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Several Natives have requested me, Leaders and Chiefs, to write a full and concise statement on the subject of the South African Native Congress, so called. I feel, however, that I shall better meet their desire as well as more properly treat this subject if I disregard the pretentious title and write on the simple subject of Native Union, for after all, this is what the Congress shall be.
There is today among all races and men a general desire for progress, and for co-operation, because co-operation will facilitate and secure that progress. This spirit is due no doubt to the great triumph of Christianity which teaches men everywhere that in this world they have a common duty to perform both towards God and towards one another. It is natural, therefore, that there should arise even within and among us this striving, this self-conscious movement, and sighing for Union. We are the last among all the nations of the earth to discover the priceless jewels of co-operation, and for this reason the great gifts of civilisation are least known among us today. I repeat, co-operation is (he key and the watchword, which opens the door, the everlasting door, which leads into progress and all national success. The greatest success shall come when man shall have learned to co-operate, not only with his own kith and kin but also with all peoples and with all life.
The South African Native Congress is the voice in the wilderness bidding all the dark races of this sub-continent to come together once or twice a year in order to review the past and reject therein all those things which have retarded our progress, the things which poison the springs of our national life and virtue; to label and distinguish the sins of civilisation, and as members of one house-hold to talk and think loudly on our home problems and the solution of them.
Such national Conferences of the people are bound to give a wide publication of the Natives' own views on the questions which primarily concern him to-morrow and today. Through this Congress the Native Senators in the Union House of Parliament will be able to live in close touch with the Natives of the whole country whose interest each Senator is supposed to represent. The Government also will find a direct and independent channel of informing itself as to the things uppermost in Natives' mind from time to time, and this will make it easier for the Union Government to deal with the Natives of the whole of South Africa. If we wish to convince the Government that it is possible to have a uniform Native policy for the whole of South Africa then let us forms this Congress. Again, it is conclusively urgent that this Congress should meet this year, because a matter which is so vitally important to our progress and welfare should not be unnecessarily postponed by reason of persona] differences and selfishness of our leaders. The demon of racialism, the aberrations of the Xosa-Fingo feud, the animosity that exists between the Zulus and the Tongas, between the Basutos and every other Native must be buried and forgotten; it has shed among us sufficient blood! We are one people. These divisions, these jealousies, are the cause of all our woes and of all our backwardness and ignorance today. A great Paramount Chief accepting that his name be included in the honourable list of Native princes who endorse and support this movement, writes that "He however wishes to point out that whilst the objects and the aims of a Congress appear to be good and reasonable, much of the success depends upon the attitude of the members. There should be among other things a firm resolve on the part of every member to eliminate factors, which have in the past proved fatal to the continued existence of such Societies. They should set their faces strongly against the jargon of racial feeling, the ebullition of the Xhosa-Fingo element, and the excessive display of political partisanship."
In conclusion, I do not feel that it is at all necessary that I should preach Union even in this article. The Natives everywhere now and to-day know that a South African Native Congress such as is proposed in these columns, will give them the only effective means whereby they will be able to make their grievances properly known and considered both by the Government and by the people of South Africa at large. Through this Congress the Natives will have the opportunity and means with which to influence the public opinion of this country and to greatly assist the South African Statesmen who are working for the peace, prosperity, and the development of this land.
The Executive Committee, which is simply a Committee elected by a part of the people, is busy performing the thankless task of organising this movement. As one of the Committee, I am pleased to say that we have been greatly encouraged by the support, which we have received from all the great sections of our country. Today this movement is known, and in a great measure is openly supported by nearly all the leaders and the greater Chiefs of at least three Provinces and all the Protectorates. The Committee, therefore, intends to summon the first sitting of the Congress in the early part of December. This will certainly be an important day in the annals of our Native history; we shall have come together to bury forever the greatest block to our security, happiness, progress and prosperity as a people. We shall have come together truly, as we are, the children of one household to discuss our home problems and the solution of them.
This is a general announcement sent to all the Native leaders. Societies and Editors asking them to explain this important news to the people at large, and to advise them to arrange for the sending of delegates so that every section of the people shall be represented in that Conference of the races.
The chief business for their important deliberation will, for convenience, be divided into two sections.
First Section
1. To formally establish the South African Native Congress as a National Society or Union for all the Natives of South Africa.
2. Consider, amend, and adapt, the Constitution and Rules for the Society, Union or Congress.
3. To elect Officers for the ensuing year.
Second Section
1. The installation of Officers.
2. To take a Vote of Confidence on:—
(1) General the Right Honourable Louis Botha, P.C.
(2) The Honourable the Minister for Native Affairs.
(3) The Honourable the Native Senators.
3. General discussions:—
(1) Native customs and union.
(2) Native Marriages and Divorce.
(3) Native beer, is it a national beverage?
(4) Native Schools and Churches.
(5) The Black Peril and White Peril.
(6) Native Lands and Reserves.
(7) Native Courts — civil and criminal.
(8) Native labour.
4. General Concert and farewell Reception for the Delegates, Members and friends.