“Spear of the nation”

Abbreviated as MK

Translated as “Spear of the nation”

Founded in 1961

Created when Nelson Mandela lost hope that passive and

non-violent resistance to the apartheid government would

bear fruit

Introduction

“Battle flag of MK”

Motives

“When a man is denied

the right to live the life

he believes in, he has no

choice but to become an

outlaw.”

-Nelson Mandela, 1964

Quote from the 3-hour speech named “I am prepared to die” given by Nelson Mandela

Violence in South Africa was inevitable

Unrealistic & wrong for African leaders to continue

preaching peace and non-violence

Formed on when all else failed

Why did MK fight?

Fighting for democracy--majority rule--the right of the

Africans to rule Africa.

Fighting for a South Africa in which there will be peace and

harmony and equal rights for all people.

Not racialists, as the white oppressors are. The African

National Congress has a message of freedom for all who

live in South Africa.

What MK fought for?

Last part of Nelson Mandela’s “I am prepared to die” speech:

“ HELP THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS!

MAKE THEIR PATH EASY! Make the enemy's path hard!

WE ARE ANSWERING THE WHITE OPPRESSORS IN THE LANGUAGE

THEY HAVE CHOSEN!

THIS IS A WAR TO DESTROY APARTHEID, TO WIN BACK OUR

COUNTRY FOR ALL OUR PEOPLE!

WE SHALL WIN! FORWARD TO VICTORY OR DEATH!

AFRIKA! MAYIBUYE! AMANDLA NGAWETHU!

MATLA KE ARONA! POWER TO THE PEOPLE! ”

Methods used

Military Campaign

Joined hands with other countries to get backing

Countries included Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique

Tried to rebuild an army for themselves after Soweto Uprising (1976), but failed

Campaigns of sabotage on:

Government posts

Electricity stations

Crops

Electric station after being sabotaged by the MK

This method included:

Bombings The Church Street Bomb (1983)

Amanzitotim Bomb (1985)

The Durban beach front bombing (1986)

And many others on soft targets (fast food outlets, supermarkets,…)

Propaganda of Deed

Landmine campaigns

Done from 1985-1987

Method was abandoned

because it injured many

black people

Torture and Executions

South African police statistics: From 1976 to 1986,

approximately 130 people were killed by what the source calls 'terrorists'.

100 civilians: 40 white & 60 black.

Number of deaths

Key achievements