Black Violence in South Africa

Charlene Smith’s “why” (“As Apartheid Ebbs, Black Violence Grows,” Opinion, Aug. 26) wasn’t answered. Her record of the helpless victims of the civil war in Azania/South Africa clouds her (South African journalist) view. (Azania is the African nationalist name for South Africa.)

She states that “fighting between Inkatha and those it perceives to be members of the African National Congress and its affiliates began four years ago. . . . Some say tribalism” is a cause. There were a few other hints at why the bloodshed continues. How does the bloodshed continue? Would it continue if white folks were being killed? Surely not. It is clear it is allowed to continue; the police and defense forces carry out the policies of the South African government.

To the why question, we should ask some questions about what happened four years ago. I have heard from South African sources that it was the beginning of civil war as ANC members began negotiations despite previous agreements not to begin negotiations until all political prisoners were free. The obvious power struggle among the three major groups in Azania (Pan-Africanist Congress, ANC and Zulu) will continue unless negotiations for power- sharing or separation into smaller nations take place.

There certainly should be more study of the issue, as the ANC perspective is generally the one seen and supported here. A real article on the subject should present the results of research, not an article that, because of its vagueness, leaves people supporting the apartheid government, the parent of the current madness.

K. KAMAU SMITH

Gardena