Release Wasn’t Enough

I’m very happy about the release of my husband, Walter Sisulu, from prison, especially because seven other leaders of the African National Congress were freed, too. I’m also very much aware that some of our people are still languishing in prison.

The release of my husband and the others by the South African government, however, did not fully meet the conditions and demands of our people. The demands call for the release of all anti-apartheid prisoners unconditionally and within a favorable climate, which means ending the state of emergency imposed by the government.

In addition, the demands set forth by the Mass Democratic Movement, the Organization of African Unity and the African National Congress seek a genuine climate of good will and conditions for genuine negotiations. The demands also include:

* Lifting the ban on all organizations fighting apartheid, especially the ANC;

* Halting executions of our political prisoners;

* Lifting the state of emergency;

* Allowing our exiles to come home;

* Allowing freedom of assembly and expression so that genuine consultations and organizing can take place.

These and many other elements are still to be met by President Frederick W. de Klerk’s government. We are also anxiously awaiting the release of all other prisoners, as well as freedom for Nelson Mandela.

I can also say that my husband’s release does not in any way minimize the spirit and the actions of defiance among our people. We are still determined to continue with all our strength to organize and mobilize our people, consolidating all forces in our country to find effective actions to bleed the apartheid system to death. These actions will continue until we bring the government to a genuine negotiated settlement as envisaged by our people for a full democratic, participatory, non-racial South Africa for all.