The United Democratic Front (UDF) : a case study of democratic organisation, 1983-1987.
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Date
1998
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Abstract
This study, using the theoretical basis of the writings of Lenin and Gramsci
on revolutionary theory and praxis, traces the formation, policy and aims,
membership and structure, and practices of the United Democratic Front
(UDF) and selected affiliate organisations during the period 1983-1987. The
central problem investigated is the relation between revolutionary theory and
praxis and the aims, policies and practices of the UDF and its affiliates.
More particularly, in what respects does the formation of the UDF and
revolutionary developments thereafter meet the strategic and tactical
requirements of Lenin and Gramsci's theories of revolutionary strategy?
It is argued that the formation of the UDF, and revolutionary
developments during the period of review, conformed to the strategic and
tactical requirements of a Leninist-Gramscian model of revolutionary praxis in
the following way: the general drive to establish mass-based community
organisations (increasing the complexity of civil society by establishing mass
organisations); the formation of the UDF in August 1983 (creating a historical
bloc in opposition to the ruling bloc during the phase of democratic struggle);
and the development and spread of a common national political culture based
on resistance to apartheid (expanding the revolutionary consciousness of the
masses).
During the period under review, the UDF-Ied opposition to apartheid
resulted in the organisational and ideological penetration of the Front into
almost every major sector of black civil society. The major forces behind the
increasing political and ideological leadership of the UDF were the affiliated
civic associations, trade unions, student/youth and women's organisations.
These organisations played a central role in mass mobilisation and
organisation and the spread of revolutionary consciousness throughout black civil society.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.
Keywords
Theses--Political science., United Democratic Front--History., National liberation movements--South Africa.