his umbrella.
"The African warriors, when they went to fight, they used to sing to take their spirits higher and higher."
When President Thabo Mbeki presented his political report on the first day, delegates listened politely, some dropped off, but they were generally quiet.
However, as soon as he finished reading, Awulethu Mshini Wami started up again.
"These are revolutionary songs, they tell us where we come from," said ANC Youth League member Zamane Mokoena from KwaZulu-Natal.
Asked if he was not too young to know the old songs he said: "We have seen a lot. I am 27, I started (fighting against apartheid) when I was very young. We have seen things. We have seen policemen kill people. Our bodies are young, but our minds are very old.
"When you sing it to your kids, you are telling them stories. When things were good, we used to sing this song, when things were bad, we used to sing that song. It reminds us where we come from."
Vusi Mhlongo from Shakaville in KwaDukuza, said the main form of the songs and the slogans stayed true to the original, but the words are adapted to reflect current issues.
"The revolution song is about making all South Africans conscious and creating a dialogue on the challenges we face on a daily basis," said Mhlongo, who had been leading one of the singing sessions.
At the initial registration, the groups supporting Mbeki and Zuma had their own Idols face-off while waiting for their tags.
Zuma supporters sang, Intliziyo kaZuma ingcwlwe sesizocasha kuyona (The heart of Zuma is clean, it's where we will make our pleas).
The Mbeki contingent countered with a song that said, "Thabo is the only one that can lead the ANC, no one will lead with corruption".
Another pro-Zuma song is My President, accompanied by rhythmic clapping, while the Mbeki supporters have "Mbeki Sikhokheli" - Mbeki lead us.
Many reporters say they find it hard to resist dancing to the catchy tunes. In an effort to maintain their neutral stance, and find themselves humming the songs while they work.
However, many of the songs, even though they are traditional, like Umshini Wami, are not supposed to be sung at the conference, in the interests of avoiding division.
But, whether the delegates are in the main marquee, or queuing in the cafeteria, they sing.
Late into the night, singing can also be heard from the university's residences.
And delegates walking home, sing the songs to themselves, like the old maskanda strolling minstrels.
- SAPA