We live in an unjust, insane social system- capitalism. In this society, the bosses and politicians have all the money and the power. But for most people – the working class- life is unending misery. Retrenchments, exploitation at work, racism, violence against women are the order of the day. We have no real say over most important aspects of our lives. Instead we are told what to do, like slaves. We do not have the basic means to live a happy life- proper houses, schools and training, enough jobs, enough income.
This situation must change. Instead of a life based on orders from above, and on politicians making false promises at elections, we need a system based on WORKERS CONTROL of the economy and the society. This will be accomplished by the TRADE UNIONS, in alliance with democratic working-class civics, taking over. Instead of a life based on hunger and deprivation, we want a FREE SOCIALIST system in which the basic necessities of life are guaranteed for all.
This WORKING CLASS DEMOCRACY will only come about through MASS WORKING CLASS STRUGGLE.
If you agree with the ideas of the WSF, get involved in our organisation. Just fill in the form below, and post it to us. Or contact us by e-mail or by telephone.
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WORKERS SOLIDARITY FEDERATION
What We Believe
Against Capitalism and the Bosses
The struggle of the Black working class in South Africa is a struggle against the slave bondage of capitalism.
Capitalism is based on the ruling class minority (capitalists, generals, top officials, professional politicians) exploiting and oppressing the working class majority (workers of all grades, their families, rank and file soldiers, the unemployed, and the rural poor). The two classes have totally different interests- they are locked in class struggle.
Apartheid Built Capitalism
Capitalism in South Africa was built through apartheid oppression- land dispossession, the compound system, migrant labour, the pass laws, and denial of basic worker and human rights to Black workers.
The Struggle Continues
Apartheid was defeated by workers struggle. But the legacy of apartheid lives on. The elections of 1994 did not remove the cause of apartheid oppression, which is capitalist exploitation. The struggle must continue against both capitalism and racism: one enemy, one fight!
Only the Workers can free the Workers
Only workers revolution can end the nightmare of racism and capitalism, creating freedom and equality for all. Only the workers and the poor can create a free society because only they have the organisational power, will, numbers and class interest in overthrowing this system.
Against Oppression and Discrimination
We oppose all oppression: racism, sexism, imperialism, environmental destruction, discrimination against gays and lesbians. We are for real quality for all. Only the workers revolution can end all oppression; only the fight against oppression and for working class power can unite the workers. Oppression and discrimination are against the interests of workers. They divide and weaken the struggle.
Freedom cannot come from Government
Workers freedom cannot come through parliament or the seizure of State power. The State (judiciary, government bureaucracy, police force, parliament etc.) is a tool of capitalism and the bosses. The use of the State can only lead to corruption, defeat or dictatorship over the workers movement. The economic disaster and political tyranny of the Marxist-led Soviet Union shows this clearly.
Instead – Revolutionary Trade Unionism
Socialism must come from below- from mass action.
The trade unions must take over the land and the factories and put them under direct workers control in a revolutionary general strike based on the occupation of workplaces.
Workers of the world – unite!
To be successful the revolution must be based on a workers movement united across colour, sex, and national lines. Capitalism is international, and therefore the revolution must be spread internationally by the workers.
International Unity, Libertarian Socialism
The revolutionary general strike will establish a non-racial international working-class democracy: libertarian socialism. This will be based on federations of grassroots workplace and community councils, and defended by a workers army.
We want a society without bosses, rulers and oppressors of any description. We want a democratic economy under the direct control of the working class. We are anti-authoritarian: the only limit on individual freedom should be that it does not remove the freedom of others.
The Aims of the WSF
The WSF does not stand in elections or aim to take State power. The WSF is not a trade union. The WSF is a political organisation for militants who aim to encourage the self-activity and political consciousness of the mass of the people -the workers and the poor- so that they can make the revolution for themselves. Our role is to promote the struggle, but in the end, only the workers can free the workers! Tomorrow is built today. We support all struggles against oppression. We support the progressive student movement. We support existing trade unions, but fight for workers control, a revolutionary programme, and the formation of “One Big Union”.
A Fighting Tradition
We proudly stand in the mass tradition of libertarian socialism (anarcho-syndicalism). Our movement has historically attracted millions world wide, because it serves the needs of the workers and the poor, not the powerseekers and exploiters. Today it is growing across the globe.
If you agree- JOIN the WSF.
SAASHA 