Anc And The Struggle Poem by Chinedu Dike

January 1912, Mzansi brought forth a child
In a harsh political climate,
Destined to free her people,
Bound to cruel Fate.
Long Live Child Of Necessity!
Viva ANC!

His growth, fraught with perils,
But nurtured by sons and daughters of the soil,
Deprived of dignity and birthright,
Whose principal offence is not being 'White'.
Long Live Son Of The Soil!
Viva ANC!

His clarion call, an impetus to the Struggle,
Unifying localized forces of Freedom
Into a mass-based Liberation Movement,
Brought into the realm of Global Awareness.
Long Live Symbolic Leader Of The Struggle!
Viva ANC!

Fighting against enormous odds,
Together with hopeful but ill-equipped natives,
Onto the spirit he anchored Power;
Victory guaranteed on Resolve.
Long Live Son Of Hope!
Viva ANC!

Braving the slammer, torture, bullet...
Massacre of his warriors, the order of the day;
Energized by tears and blood of compatriots,
Civil Disobedience intensify with Sabotage.
Long Live The Indomitable Warrior!
Viva ANC!

At long last, triumph and jubilation:
Forces of Liberty topple forces of Oppression.
Embracing the 'no winner, no loser' notion,
He calls for a 'Rainbow Nation'.
Long Live Son Of Liberty!
Viva ANC!

Long Live The Symbol Of Human Dignity!
Viva The Legacies Of African National Congress!





AUTHOR'S NOTE

Mzansi is the affectionate name for South Africa.

Depicted in the poem is the inspiring story of
The African National Congress (The ANC) —
as a Liberation Movement—from its inception
on 8 January 1908 up to its momentous victory
at the 1994 first general election.

Since gaining political power, The ANC
has increasingly changed from a Freedom
Movement to an ordinary Political Party.
For the suffering and disillusioned masses,
democracy has proved to be a mirage:
their once hopeful assertion of Black Rule
has become an anticipation of a flashy illusion.

The ANC, albeit a shadow of its former self,
has continued to maintain political power,
without pause, through the power of thumb.