Anton Lembede

Anton Muziwakhe Lembede OLG (21 March 1914 – 30 July 1947) was a South African activist and founding president of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL). He has been described as "the principal architect of South Africa's first full-fledged ideology of African nationalism." Lembede was regarded as the progenitor of the "Programme of Action" that was adopted as a guiding document by the 1949 meeting of the African National Congress. Quotes I live for the freedom of my people, and I shall die for Africa's freedom. Quoted by contemporaries in tributes after Anton Lembede's death. It reflects his unwavering commitment to African liberation and was recalled during commemorations of his life. My heart yearns for the glory of an Africa that is gone. But I shall labour for the birth of a new Africa, free and great among the nations of the world. Remembered by friends after his death as an expression of his vision for a liberated and prosperous Africa. Know thyself. Opening line of Lembede's article "Know Thyself," in which he argues that Africans must understand their own identity and unique national character before achieving liberation. As it is with individuals, so it is with nations. Each nation has its own peculiar unique character which no other nation in the world possesses or can possess. Each nation has thus its own peculiar talents and potentialities to develop and to realise. From the article "Know Thyself," where Lembede explains the philosophical foundation of African nationalism by comparing the uniqueness of individuals with that of nations. I am proud of my peasant origin. I am one with Mother Africa's dark soil. I am Africa's own child. Remembered by those who knew Lembede personally, expressing his pride in his humble background and deep identification with Africa. I am one with Africa. Look at my face; it is black like the soil of Africa. Quoted in tributes after Lembede's death to illustrate his profound emotional and ideological attachment to Africa. Agriculture is of primordial significance in the progress of a nation. From Lembede's article "The Importance of Agriculture," emphasizing agriculture as the foundation of national development. Some educated people disparage manual labour; they say it is too inferior for them; they appreciate "white collar-work." Such people are rather destructive than constructive to a nation's progress. From "The Importance of Agriculture," criticizing educated people who looked down on manual labour while stressing the importance of productive work to national progress. External links Category:1914 births Category:1947 deaths Category:Activists from South Africa Category:African National Congress politicians